[Abstract]
The purpose of this document is to provide an argument to the question, “As more computer- and information system-literate employees move into executive positions, will executive support systems be needed? Why or why not?” The second part of this document answers the questions, “What special knowledge, other than that found in a course catalog, is needed to advise students about course and degree requirements in a university? Is it explicit or implicit knowledge? Could this knowledge be made available through a knowledge management system? Why or why not?”
[Content]
When answering the question, “As more computer- and information system-literate employees move into executive positions, will executive support systems be needed? Why or why not?” it is important to know what an executive support system is. An executive support system is a software application that produces reports with metrics for higher-level executives to analyze based on the information provided (webopedia.com, 2004). Many of the reports pull data from different departments such as accounting, staffing, scheduling, and more. With these reports, executives are able to make critical decisions that will best benefit the company for planning or business opportunities that may arise. These decisions should be based on the company’s vision or the direction the company wants to go, using the reports that hold the information about where the company currently stands.
Based on the definition of what an executive support system (ESS) is, one can argue that even though there may be more technologically savvy business executives, there will still be a need for the support system for the company to grow. No matter how big or small a company is, it is important for decision-makers to have a macro view of where the company currently stands. Without knowing where the company is, the business executive or CEO cannot create a plan to achieve the company’s vision. It is the need for knowledge of the company’s current status that necessitates the executive support system. Even though a business executive may be more technologically advanced, they will still need the ESS. However, they may require less support from their local information technology (IT) department. With business executives that are more technologically proficient, the IT department may not need to respond to mundane tasks like helping a user map to a printer or properly set up their email account.
To answer the questions, “What special knowledge, other than that found in a course catalog, is needed to advise students about course and degree requirements in a university? Is it explicit or implicit knowledge? Could this knowledge be made available through a knowledge management system? Why or why not?” it is first important to know the difference between implicit and explicit knowledge. Explicit knowledge is the type of knowledge that can be gained from documents, manuals, and even procedures (Zoltan Dienes, Josef Perner, 1999). Implicit knowledge is the type of knowledge where you consciously or unconsciously process information within your mind. A good way to differentiate the two is that implicit knowledge is something you gain from within, while explicit knowledge is something you gain from an outside source.
Knowing the differences between explicit and implicit knowledge, one can argue that to advise students about course or degree requirements within a university, the majority of the information is going to be explicit and therefore could be made available through a knowledge management system. The majority of information about courses and requirements can be found in a course catalog, and therefore is explicit knowledge. However, the ability to look at each student on a case-by-case basis and determine which path best suits their interests requires experience or implicit knowledge. The vast majority of students should be able to use a knowledge management system to determine their best course in obtaining a degree. By using explicit knowledge, there should be few instances where implicit knowledge is needed.
In conclusion, when trying to determine if an ESS is going to be needed due to businessmen becoming more technologically savvy, and if a knowledge management system would work for a university advising students, it is best to understand what an executive support system is and the differences between explicit and implicit knowledge. Once a person knows what these things are, they can make an argument to support their claim.
References
1. (2004, October 24th). What is Executive Support System? – A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary. Retrieved August 9, 2008, from What is Executive Support System? – A Word Definition From the Webopedia Computer Dictionary Web site: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/E/Executive_Support_System.html
2. Zoltan Dienes, and Josef Perner (1999). A theory of implicit and explicit knowledge. Retrieved August 9, 2008, from A theory of implicit and explicit knowledge Web site: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayJournal?jid=BBS