Wikis and Collaborative Knowledge Construction - Case Study Example

Information Systems Introduction The arrival of the Internet has been accompanied by the transformation of human society. Its deep and profound impact on human life has led to the creation of novel and ingenious technologies. Information technology tools carry their advantages and disadvantages. It is necessary that business organizations use smart and sophisticated techniques during the adoption of any new technology. Wikis are one of the byproducts of the information technology revolution. These tools offer unique and dynamic advantages for business organizations. They can assist in the process of information systems planning. Wikis provide simple and cheap means of communication and central storage capacity. They allow for the creation of a database that is easily accessible by the business organization. The aim of this business report is to investigate the impact of wikis on the individual and society. The report also makes an analysis of the influence of wikis on the business organization and their information system process. The ethical concerns of the deployment of wikis are studied and evaluated in the final section of the report. Research Method of Enquiry In order to arrive at the proper conclusions and deductions the analytical method of enquiry has been chosen. This is because the analytical method allows for a high degree of accuracy and reliability. It can assist in the deployment of proper conclusions and inferences. The analytic method of enquiry also allows for the use of scientific and empirical research methods to aid in the development of this business report. Background Wikis are considered to be one of the technological innovations that have accompanied the Internet. They allow users to format and configure web pages in order to disseminate and publish information. This unique attribute of wikis allows it to receive feedback and comment from Internet users. The advantages of wikis are that they assist in the categorization and management of information. Comprehensive and collective volumes of information can exist using this technology which assists in removing bottlenecks (Caverly, 36). Wikis have been radically altering society because of their ability to provide synchronized and concurrent information. The vibrant and energetic nature of this technology carries many benefits for the individual and society. For business organizations it allows the sharing and amalgamation of information for all members. This creates a standard and consistent database which is accessible by every employee. One of the unique features of wikis is their ability to make the process of storing and retrieving data simple and straightforward. A centralized site allows employees to accumulate and collect information while also leaving their comments and remarks. Various types of documents can be attached and connected to wikis which provide additional information for business organizations. Wikis are cheap methods of providing information because they are developed and designed by open source programmers and developers (Caverly, 37). This means that they are cost effective for small organizations that do not have the luxury of having massive IT budgets. Licensed wikis are also comparatively cheaper than other web based applications. Positive Impact of Wikis Wikis have been transforming the web application market because of their ability to allow users to make comments and remarks. The authenticity and veracity of information can be properly documented by the features available on wikis. User community can pinpoint any specific mistakes that have been made (Hsu, 62). Critics of wikis have pointed out that wikis are not reliable and accurate source of information. This has been negated by proponents who insist that a consistent and uniform set of policies and procedures exist to identify any misinformation or incorrect data. Wikis offer quality and performance enhancing features that seek to audit the feedback provided by users. Perhaps the greatest ability of wikis is their efficient and enhanced searching mechanisms. Linked with internal databases they become ideal tools for novice users that seek information regarding particular topics. The open nature of wikis can be a disadvantage because malicious users might attempt to deface or destroy content. The intentional destruction or interference might create negative impact for users (Hsu, 62). The security tools of wikis are not adequate to deter malicious intruders or hackers from tampering with the data. However many wikis are now deploying enhanced and efficient network security mechanisms to protect the veracity and integrity of their data. Security enhancements have become concern of wiki owners because of the threat that hackers and intruders could attach malicious software like viruses, Trojans and worms to wiki articles. Specific security procedures and guidelines are being adopted in order to reduce or mitigate computer security threats. Negative Impact of Wikis The uncontrolled and uninhibited nature of wikis has resulted in their disapproval by many organizations and individuals. Information in wikis has been considered to be defective and erroneous. Further much of the information that is available on wikis is not properly acknowledged by the providing the correct source of information. Quality is a major issue for many individuals (Chawner, 33). The lack of audit and regulatory mechanisms makes their use impractical for many users. However wikis can be effective