Organizational Processes and Strategy: Vital Technologies

As reflected in this issue, organizations are increasingly using information and communication technology to enhance their processes and strategy. Virtual communications, collaborations , alliances, business intelligence, and knowledge management are becoming critical for organizational success along with the underlying information technology investments and security. Through articles describing critical concepts and empirical support, the issue describes recommendations for intelligent use of knowledge and information, virtual collaboration , organizational alliances, knowledge management strategy, holistic supply chain management, information technology investment , and security. The issue begins with an article by Donate, Guadamillas, and Sánchez de Pablo focusing on the creation of suitable Knowledge Management Strategy (KMS) for managing organizational knowledge in alliances where language is developed , shared, and acquired among partners. The article presents a case study of a technology intensive company and describes the importance of designing suitable KMS in terms of knowledge management tools, support systems, and objectives and goals. The article describes how the company is developing different businesses in technological settings, providing conclusions on aspects of KMS implementation to attain company goals and objectives. The focus on the importance of alliances in organizational strategy is continued by Saban, who proposes and describes the benefits of a holistic approach to supply chain management. Instead of focusing on having the latest collaboration technology, Saban presents an approach based on current studies which highlight the importance to supply chain performance of human collaboration. Saban continues with descriptions of the advantages of employing a holistic supply chain approach and clarifies the forces that facilitate human collaboration and economic benefits of the approach. The paramount role of information and knowledge sharing is also emphasized by Baporikar, who argues for adoption of academic strategies to ensure the quality of distance education. The article discusses the potential of education to the welfare of both developing and developed economies. Because of this importance of education and proliferation of online learning worldwide, Baporikar argues that quality distance education is key and builds a case for setting standards and holistic development.