A Semantic e-Collaboration Approach to Enable Awareness in Globally Distributed Organizations

Introduction

The term e-Collaboration was originally introduced by Kock (2005) along with the following six key conceptual elements: the collaborative task, e-collaboration technology, individuals involved in the collaborative task, mental schema possessed by the individuals, the physical environment surrounding the individuals and the social environment surrounding the individuals. The present investigation will focus primarily in the domain of the second and third key elements; namely, e-collaboration technology (especially semantic web, GIS and Web3D) and individuals involved in the collaborative task (roles and responsibilities of personnel of the distributed organization).

An identification of classes for e-Collaboration Systems is given by Riemer (2009). He builds a catalog of classification criteria which he uses to generate a classification scheme using cluster analysis. Based on the cluster results, four main system classes emerged that characterize e-Collaboration systems. The conceptualized system outlined here can be well classified into the class of integrated systems of his developed scheme, especially into a subclass called Real-time collaboration (RTC) systems. RTC systems are mainly used for real-time coordination purposes and for the creation of awareness in the context of distributed work scenarios. These systems purport to present an answer to challenges such as a lack of awareness between co-workers’ activities and their respective locations. However, a problem ensues as the communicative complexity increases proportionately to the number of available communication channels and devices introduced, and personnel are thus faced with an increase in communication volume, and work interruptions, which is accompanied by a poor system for identifying the availability of their co-workers. The latter typically impedes information access and the free flow of knowledge. This challenge is addressed by the awareness model described below. The principle motivation for this article lies in resolving the problem of the major disagreement on how to implement awareness in order to solve many of these problems. Awareness is an integral CSCW (computer Supported Cooperative Work) research component, which Dourish and Bellotti (1992, p. 107) define as follows:

With growth in the area of sensor technology and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), a new version of the expression awareness has been established dubbed “Real World Awareness” (RWA), a rendition expanded around the ability to perceive information of persons as well as of systems in real time, and to instantaneously react to that information competently (Heinrich, 2005, p. 24):

RWA is intended to reduce or dissolve media disruptions, and thus minimize, or even close, the gap between natural and virtual worlds. The natural world exists in the physical and operational reality such as persons, products and resources whereas the virtual world exists in information technology such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and SCM (Supply Chain Management) systems as well as local, regional and global information networks.

The literature (see Heinrich, 2005), reflected the basic idea behind Real World Awareness and can be summarized by following three essential points:

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  The natural world is portrayed in current and accurate detail in an IT system.

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  The transparency in corporate supply networks or in the entire value chain increases.

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  Exceptions occur on both short-termed and constantly-changing business environmental conditions, which can be reacted to accordingly.

The integration of semantic web, and GIS and Web3D technologies against the backdrop of awareness are all characteristics that ultimately outline the model detailed here.