Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology
ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a practical seven‐layer model that provides a holistic framework for ... more ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a practical seven‐layer model that provides a holistic framework for creation an optimal foundation for organizational knowledge management (KM). The research corpus consists of three data collection tools; In the physical field we conducted personal interviews and a focus groups with 52 KM professionals. In the online arena we conducted a web ethnography, in which we surveyed tens of thousands of posts and comments which were posted in two virtual KM groups on the Facebook social network. The research is based on the qualitative‐constructivist paradigm. The data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, relying on the grounded theory approach. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to the empirical knowledge of the KM field, and may stand to guide practitioners in successful implementation of KM practices in organizations.
In this article, by the ability to translate Aramaic to another spoken languages, we investigated... more In this article, by the ability to translate Aramaic to another spoken languages, we investigated Machine Translation (MT) in a cultural heritage domain for two primary purposes: evaluating the quality of ancient translations and preserving Aramaic (an endangered language). First, we detailed the construction of a publicly available Biblical parallel Aramaic-Hebrew corpus based on two ancient (early 2 nd - late 4 th century) Hebrew–Aramaic translations: Targum Onkelus and Targum Jonathan. Then using the Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) approach, which in our use-case significantly outperforms the Neural Machine Translation (NMT), we validated the excepted high quality of the translations. The trained model failed to translate Aramaic texts of other dialects. However, when we trained the same SMT model on another Aramaic-Hebrew corpus of a different dialect (Zohar - 13 th century) a very high translation score was achieved. We examined an additional important cultural heritage s...
Text mining is a research method that can be used to detect research trends and developments in v... more Text mining is a research method that can be used to detect research trends and developments in various fields. In this study, an automated textual analysis tool (Voyant Tools) is applied to a vast corpus of academic papers to identify research trends in the fields of information security and privacy concern, focusing on the differences between the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Furthermore, the conceptual proximity between the related terms ‘information security’ and ‘privacy concern’ is investigated by identifying textual trends. We discovered that, while the first decade of information security research was not entirely defined, the second decade focused on privacy-related issues. The focus of privacy concern research was on commerce and marketing in the first decade and on the social dimension in the second decade. This study supports the use of textual analysis of academic literature to identify research trends in various fields, including technological fields.
Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, Jun 3, 2023
This empirical research examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on information management (... more This empirical research examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on information management (IM) in remote or hybrid work. We present an in‐depth statistical analysis of 716 responses to questionnaires received from employees and managers of four Israeli government ministries. The participants were asked to report characteristics such as accessibility, retrieval speed, ease of locating, and relevance of information, in order to assess the quality of organizational IM before and during COVID‐19. The findings reveal that IM quality was maintained even when organizations were forced to quickly adapt to working remotely during the pandemic. Regardless of work location, differences in perception of IM were found among organizations of different sizes: large, medium, and small. The majority of respondents who reported not using IM systems (IMS) before COVID‐19 also stated that even after the pandemic's onset, they still did not use them. A lower frequency of IMS use has been associated with a decline in IM quality. Given the far‐reaching changes in IM induced by the pandemic, many of which have the potential to be long‐lasting, these findings serve as an opening for valuable future research.
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Oct 19, 2007
PurposeThis paper attempts to recognize the informational needs of women who suffer from intimate... more PurposeThis paper attempts to recognize the informational needs of women who suffer from intimate partner violence (IPV). It then presents a model of a web site that may answer to these needs.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper defines the phases women suffering from IPV go through. This is done by surveying the literature that describes the stages these women experience. In order to clarify the proposed model, the paper then describe our own set of phases based on the above literature. Once the phases mentioned above are understood, the needs of these women become evident, thus allowing us to define and specify them. The model of the web site is then described and the paper shows how it relates to the various aforementioned needs.FindingsThe web site would offer a variety of information, such as: names of organizations that offer support, chats, and forums that provide emotional support and advice from women who experienced abuse in the past as well as from professionals.Research limitations/implicationsSecurity issues of this model need to be researched before applying it to use, as they are beyond the scope of this paper. Such issues should include techniques for erasing the user's traces and for keeping out “unwelcome visitors.”Originality/valueThis model, if applied, may greatly aid women suffering from IPV, as it would provide them with the emotional support and technical information they need in order to make important decisions regarding their situation. Information, if utilized, may give these women the ability to control their fate and actively improve their quality of life.