and efficient methods of education. By utilizing the concept of group participation they can become effective building blocks for developing student interest. The simple and straightforward nature of wikis has allowed them to become highly popular for diverse set of users. They are best suited to serve as repositories of information or forums where feedback can be provided by specialists or senior users. Empirical studies conducted have found evidence that successful organizations employ wikis for informal purposes. They can assist in the process of knowledge generation despite the risk of inaccurate information. Wikis provide a centralized database for diverse users that seek to access information. For individual users, wikis have become simple and cheap tools to express their views (Chawner, 34). Society has also been radically transforming itself as wikis become popular because of their ability to act as valuable tools for spreading knowledge and education. Business organizations have been taking advantage of the scalability and robust nature of wikis in order to implement sophisticated management and business techniques. Impact of Wikis on Business Organizations Wikis can alter and modify business organizations because of their innovative and creative features. It can be used for the development and creation of facts and figures. Employees can post their input which results in the growth and expansion of the wiki. Business organizations have been utilizing wikis as a technological tool to promote continuing and constant information development for their employees. It also aids employees in labeling and managing their assignments. Feedback and comments from other staff members can help to improve the quality and performance of assignments. It can provide a resource for tips and techniques which assist in the production of superior and excellent reports and presentations. Wikis have also aided in application of different strategies for resolution of problems (Fuchs, 120). Employees are provided with wikis that allow them to find different solutions for various problems. This helps to foster a climate of intellectual and mental growth. It plays a prominent part in the skills and knowledge development of employees. A unique application of wikis has been to provide employees with specific scenarios regarding various problems. This approach leads to the development of intuition and knowledge inside the work force. It helps to enhance their critical thinking skills. Empirical studies have demonstrated the evidence of positive influence of wikis inside business organizations (Please refer to below table). Decision making and problem solving skills are augmented and boosted utilizing this method. Wikis have impacted the organizational setting by providing new and innovative methods of teaching and skills development. Their application has been successful in fostering positive skills inside the work force. Table: Benefits Obtained from Wiki Use % “often” to “significant” (5-7 on 1-7 scale) Mean / (Std. Deviation) Enhanced Reputation “To what extent has using this wiki helped you to”: 29 3.66 (1.48) -- earn respect of others 23 23 3.25 (1.56) -- improve professional status 28 3.53 (1.50) -- improve reputation in company 81 5.40 (1.36) Made Work Easier “How often have you added new information or made a change to the wiki because”: 75 5.23 (1.35) -- information was of immediate relevance to my work 71 5.03 (1.56) -- by keeping knowledge updated, my work would be easier 49 4.46 (1.35) -- by putting in my knowledge, disseminating my work would be easier Helped Organization “To what extent would you say that your knowledge sharing on this wiki has helped your organization to”: -- improve work processes 63 4.78 (1.34) -- increase collaboration efficiency 69 5.07 (1.34) -- increase knowledge reuse 11 2.45 (1.36) Source: Majchrzak, Ann (2008).Corporate Wiki Users: Results of a Survey. Society for Information Management Advanced Practices Council. Wikis are revolutionizing the management of documents for business organizations. The features of wikis have included the requirement of basic technical skills. Technical support is not required for most wikis. They also empower managers and subordinate with high degree of autonomy and independence in the design and deployment of web content and matter. Many organizations have been adopting a slow and systematic method which results in deployment of wikis in small steps. This approach has been considered to be wise and prudent in order to prevent hurdles and bottlenecks (Raman, 311). Wikis also assist in providing a robust and vigorous tool for simple ways of documenting and reporting information. The guidelines stored in the wiki can assist other workers in making quality performance and productivity. Document management processes have been enhanced because of the application of wikis. They offer revolutionary and novel methods which have reduced administrative and structural costs associated with expensive applications. Perhaps the greatest contribution of wikis is that they allow for communication within organizations. It can be used as a forum where users can post requests or consultancy issues. Experts and specialists can answer these issues in a systematic and methodical manner (Raman, 312). Wikis have been instrumental in the transformation of the work place in the twenty first century. In some ways there are disadvantages for the application of wikis. The style and presentation of wikis are inferior as compared with other web based applications. However