John is trying to put togeather a paper for a new publication dealing
exclusively with issues surrounding the concepts of agile manufacturing
and virtual enterprise. We are trying to address what we see as a
fundamental issue - the true role of knowledge management in such
organizations. I suggested that he allow me to post his initial thoughts
to LO to see if it rings any bells (positive - negitive - or neutral) with
the members of the list.
We Would appreciate any comments. Thank you.
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Abstract:
Effective implementation of virtual organization and agile manufacturing
will require us to rethink not only the structures and processes of
enterprises, but the very foundational concepts of our views of wealth.
Traditional western economic theories view capital, labor and land as the
fundamental ingredients of wealth creation. While these elements may be
necessary components of wealth creation, the definition is shortsighted.
Capital, labor and resources, including land and even much-touted
information resources, are merely tools for the exploitation of knowledge.
Real wealth lies in the potential of the human mind, and its realization
depends on our ability to direct and manage human knowledge toward
pre-determined, useful purposes.
-- Posted by: BoNewman@aol.com