PurposeThis study aims to give expression, for the first time, to the contemporary perceptions of... more PurposeThis study aims to give expression, for the first time, to the contemporary perceptions of knowledge management (KM) professionals regarding the technological layer in KM. From an organizational-holistic view, the authors strive to provide a deeper understanding of the position and role of technology in KM in knowledge-intensive organizations.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the research started with in-depth interviews and continued with focus groups. The data were collected from 21 KM experts and analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory.FindingsAlthough many hopes depend on technological tools, the authors learn why KM cannot be considered a purely information technology (IT)-based process. The study raises significant concern regarding the leadership of KM efforts by IT units, due to the possible lack of focus on strategic aspects supported by that support closing knowledge gaps. KM experts support technological changes and anticipate the introduction of automated mechanisms for knowledge flow processes.Originality/valueUnderstanding the technological component of KM provides a window of opportunity for the meanings ascribed by the professionals to the whole KM discipline. The results improve the understanding that the KM community should be required to be more aware of the business-organizational aspects for which the practice of KM in the organization is required, as well as the centrality of human resources in knowledge creation and sharing. Moreover, the paper provides a unique glimpse into the future of organizational KM.
This research presents and develops the CSE - a Controlled Category Search engine which combines ... more This research presents and develops the CSE - a Controlled Category Search engine which combines the automated search engine and the hierarchic manual web directory. Thus, the size advantage and the internal textual search that the search engine offers are combined together with the advantage of the human control and category division of the web directory while using a convenient
E-Government is continuously developing in Israel, which has recently launched the 'GovX'... more E-Government is continuously developing in Israel, which has recently launched the 'GovX' project with the goal of improving the E-Government infrastructures. In this study, we evaluate the usability of twenty-four Israeli government ministry websites using thirty-seven usability variables, which are grouped into six dimensions: Online Services; User-Help; Navigation; Legitimacy; Information Architecture and Accessibility Accommodations. We identify three groups of deficiencies: Absence of adequate online services, deficiencies that limit equal access to the government and errors in information design. We find that the new 'GovX' infrastructure does not adequately solve these deficiencies.
Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, Oct 1, 2022
ABSTRACTText mining is a research method that uses interdisciplinary techniques to identify patte... more ABSTRACTText mining is a research method that uses interdisciplinary techniques to identify patterns and trends in unstructured data and can be used to detect research trends and developments in various fields. Thus, this study attempts to identify research trends in the issue of privacy concern (PC), focusing on the differences between the first two decades of the 21st century. This is done by applying an automated textual analysis tool (Voyant Tools) on a vast corpora of academic papers conducted on this field. We found that while the first examined decade of PC research focused on commerce and marketing issues, there was much more research emphasis on the social dimension of privacy in the second decade. This difference was explained by the technological developments that were prominent in the respective decades. The research provided support for the use of textual analysis of academic literature as a tool to identify research trends in various fields, including technologically‐oriented fields.
Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management
Aim/Purpose. COVID-19 was an unprecedented disruptive event that accelerated the shift to remote ... more Aim/Purpose. COVID-19 was an unprecedented disruptive event that accelerated the shift to remote work and encouraged widespread adoption of digital tools in organizations. This empirical study was conducted from an organizational-strategic perspective, with the aim of examining how the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak affected employees’ use of organizational information systems (IS) as reflected in frequency. Background. To date, only a limited effort has been made, and a rather narrow perspective has been adopted, regarding the consequences of the adoption of new work environments following COVID-19. It seems that the literature is lacking in information regarding employee use of organizational IS since the outbreak of the pandemic. Specifically, this issue has not yet been examined in relation to employees’ perception about the organization’s digital efforts and technological maturity for remote work. The present study bridges this gap. Methodology. The public sector in Israel, which e...