this has not prevented their rapid proliferation and growth. Impact of Wiki on IS Planning Wikis can become valuable tools in the development and deployment of information systems. It can lead to the creation of a monitoring and reporting tool that allows managers to evaluate and measure the efficacy of employee reports and presentations. It can assist in the storage and retrieval of data which aids the business planning and processes (Meiers, 38). Wikis are ideally suited to gather components of the system and provide centralized information repository. Employees in different branches of an organization can utilize and incorporate the information stored in the wiki. This aids in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness while streamlining the business processes. Superior decision making and problem resolution are performed because of the application of wikis. The systematic and methodical deployment of wikis results in the creation of enhanced and superior information system platforms. Employees are given a high degree of autonomy with the ability to revise and amend the information stored in the wikis. This leads to the development of skills and competencies. It helps to foster creativity and innovation for the employees. Information System planning consists of setting targets and goals by the management. It results in the deployment of excellent and exceptional information technology systems that can assist in making the business process robust and vigorous (Meiers, 39). The cost effective nature of wikis means it becomes a valuable and significant tool of communication and interaction inside the organization. Information system planning seeks to integrate and coordinate the business processes which can be done by the deployment of wikis. The following table shows three models that help to impact information technology planning in the organization: Source: Elhasid , Edna Tal (2005).MODELS FOR ACTIVITIES, COLLABORATION AND ASSESSMENT IN WIKI IN ACADEMIC COURSES. The Open University of Israel. Ethical Issues of Wiki Deployment The greatest concerns about wiki deployment for business organizations have been that of confidentiality and safety of company information. The open nature of wikis makes it vulnerable to malicious intruders attempting to altering or modifying the data. This can contribute towards the disruption or destruction of data. Security concerns include the threats that intruders could post links to viruses, Trojans, and worms which might threaten the information technology infrastructure of the business organization (Kapler, 214). Empirical studies conducted have advised business organizations to implement comprehensive network security systems that would aid in the detection or prevention of intrusion attempts. The use of anti virus software and firewalls can help to protect the business organization from malicious intruders. Many open source or licensed wikis also come with security features that must be thoroughly reviewed and analyzed by the management. The security features have to be selected based upon the severity or frequency of threats which an organization could face. The application of security features helps to reduce or mitigate the incidents of disruption or destruction of critical company data. Another ethical issue which organizations could face is the use of copyrighted material (Kapler, 215). This could be an issue if copyrighted material from another source is posted on the organization’s wiki. It could lead to legal liabilities that could tarnish the reputation of the business organization. Further any claims made on the wiki must be substantiated and corroborated by acknowledging the source of the information. This would create high levels of integrity and veracity of the information. Wikis can be deployed by organizations for the categorization and classification of company data and information. While this can be easy in terms of organization and planning, there are ethical concerns that the information might be passed onto other companies. It is essential that organizations implement administrative policies that would seek to reduce or mitigate these types of threats (Stephens, 36). Information posted on the wiki must be monitored and validated as there are concerns that rogue employees might intentionally post incorrect or inaccurate information. Further there is threat of unintentional posting of inaccurate information. Mitigating these types of threats requires the deployment of sophisticated and smart auditing and monitoring systems and protocols. Management must immediately take corrective steps that would aid in resolving these ethical issues. The greatest asset of wikis is that they allow for the formation of valuable resources for employees. New employees can be oriented in the methodologies of the business through the use of wikis. However these employees must have the required skills and competencies when they post their feedback and comments on the wiki. The inadequate revision and amendment of wiki entries can cause serious problems for the organization. It can become a time consuming process which lead to wastage of time and expenditure. To remedy this management must develop a series of protocols and quality control audits that would assist in improving the quality of wiki entries, reports, and presentations. The use of appropriate and correct procedures helps to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the business organization. One of the greatest ethical concerns about wikis is the lack of accountability and