Effects of intra- and inter-team dynamics on organisational learning: role of knowledge-sharing capability

This research investigates the moderating role of knowledge-sharing capability on the effects of team dynamics on organisational learning by decomposing team dynamics into two types, namely, intra-team and inter-team dynamics. Using structural equation modelling techniques and data from a large-scale survey of employees in Australia, it is shown that inter-team dynamics has a larger direct effect on organisational learning compared with intra-team dynamics. However, when taking the moderating effects of knowledge-sharing capability into consideration, intra-team dynamics contribute more to organisational learning. The findings suggest that knowledge-sharing capability is more critical within teams rather than between teams in enhancing organisational learning. The implications of these findings for knowledge management research and practice are fully discussed.     

What Makes for Great Data Journalism?

This study examines the quality of winners and finalists in major national and international data journalism awards. We completed a content analysis of data projects submitted by Canadian media to three journalism associations—the Online News Association, the Global Editors Network and the Canadian Association of Journalists—as far back as the first award in this category in 2012. Our research addresses how journalists executed what could be considered excellent data journalism. Our findings point to a lack of accepted standards regarding what is considered as excellence. The quality of the projects was limited by two key factors: the use of free online options such as Google Maps that were not easily customizable; and the number of practitioners who worked on the data projects largely within traditional journalism frameworks. The most used visual elements were dynamic maps, graphs and video. With respect to interactivity, all but one of the projects contained an interactive element. The most popular interaction techniques were inspection and filtering, considered entry-level techniques in the field of information visualization. These techniques suggest a need for collaborative interdisciplinary approaches to data journalism, and further study on the implications of tools such as Google Maps on practice.     

Distance learning and interaction: Toward a virtual learning institution

This paper considers distance learning at all levels, learning that can occur anywhere. Most education today in schools, universities, and companies is dependent on students being at a particular location, such as a university. The major distance learning institutions today are in Europe, but the potential for this type of learning is great as we reach out to serve greater numbers of students. The following factors are critical in forming a distance learning institute today: the quality of learning provided to each student; whether courses work for very large numbers of students; and the cost per student hour, for both development and delivery. Many delivery technologies are possible today. We examine them from the standpoint of these factors. The conclusion is that highly interactive multimedia learning units, either CD ROMs or (in the near future) broadband networks, provide the best delivery system today for distance learning. The paper concludes with a brief review of strategies for developing the curriculum units needed to support distance learning.