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Organizational Knowledge: Data & Information

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Several of these themes will come up again in later modules in this course. But by way of introduction to the subject, let's take a look at some views of how knowledge works (these are the required readings).

Leonard, D., & Swap, W. (2005). The Knowledge Coach. HBS Working Knowledge. Retrieved from: http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4562.html

Levinson, M. (2007). Knowledge Management Definition and Solutions. Retrieved from: http://www.cio.com/article/print/40343

Wiig, K.M. (N.D.) On The Management of Knowledge. The Wiig Group. Retrieved from http://www.km-forum.org/wiig.htm

For this case assignment (1) read through the three articles then (2) select any one IS theory listed at:

http://istheory.byu.edu/wiki/Main_Page

Read about that theory in-depth, then write a 3-4 page essay that discusses how data, information and knowledge are applicable in the context of that theory, or vise-versa. Be sure your discussion demonstrates that you understand the meanings and differences between data, information and knowledge. In your discussion give a real-world example of data, knowledge and information in the context of your theory and provide some commentary on that scenario as to what was done right, what could be better to achieve a better outcome.

I am completly lost on this subject with the whole theory thing, any help would be great with this.

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Solution Summary

This posting gives you a step-by-step explanation of how knowledge works. The response also contains the sources used.

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Step 1
The theory selected is diffusion of innovations theory. The diffusion of innovation theory is concentrated on the conditions which increase or decrease the chances that a new product or idea will be adapted by members of a given culture. People are perceived as having different degrees of willingness to adopt innovations. The theory says that the population adopting an innovation is approximately normally distributed over time.

Step 2
Data is considered to be raw; it simply exists and has not significance beyond its existence. For example, the area from which a river passes is data. On the other hand information is data that has been given a meaning by way of relational connection. For example, the photograph of the river passing through the area is information. The photos of the river can be shown to people or can be transmitted to others so that they can see it and analyze it. Finally, knowledge is what people know. If a person creates the map of the river, it helps a person identify where different land marks are located. Information that is memorized so that it is useful is knowledge. Knowledge is stored in a brain because the brain connects it together and uses knowledge to make decisions.

Step 3
When we consider the diffusion of innovations theory the first element that is considered is the characteristics of an innovation which may influence the innovation. The characteristics have data which is transmitted in the form of information to the prospective adopters. The next element is the decision ...

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