Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  Technology horse

    Posted 05-06-2000 14:14
    Subject: Technology horse
    quote
    BPR is just one area where technology, particularly IT, seems to have
    displaced reasoned analysis and goal-oriented change with "canned" system
    solutions. Knowledge management (KM) is another and recent developments in
    computer-based and web-based training suggest that training and education
    are about to meet the same fate. Platforms, portals and "shoveled-in"
    content or subject matter do not produce useful learning simply because
    they ride the technology horse.
    unquote

    Well, that's the way silicon brains work. To make sense to a human brain
    you still need humans! Since silicon brains are so stupid from a human
    brain look, they need humans as servants. Silicon brains cannot reason,
    so don't use them to replace human brain reasoning. Use silicon brains
    for what they are: Fast processors.
    Suggestion:
    Devise tests and measures to make sure these Software processes assist
    your task. Set "traps" silicon brains don't check for - example Erratic
    Behavior of Management. Meaning: If GM's top president wipes his nose,
    the little GM manager on the opposite side of the globe gets a lung
    inflammation.
    "Thinking it through" is quite a challenge.

    (For copy cats: Please cite the author of the next two paragraphs)
    A different approach: Yesterdays rules of chess have changed. There are still
    8 rows on the board (familiar), but there is now a additional column
    (total 9). Employ another pawn per side (reducing number of unemployed pawns),
    and define function, authority, international title of the additional
    Power figure. (Since there are already 2 bishops in _English_ chess, you
    should not add "Richelieu", or religious leader.) You may want to employ a
    morphological table to structure current power level and flexibility of all
    chess figures, then look for one characteristic that could change / influence
    actual power by moving the New Power Figure from one color field to the other.
    Increased power must include more risk, & vice versa.

    I bet current chess programs could not handle this situation, even if you
    specified the "power figure" for them. Programs would have to be rewritten.
    You don't need new software to have a human brain handle this simple case.
    (copycat end)

    A higher quality level of thinking is not a result of use of technology.
    A slide rule will hardly prevent you going the wrong track. It is still a
    useful tool for multiplication related math's, far less for adding up your
    grocery bill.

    Emil Zahner
    canmor@compuserve.com
    http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/canmor
    Morphological Institute Canada
    2000.5.2.
    Sorry if plain text includes "strange stuff". I am on Compuserve.
    Last line of message.


  • 2.  Technology horse

    Posted 05-08-2000 10:51
    KM is a technology horse only in so far as it is allowed to be. Like most
    catch phrases, knowledge management is interpreted differently in differing
    contexts. For me, it represents the integration of human and information
    resources--I prefer knowledge resource management and acknowledge that human
    and information systems do not guarantee knowledge (much less wisdom).
    Notwihstanding all that, I fear Emil's point stands ;-)

    Regards
    ____________________________________________________
    John J. O'Brien, CRM, MLT
    ISI Global
    www.crosswinds.net/~isi

    Interactive Strategies, Inc.
    Aligning Vision, Process & Outcomes
    Organizational Knowledge Systems Design & Audit
    Professional Development Education & Executive Coaching

    Regent, Certification Maintenance Program
    Board of Regents, Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM)

    Voice/fax: 1-250-388-7791 ICQ #23282396 "ISIGlobal"
    email: isi@crosswinds.net -or- isi-krd@home.com
    Mail: PO BOX 5713 Station B, Victoria, BC V8R 6S8



    <snip>
    BPR is just one area where technology, particularly IT, seems to have
    displaced reasoned analysis and goal-oriented change with "canned" system
    solutions. Knowledge management (KM) is another and recent developments in
    computer-based and web-based training suggest that training and education
    are about to meet the same fate. <snip>