transparency. It can lead to accusations of misinformation or impartiality. Employees might have grudges with each other as they use the wiki to provide deliberate misinformation and miscommunication. The system of controls and balances existing in the organization can be disrupted if such practices are prevalent in the work place (Kajewski, 420). Business organizations will face the task of ensuring and enforcing quality and exceptional services. This leads to the application of smart and sophisticated strategies that take into account the strengths and weaknesses of the users. Planning and monitoring of the wiki can result in greater administrative and management problems. Effective and efficient observation programs utilize a number of techniques to remedy or mitigate these issues. Employees who do not have the required technical expertise might become reluctant or hesitant to use the wiki. This could lead to retarded development of knowledge and skills of such people (Harris, 99). It is essential that management deploy exceptional and excellent protocols that would allow the development of technical expertise of some employees. This results in the creation of better coordination and integration in the deployment and development of quality and superior wikis. Business organizations must utilize the wikis in a manner which maximizes the use of their advantages and minimizes their disadvantage. A slow and systematic method can assist in the development of superior and excellent wikis for the business organization. Conclusion Wikis are a remarkable and extraordinary byproduct of the information technology revolution. They are powerful and versatile tools that can be used for formatting and configuring web pages in a simple and consistent manner. Other advantages of wikis include superior performance and quality as compared with many web applications. Searching process is simplified while users are allowed to share in the process of knowledge creation and generation. Feedback and comments from users allow for the development of skills and competencies. Wikis can be integrated with any type of document. Acting as databases of information they provide the work force with a significant and vital tool for accessing information. Business organizations have been utilizing wikis as a technological tool to promote continuing and constant information development for their employees. Information System planning consists of setting targets and goals by the management. It results in the deployment of excellent and exceptional information technology systems that can assist in making the business process robust and vigorous. The ethical concerns of wikis include the protection of vital company data. Confidentiality of users cannot be protected without the deployment of sophisticated systems. There is also the threat that organizations could be prosecuted in legal courts for copyright violations. Companies can seek to mitigate or reduce these ethical issues by implementing comprehensive and broad based accountability and transparency standards. Management must be dynamic and proactive in the monitoring and auditing of wiki content and material. The growth of wikis will continue to rise if they are properly adapted by business organizations. Table of Methods of Enquiry Method of Enquiry Key Features Limitations Advantages Analytic Method Uses a systematic and methodical approach towards problems The problem is evaluated and measured by investigating different angles Division of problems into smaller portions Application of various solutions The problem is physically represented by creating a system of procedures and guidelines Signs and proposals are extensively used in order bring desired results This method is based upon official and recognized paradigms Speculative and hypothetical methods are used in order arrive at inferences and conclusions Cannot be used for finding decisive and conclusive results about research problems Ability to analyze and examine different aspects of the problem can be cumbersome and time consuming This approach is weak for problems that require immediate conclusions External factors are not taken into account by this model of enquiry Dependent upon a set of recognized and official circumstances and situations Employs a set of rational regulations and policies which can hinder proper conclusions and deductions Data limitations and restrictions can occur at high frequency under this method of enquiry Ideal for intricate and multifaceted problems Analytic method can provide high degree of reliability and veracity for research It uses observation and examination in order to arrive at proper inferences Pursues solitary facts in solving research problems Approaches research problems using systematic and methodical manner Each task is divided into smaller tasks which are verified and validated by researchers Results from smaller tasks are amalgamated to find solitary conclusion Deductive Method General idea and outline of the problem is decided by this method Inferences are made based upon presuppositions Simple reports are utilized for the purpose of creating complex declarations Assumptions play a critical role in this method of enquiry Huge quantity of data can be collected using this method Statistics can be used to validate and test the results and data variables Successfully applies statistical evidence in order to reach deductions Some of the conclusions might be simplified Relies on general declarations which can significant levels of error Accuracy and reliability can be low if