Adapting corporate modelling for community informatics

Authors: Stillman, Larry; Kethers, Stefanie; French, Rebecca; Lombard, Dean

Source: VINE, Volume 39, Number 3, 2009 , pp. 259-274(16)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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Abstract:

Purpose - <IT>This paper aims to address the need for responsive methodologies to investigate how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are used in non-business and non-corporate environments.</IT> Design/methodology/approach - <IT>The paper presents a case study on developing an IT strategic plan in a community organisation using the process modelling and analysis methodology called "Co-MAP".</IT> Findings - <IT>Co-MAP as a methodology is significant in being a participatory, responsive, and non-obtrusive tool to work with welfare workers in getting to articulate information, knowledge and technical issues for decision making.</IT> Research limitations/implications - <IT>The research provides a way of obtaining knowledge about structuring of social-technical relationships in a welfare organisation through a sympathetic approach to its business and culture.</IT> Practical implications - <IT>Co-MAP could be fruitfully used in other organisations, though whether this needs an external facilitator to carry out the process and manage the complex data analysis process is a moot point.</IT> Originality/value - <IT>The significance of this case study is that it develops a model for adaptation of how to research and represent data, information, and knowledge flows within a social services organisation, for which there are few other detailed case studies.</IT>

Keywords: Case studies; Communication technologies; Community care; Knowledge management; Modelling

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/03055720911004003

Publication date: 2009-08-28