PurposeThis research seeks to understand, for the first time, what motivates knowledge-intensive ... more PurposeThis research seeks to understand, for the first time, what motivates knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs) to initiate knowledge management (KM) activities in times of routine and emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic was placed at the center as a case study of an extreme crisis.Design/methodology/approachBased on the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the study was conducted among 52 KM professionals through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, according to the principles of the grounded theory approach.FindingsThe findings reveal that opportunities and risks are two types of catalysts which accelerate KM efforts in times of routine and emergency respectively. Due to KM’s support of the transition to flexible employment during COVID-19, the authors show that this field experienced real growth and prosperity in the “new normal.” KM initiatives were promoted during the COVID-19 crisis in light of gaps i...
In this study we examine the connection between thinking styles and learning function and satisfa... more In this study we examine the connection between thinking styles and learning function and satisfaction of students participating in academic e-learning courses. We also examined the connection between computer experience/skills and gender differences to these variables. The research included 188 B.A. students using the HighLearn system. The data was collected using questioners which examined thinking styles, prior experience with computer/internet applications, and views regarding on-line learning. Furthermore, interviews were held with a sample group of students. The research results show an influence of thinking styles on learning function, personal opinions and satisfaction. A positive influence was also found with regard to prior experience with computer/internet applications and gender. The results show that although virtual courses offer a variety of learning possibilities, these are utilized mostly by students with certain thinking styles. Gender and previous experience with computer/internet applications affect the amount of success in the virtual course.
מחקר זה בוחן השפעה של אלמנטים הוראתיים וטכנולוגיים בלמידה בקורסים אקדמיים מתוקשבים על נטיות חשיבה... more מחקר זה בוחן השפעה של אלמנטים הוראתיים וטכנולוגיים בלמידה בקורסים אקדמיים מתוקשבים על נטיות חשיבה אינטלקטואליות על פי התאוריה הנטייתית של פרקינס, ג'יי וטישמן ) Perkins, Jay Tishman, 1993 &(. במחקר נבדקו השינויים שחלו בנטיות החשיבה של 285 סטודנטים במחלקות לימודי מידע ומדעי המדינה באוניברסיטת בר-אילן, בעקבות למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת. במסגרת המחקר נבדקו קורסים א-סינכרוניים וסינכרוניים המועברים במלואם ברשת. הנתונים הכמותיים נאספו באמצעות שלושה שאלונים. תוצאות המחקר מראות כי קיימת השפעה סטטיסטית מובהקת של למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת על נטיות חשיבה אינטלקטואליות בכל שבע נטיות החשיבה. השפעה זו ניכרת במרכיבים הפדגוגיים והטכנולוגיים בקורסים המתוקשבים, בכל שבע נטיות החשיבה, בדרגות עוצמה חיוביות שונות. מסקנות המחקר מראות כי למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת ברשת תורמת לשינוי בנטיות החשיבה, ובכך מקדמת דפוסי חשיבה והתנהגות אינטלקטואליים. מילות
This study examines the challenges and methods of knowledge management (KM) effectiveness assessm... more This study examines the challenges and methods of knowledge management (KM) effectiveness assessment in knowledge-intensive organisations. Specifically, the authors put the spotlight, for the first time, on KM professionals' perceptions regarding the examination of KM success that relies on non-financial indicators. The research was conducted with the participation of 21 KM experts through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The results reveal that many organisations do not carry out systematic and consistent KM measurements. Recognising the ever changing dynamics of organisations, the reasons behind the neglect of this evaluation are presented in the paper. As the challenges of the field and the KM effectiveness evaluation are of the lesser developed aspects of the discipline, the present study gives rise to significant innovations. Furthermore, it adopts the call to understand the added value of KM from a wider perspective than that which focuses pure financial metrics.
Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology
ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a practical seven‐layer model that provides a holistic framework for ... more ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a practical seven‐layer model that provides a holistic framework for creation an optimal foundation for organizational knowledge management (KM). The research corpus consists of three data collection tools; In the physical field we conducted personal interviews and a focus groups with 52 KM professionals. In the online arena we conducted a web ethnography, in which we surveyed tens of thousands of posts and comments which were posted in two virtual KM groups on the Facebook social network. The research is based on the qualitative‐constructivist paradigm. The data were analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, relying on the grounded theory approach. The proposed conceptual framework contributes to the empirical knowledge of the KM field, and may stand to guide practitioners in successful implementation of KM practices in organizations.
In this article, by the ability to translate Aramaic to another spoken languages, we investigated... more In this article, by the ability to translate Aramaic to another spoken languages, we investigated Machine Translation (MT) in a cultural heritage domain for two primary purposes: evaluating the quality of ancient translations and preserving Aramaic (an endangered language). First, we detailed the construction of a publicly available Biblical parallel Aramaic-Hebrew corpus based on two ancient (early 2 nd - late 4 th century) Hebrew–Aramaic translations: Targum Onkelus and Targum Jonathan. Then using the Statistical Machine Translation (SMT) approach, which in our use-case significantly outperforms the Neural Machine Translation (NMT), we validated the excepted high quality of the translations. The trained model failed to translate Aramaic texts of other dialects. However, when we trained the same SMT model on another Aramaic-Hebrew corpus of a different dialect (Zohar - 13 th century) a very high translation score was achieved. We examined an additional important cultural heritage s...
Text mining is a research method that can be used to detect research trends and developments in v... more Text mining is a research method that can be used to detect research trends and developments in various fields. In this study, an automated textual analysis tool (Voyant Tools) is applied to a vast corpus of academic papers to identify research trends in the fields of information security and privacy concern, focusing on the differences between the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Furthermore, the conceptual proximity between the related terms ‘information security’ and ‘privacy concern’ is investigated by identifying textual trends. We discovered that, while the first decade of information security research was not entirely defined, the second decade focused on privacy-related issues. The focus of privacy concern research was on commerce and marketing in the first decade and on the social dimension in the second decade. This study supports the use of textual analysis of academic literature to identify research trends in various fields, including technological fields.
Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, Jun 3, 2023
This empirical research examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on information management (... more This empirical research examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on information management (IM) in remote or hybrid work. We present an in‐depth statistical analysis of 716 responses to questionnaires received from employees and managers of four Israeli government ministries. The participants were asked to report characteristics such as accessibility, retrieval speed, ease of locating, and relevance of information, in order to assess the quality of organizational IM before and during COVID‐19. The findings reveal that IM quality was maintained even when organizations were forced to quickly adapt to working remotely during the pandemic. Regardless of work location, differences in perception of IM were found among organizations of different sizes: large, medium, and small. The majority of respondents who reported not using IM systems (IMS) before COVID‐19 also stated that even after the pandemic's onset, they still did not use them. A lower frequency of IMS use has been associated with a decline in IM quality. Given the far‐reaching changes in IM induced by the pandemic, many of which have the potential to be long‐lasting, these findings serve as an opening for valuable future research.
Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, Oct 19, 2007
PurposeThis paper attempts to recognize the informational needs of women who suffer from intimate... more PurposeThis paper attempts to recognize the informational needs of women who suffer from intimate partner violence (IPV). It then presents a model of a web site that may answer to these needs.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the paper defines the phases women suffering from IPV go through. This is done by surveying the literature that describes the stages these women experience. In order to clarify the proposed model, the paper then describe our own set of phases based on the above literature. Once the phases mentioned above are understood, the needs of these women become evident, thus allowing us to define and specify them. The model of the web site is then described and the paper shows how it relates to the various aforementioned needs.FindingsThe web site would offer a variety of information, such as: names of organizations that offer support, chats, and forums that provide emotional support and advice from women who experienced abuse in the past as well as from professionals.Research limitations/implicationsSecurity issues of this model need to be researched before applying it to use, as they are beyond the scope of this paper. Such issues should include techniques for erasing the user's traces and for keeping out “unwelcome visitors.”Originality/valueThis model, if applied, may greatly aid women suffering from IPV, as it would provide them with the emotional support and technical information they need in order to make important decisions regarding their situation. Information, if utilized, may give these women the ability to control their fate and actively improve their quality of life.