proper inferences are not made. Statistical evidence might not be appropriate for solving certain research problems Graphical representation of data variables can be confusing Uses established facts and figures to arrive at conclusions Uses an appropriate and precise methodology to investigate problems Can be utilized for a number of research problems It uses appraisals and assessments in order to arrive at correct conclusions Graphical methods can be integrated to provide clear and precise picture Specifics and numbers are strongly used in this method of enquiry System Thinking Research problems are considered to be directly linked with the structural framework Uses an integrated and coordinated approach towards enquiry Each result is closely matched and incorporated with each other Uses existent situation for investigation and evaluation Arrangement and planning of different data variables Research problems are linked with their substance and organization with life Cannot be used for identifying isolated problems Integrated and coordinate approach can lead to administrative and structural problems This approach is limited if it is used to investigate isolated phenomenon and research problems Uses haphazard and unsystematic data variables for number of scientific problems Has poor ability to compare and contrast new hypothesis with older hypothesis Uses indirect approach towards the resolution of research problems High level of accuracy and reliability in scientific research problems Synchronized approach leads to speedy resolution of research problems Enquiry methods utilize principles of hypothesis and evaluation Improving one part of the process can lead to quality in other processes Scientific procedures are extensively supported and encouraged in this method of enquiry Cost effective for organizations that do not have high budgets Uses simple and straightforward terminology in order to explain the solution of research problems Inductive Method Based upon the use of standard notions and assumptions Experimental methods are used to arrive at deductions and conclusions Empirical research methods are used in this system of enquiry Uses historical and personal information in order to arrive at conclusions and inferences Can amalgamate both historical and personal experiences to arrive at proper and correct answers Utilizes different scientific methodologies in order to arrive at decisive results Can be ideal for solving scientific research problems Application outside scientific problems is limited Derived conclusions can be flawed Reliance on observation can lead to experimental flaws and setbacks Limited in testing or validating new presumption and supposition Data variables used in this method of enquiry are unreliable Outcome of research can be flawed due to several reasons Particular circumstances cannot be tested or validated accurately Provides greatest degree of accuracy and reliability with regards to scientific principles Uses problems based approach towards conclusions Application is multi faceted and intricate Scientific research problems can be resolved using extensive and expansive research Helps to identify the links that assist in solving scientific problems Vague and undetermined set of ideas and notions can be determined by this method Consensual Method Used for resolution of straightforward problems Tries to incorporate historical line of reasoning Utilizes different sources for arriving at conclusions and inferences Can only be utilized for simple problems Cannot be used for resolution of complex research problems Does not have high degree of reliability and accuracy Cost effective in terms of time and resources Can be used for effective and efficient resolution of research problems Accurate for certain research problems Works Cited: David C Caverly, Anne Ward. "Techtalk: Wikis and Collaborative Knowledge Construction. " Journal of Developmental Education  32.2 (2008): 36-37 Jeffrey Hsu. . "Innovative Technologies for Education and Learning: Education and Knowledge-Oriented Applications of Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and More. " International Journal of Web - Based Learning and Teaching Technologies  3.3 (2008): 62-81 Chawner, B., & Lewis, P. (2006). Wiki wiki webs: New ways to communicate in a Web environment. Information Technology and Libraries, 25(1), 33-43 Fuchs-Kittowski, F., & Kohler, A. (2005). Wiki communities in the context of work processes. In Proceedings WikiSim05. San Diego, CA Raman, M., Ryan, T., & Olfman, L. (2005). Designing knowledge management systems for teaching and learning with wiki technology. Journal of Information Systems Education, 16(3), 311-320 Christopher Meiers, Jameson Watkins. "Wikis: Best Practice in Managing Documents. " College and University  83.2 (2007): 37-40 Rebecca Luce-Kapler. . "Radical Change and wikis: Teaching new literacies. " Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy  51.3 (2007): 214-223 R. Todd Stephens. . "Integrating a Data Management Wiki. " DM Review  17.9 (2007): 36 MaryAnn Kajewski. . "Emerging technologies changing our service delivery models. " The Electronic Library  25.4 (2007): 420-429 Mark Harris. . "Technology review: Wikis, lies, and video clips... " The Community College Enterprise  13.1 (2007): 97-99 Majchrzak, Ann (2008).Corporate Wiki Users: Results of a Survey. Society for Information Management Advanced Practices Council Elhasid , Edna Tal (2005).MODELS FOR ACTIVITIES, COLLABORATION AND ASSESSMENT IN WIKI IN ACADEMIC COURSES. The Open University of Israel. Read More