Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Advisor: Gary A. Knight, Florida State University, College of Business, Dept. of Marketing. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Jan. 26, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains ix, 89 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Stanford University, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves [399]-412).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 1992. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 221-238).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Washington State University, 2005. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed on Nov. 6, 2005). Includes bibliographical references (p. 118-154).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Syracuse University, 2002. / "UMI Microform 3091416" Includes curriculum vita (p. 460-462). Includes bibliographical references (p. 458-459).

It has become generally accepted to refer to today‟s global economy as a knowledge-based economy, since knowledge has increasingly become the resource, instead of a resource for wealth creation. The ability of businesses to harness the potential of intangible assets such as knowledge has become far more decisive than their ability to manage physical assets. In the implementation of knowledge management activities, knowledge sharing is recognised as an integral task and key enabler of knowledge management. Although knowledge sharing is regarded as one of the most crucial factors in the effective management of knowledge, in knowledge-intensive businesses in particular, it has also been established that most employees are reluctant to share knowledge. Research further confirms that the factors that promote or discourage knowledge-sharing behaviour in businesses are poorly understood and that knowledge management systems fail as a result of the misunderstanding of individual characteristics that could influence knowledge sharing. Moreover, the focus of knowledge-sharing literature, in terms of the unit of analysis, is rarely at an individual/micro level, although the role of individuals in the knowledge-sharing process is critical as tacit knowledge resides within the individual and knowledge sharing starts with individuals. Given the importance of understanding knowledge sharing of individuals in knowledge-intensive businesses – but noting the lack of existing systematic, integrated research that focuses on individual-related factors influencing knowledge sharing – the purpose of this study was to fill the gap in the current literature. As such, the primary objective of this research was to identify and empirically investigate the individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individual employees in knowledge-intensive businesses. The literature review revealed twelve constructs, namely Individuals’ awareness, Intrinsic motivation, Extrinsic motivation, Transactional psychological contract breach, Relational psychological contract breach, Relationship conflict, Task conflict, Extraversion, Neuroticism, Openness to experience, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness that could influence the dependent variable Knowledge-sharing intention in knowledge-intensive businesses. Various moderating relationships between the dependent and independent variables were also proposed, while seven demographic variables (Age, Gender, Language, Highest qualification, Ethnic background, Organisational tenure and Job tenure of the respondent) were identified as potential control variables. Each construct in the hypothesised model of individual-related factors influencing Knowledge-sharing intention was defined and operationalised using items sourced from validated measuring instruments in previous studies. Several self-generated items based on secondary sources were also formulated. A structured questionnaire was made available to respondents identified by means of the convenience sampling technique, and the data collected from 597 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted which confirmed the unique factors present in the data, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. A subset of SEM, namely general linear modelling (GLM) was used to determine the influence of selected demographic variables on Knowledge-sharing intention and to assess various moderating relationships as proposed in the hypothesised model. The main findings of this study were that personality traits are strong predictors of individual employees‟ willingness to share knowledge, and that the maturity of individuals, in terms of realising the significance and value of sharing their knowledge with others, and in recognising the intrinsic benefits of sharing, influence Knowledge-sharing intention. The main limitations of the study were the use of a convenience sampling technique to collect the data, as well as the dependence of self-report by respondents, which could lead to response bias. This study has added to the body of knowledge management research, in particular knowledge-sharing research, by investigating selected individual-related factors influencing the Knowledge-sharing intention of individuals in a particular subset of businesses, namely knowledge-intensive businesses, and focusing on a particular type of knowledge, namely tacit knowledge. From a business‟s perspective, this study offers recommendations and suggestions for managing these individual-related factors in such a way as to increase knowledge sharing among employees, and as a result, the effectiveness and competitive advantage of knowledge-intensive businesses.

VIANA, Ericson Bezerra. Avaliação do uso das tecnologias eletrônicas e digitais de informação e de comunicação no sistema de bibliotecas da Universidade Federal do Ceará. 2013. 110f. – Dissertação (Mestrado) – Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação em Políticas Públicas e Gestão da Educação Superior, Fortaleza (CE), 2013. / Submitted by Márcia Araújo (marcia_m_bezerra@yahoo.com.br) on 2014-05-07T12:18:54Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_ebviana.pdf: 833115 bytes, checksum: ab52e660bd6600f28928517aa7ce5132 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Márcia Araújo(marcia_m_bezerra@yahoo.com.br) on 2014-05-07T12:38:14Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_ebviana.pdf: 833115 bytes, checksum: ab52e660bd6600f28928517aa7ce5132 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-07T12:38:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2013_dis_ebviana.pdf: 833115 bytes, checksum: ab52e660bd6600f28928517aa7ce5132 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013 / Com a contínua transformação e uso crescente das tecnologias na sociedade, há uma necessidade de melhor nomeá-las. A expressão “Tecnologias Eletrônicas e Digitais de Informação e de Comunicação” faz uma representação mais adequada destas tecnologias modernas. As bibliotecas universitárias também fazem uso dessas tecnologias, porém para melhor atender seus usuários, é necessário que essas tecnologias sejam avaliadas adequadamente. O governo brasileiro, através da Comissão Nacional de Avaliação da Educação Superior (CONAES) em uma das suas atribuições, orienta os critérios avaliativos para a educação superior, na qual as bibliotecas universitárias estão inseridas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar o uso das Tecnologias Eletrônicas e Digitais de Informação e de Comunicação na oferta de produtos e serviços à comunidade acadêmica da Universidade Federal do Ceará, fazendo um paralelo com os critérios avaliativos da CONAES no âmbito das bibliotecas universitárias. O estudo empírico foi realizado por meio de um questionário eletrônico aplicado junto à amostra de 380 sujeitos pertencentes à comunidade acadêmica da UFC. Na avaliação, com base na metodologia Servqual, foram observadas as percepções e expectativas da comunidade acadêmica sobre o uso dessas tecnologias para acessar os produtos e serviços oferecidos pelas bibliotecas da universidade. Os resultados obtidos na análise de dados indicam que treinamentos de forma contínua e frequente poderão trazer melhorias na avaliação dos usuários sobre os produtos e serviços no uso das Tecnologias Eletrônicas e Digitais de Informação e de Comunicação ofertados nas bibliotecas da UFC. Fundamentado nos resultados foram feitas recomendações e sugestões para pesquisas futuras.

