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In response to mature markets, increasing worldwide competition, fast technological development, and decreasing resources, many organizations are adopting collaborative work practices
in order to solve complex problems and produce innovative products. For example, many organizations have projects that include experts in telecommunications networks, information systems design, human-computer
interaction and end users. To collaborate effectively, participants must explore and integrate knowledge and work practices from diverse domains to come to a pragmatic understanding of the work process and expected
outcomes. Participants' unique past experiences, specialized work languages and differences in work patterns, culture, perceptions of quality and success, organizational priorities and constraints, and make this process
difficult. Theories of collaboration have been developed to overcome some of the major obstacles to collaboration. Outcomes of the application of these strategies and technologies have been evaluated. Such collaborative
theories, strategies, technologies, and outcomes are highlighted in the papers and panels included here. The first section of the Proceedings
includes a brief introduction of the two plenary speakers. The second and major portion of the Proceedings
is devoted to fully refereed papers contributed to the meeting. The papers are in order by name of the first author. The contributed papers are followed by summary descriptions of the panel sessions, then the demonstrations, arranged alphabetically by session/demonstration title. The
Proceedings also includes indexes by author/speaker, ASIS Special Interest Group sponsorship, and subject. Copy for the Proceedings
was provided to the editor in March 1998 and does not reflect subsequent changes in speaker, title, or scope. . The development of the conference, itself, has been a case study in
collaboration. Co-chairs from two different institutions -- one academic and one corporate -- worked together to plan the scope of the conference and solicit session proposals. Referees from many different organizations
evaluated the submissions. Authors and panel organizers communicated their papers to the co-chairs. ASIS Headquarters staff kept the entire process from flying apart. As editor of the Proceedings, I wish
only that their content will prove as stimulating to you as the process of preparing them has been to me. Barbara M. Wildemuth
University of North Carolina
Proceedings Editor
©1998, 181 pages, ISBN: 1-57387-060-9 |