PurposeThis study aims to give expression, for the first time, to the contemporary perceptions of... more PurposeThis study aims to give expression, for the first time, to the contemporary perceptions of knowledge management (KM) professionals regarding the technological layer in KM. From an organizational-holistic view, the authors strive to provide a deeper understanding of the position and role of technology in KM in knowledge-intensive organizations.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the research started with in-depth interviews and continued with focus groups. The data were collected from 21 KM experts and analyzed according to the thematic analysis method, based on the grounded theory.FindingsAlthough many hopes depend on technological tools, the authors learn why KM cannot be considered a purely information technology (IT)-based process. The study raises significant concern regarding the leadership of KM efforts by IT units, due to the possible lack of focus on strategic aspects supported by that support closing knowledge gaps. KM experts support technological changes and anticipate the introduction of automated mechanisms for knowledge flow processes.Originality/valueUnderstanding the technological component of KM provides a window of opportunity for the meanings ascribed by the professionals to the whole KM discipline. The results improve the understanding that the KM community should be required to be more aware of the business-organizational aspects for which the practice of KM in the organization is required, as well as the centrality of human resources in knowledge creation and sharing. Moreover, the paper provides a unique glimpse into the future of organizational KM.
This research presents and develops the CSE - a Controlled Category Search engine which combines ... more This research presents and develops the CSE - a Controlled Category Search engine which combines the automated search engine and the hierarchic manual web directory. Thus, the size advantage and the internal textual search that the search engine offers are combined together with the advantage of the human control and category division of the web directory while using a convenient
E-Government is continuously developing in Israel, which has recently launched the 'GovX'... more E-Government is continuously developing in Israel, which has recently launched the 'GovX' project with the goal of improving the E-Government infrastructures. In this study, we evaluate the usability of twenty-four Israeli government ministry websites using thirty-seven usability variables, which are grouped into six dimensions: Online Services; User-Help; Navigation; Legitimacy; Information Architecture and Accessibility Accommodations. We identify three groups of deficiencies: Absence of adequate online services, deficiencies that limit equal access to the government and errors in information design. We find that the new 'GovX' infrastructure does not adequately solve these deficiencies.
Proceedings of the Association for Information Science and Technology, Oct 1, 2022
ABSTRACTText mining is a research method that uses interdisciplinary techniques to identify patte... more ABSTRACTText mining is a research method that uses interdisciplinary techniques to identify patterns and trends in unstructured data and can be used to detect research trends and developments in various fields. Thus, this study attempts to identify research trends in the issue of privacy concern (PC), focusing on the differences between the first two decades of the 21st century. This is done by applying an automated textual analysis tool (Voyant Tools) on a vast corpora of academic papers conducted on this field. We found that while the first examined decade of PC research focused on commerce and marketing issues, there was much more research emphasis on the social dimension of privacy in the second decade. This difference was explained by the technological developments that were prominent in the respective decades. The research provided support for the use of textual analysis of academic literature as a tool to identify research trends in various fields, including technologically‐oriented fields.
Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, and Management
Aim/Purpose. COVID-19 was an unprecedented disruptive event that accelerated the shift to remote ... more Aim/Purpose. COVID-19 was an unprecedented disruptive event that accelerated the shift to remote work and encouraged widespread adoption of digital tools in organizations. This empirical study was conducted from an organizational-strategic perspective, with the aim of examining how the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak affected employees’ use of organizational information systems (IS) as reflected in frequency. Background. To date, only a limited effort has been made, and a rather narrow perspective has been adopted, regarding the consequences of the adoption of new work environments following COVID-19. It seems that the literature is lacking in information regarding employee use of organizational IS since the outbreak of the pandemic. Specifically, this issue has not yet been examined in relation to employees’ perception about the organization’s digital efforts and technological maturity for remote work. The present study bridges this gap. Methodology. The public sector in Israel, which e...