Thesis (MTech (Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / Available health and well-being information is limited in communities with insufficient health care resources. This affects the community negatively on multiple levels in which the health and well-being needs of individuals are not satisfied. This research project explored the impact of human centred co-design, using tools such as health and well-being needs questionnaires including a health needs assessment as well as a quality of life scale. The aim was making accurate health and well-being information more accessible to the youth. The target group was Durbanville youth aged between 14 and 18 years. The sample included different ages ( = 15), races (79% White, 21% Coloured) and near equal gender distribution (55% female, 45% male). The sample (N = 33) was comprised of three groups: Group A, B, and C. A Human-Centered Design (HCD) framework was used during the project referring to the following three steps: Hear, Create, and Deliver. During the Hear phase, stories and inspiration from the participants were gathered. Group A (n = 10) completed a health and well-being information needs questionnaire. Group B (n = 15) discussed the topic, and created affinity diagrams. This was how the health and well-being status and information needs were established. During the Create phase; frameworks, opportunities, solutions, and prototypes were developed by the participants. Group B co-designed the concept prototype: a possible mobile application solution for practical access to health and well-being information. Group C (n = 8) provided feedback and input on the concept prototype and created storyboards to visually display scenarios in which they would use the mobile application. This step produced a youth-friendly health and well-being information service concept prototype. During the Deliver phase, the relevant health and well-being information solution was established as a youth-friendly health and well-being mobile application: WeHelp. Also, group A, B, and C were introduced to a similar existing resource named MobieG. Thus, the present study contributed directly to the participants’ health and well-being awareness. The research provided significant health and well-being insights. For example, the youth of Durbanville revealed extremely low scores on the emotional well-being domain. The data collected makes it possible for future researchers to create a practical, youth-friendly, health and well-being information service.

A framework for information services strategy using the application of strategic planning processes to library information services is described in this study. A survey was carried out in Thailand in order to examine the internal and external environments of the Thai library and information society. From the survey findings, it was found that misunderstanding of the full implication of information services by library and information professionals is the major obstacle to service provision in Thailand. The lack of relationship between user surveys and service provision create the missing link in effective information service provision and use. Improved interpersonal communication skills and the application of strategic thinking are needed in the information services process. A proper understanding of the communication chain relating to service elements is essential for future planning of information services. The development of an information society in Thailand depends on library and information professionals understanding their role better and appreciating the full potential for access to infonnation. The study of the application of strategic planning processes to one function of the library / information system, information services, is an early attempt to reflect its potential to improve the whole system.

The principal focus of the research effort was the management of information systems development to support the increased information needs arising from the radical health reforms of 1989. This was undertaken in collaboration with a purchaser and a provider within the health service. An action research approach was adopted wherein the researcher was actively involved in the development and successful implementation of an information system. Initial findings revealed a variety of factors hindering the purchaser and the provider from successfully developing the intended information systems to support the contracting process required in the reforms. A disparity in relative strengths between the purchaser and provider was considered a major constraint hindering the purchaser from developing the intended information system and performing their designated role in the new internal market system of the NHS. Through the rapid development of a computer-based information system the immediate needs of the purchaser and the provider were satisfied, and development of the individuals and the organisation took place. Subsequent to the development, a reflective post-intervention evaluation was carried out using a conceptual problem solving framework. Three important findings emerged from the systems development effort: [1] The employment of prototyping in the evolutionary development of the intended information system is considered to be particularly pertinent and responsive to the uncertain requirements of organisations undergoing change. [2] The embracing of a flexible blend of expert intervention and facilitation is an important element in the information systems development process. {3) The development of the individuals and the organisation is an intrinsic part of developing information systems. Using the NIMSAD framework for post-intervention evaluation of the development effort, various additional findings were abstracted from the critical evaluation and reflection on the adopted approach. The systems development process was evaluated against three identified elements - the problem situation, the problem solving process and the problem solver. Results of the evaluation and reflection revealed deficiencies in the research, which indicate that: [1] The appreciation of the context and content of the problem situation increases the level of understanding of the 'problems' leading to the adoption of appropriate methodologies for conducting the problem solving process. [2] The effectiveness of the adopted problem solving process can be enhanced by the validation of the client's definition of the problem, the facilitation of involvement from participants, the innovative use of prototyping and the need for evaluation of the process. [3] The personal characteristics of the problem solver significantly influence the possible solutions to the identified problems. Contributions from the evaluation of the research effort can be seen in: [1] The suggested reflexive model for action research, with emphasis on evaluation of the actions of the researcher as a problem solver. [2] The need to maintain close links with the client and communicate disparate perceptions of the problem and problem situation. [3] The employment of a flexible blend of expert intervention and facilitation (a hybrid approach enables the resolution of the problem from a multidisciplinary perspective). [4] Suggestion for further research into the personal characteristics of an effective problem solver.