PurposeThis research seeks to understand, for the first time, what motivates knowledge-intensive ... more PurposeThis research seeks to understand, for the first time, what motivates knowledge-intensive organizations (KIOs) to initiate knowledge management (KM) activities in times of routine and emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic was placed at the center as a case study of an extreme crisis.Design/methodology/approachBased on the adoption of the qualitative-constructivist paradigm, the study was conducted among 52 KM professionals through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method, according to the principles of the grounded theory approach.FindingsThe findings reveal that opportunities and risks are two types of catalysts which accelerate KM efforts in times of routine and emergency respectively. Due to KM’s support of the transition to flexible employment during COVID-19, the authors show that this field experienced real growth and prosperity in the “new normal.” KM initiatives were promoted during the COVID-19 crisis in light of gaps i...
In this study we examine the connection between thinking styles and learning function and satisfa... more In this study we examine the connection between thinking styles and learning function and satisfaction of students participating in academic e-learning courses. We also examined the connection between computer experience/skills and gender differences to these variables. The research included 188 B.A. students using the HighLearn system. The data was collected using questioners which examined thinking styles, prior experience with computer/internet applications, and views regarding on-line learning. Furthermore, interviews were held with a sample group of students. The research results show an influence of thinking styles on learning function, personal opinions and satisfaction. A positive influence was also found with regard to prior experience with computer/internet applications and gender. The results show that although virtual courses offer a variety of learning possibilities, these are utilized mostly by students with certain thinking styles. Gender and previous experience with computer/internet applications affect the amount of success in the virtual course.
מחקר זה בוחן השפעה של אלמנטים הוראתיים וטכנולוגיים בלמידה בקורסים אקדמיים מתוקשבים על נטיות חשיבה... more מחקר זה בוחן השפעה של אלמנטים הוראתיים וטכנולוגיים בלמידה בקורסים אקדמיים מתוקשבים על נטיות חשיבה אינטלקטואליות על פי התאוריה הנטייתית של פרקינס, ג'יי וטישמן ) Perkins, Jay Tishman, 1993 &(. במחקר נבדקו השינויים שחלו בנטיות החשיבה של 285 סטודנטים במחלקות לימודי מידע ומדעי המדינה באוניברסיטת בר-אילן, בעקבות למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת. במסגרת המחקר נבדקו קורסים א-סינכרוניים וסינכרוניים המועברים במלואם ברשת. הנתונים הכמותיים נאספו באמצעות שלושה שאלונים. תוצאות המחקר מראות כי קיימת השפעה סטטיסטית מובהקת של למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת על נטיות חשיבה אינטלקטואליות בכל שבע נטיות החשיבה. השפעה זו ניכרת במרכיבים הפדגוגיים והטכנולוגיים בקורסים המתוקשבים, בכל שבע נטיות החשיבה, בדרגות עוצמה חיוביות שונות. מסקנות המחקר מראות כי למידה בסביבה מתוקשבת ברשת תורמת לשינוי בנטיות החשיבה, ובכך מקדמת דפוסי חשיבה והתנהגות אינטלקטואליים. מילות
This study examines the challenges and methods of knowledge management (KM) effectiveness assessm... more This study examines the challenges and methods of knowledge management (KM) effectiveness assessment in knowledge-intensive organisations. Specifically, the authors put the spotlight, for the first time, on KM professionals' perceptions regarding the examination of KM success that relies on non-financial indicators. The research was conducted with the participation of 21 KM experts through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The results reveal that many organisations do not carry out systematic and consistent KM measurements. Recognising the ever changing dynamics of organisations, the reasons behind the neglect of this evaluation are presented in the paper. As the challenges of the field and the KM effectiveness evaluation are of the lesser developed aspects of the discipline, the present study gives rise to significant innovations. Furthermore, it adopts the call to understand the added value of KM from a wider perspective than that which focuses pure financial metrics.
Uploads
Papers by Dan Bouhnik