Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyse the interaction between the dynamic information environment (IE) and the operational environment to promote the cooperation of the higher education institution with business life and enhance the external impact of the institution on its environment. The dynamic IEs are analysed to manage the information systems and internal processes in an educational institution and their cooperating partners. This article is organised as follows: The article introduces the approach of IEs and operational environments. Then the concept of a dynamic IE is used to analyse the information systems used in the core internal processes of the higher education institution. The study also describes the partnership in a dynamic IE. Thereafter, a short case study is presented about partnership using the electronic Optima platform at the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS). Finally, the results of the study are summarised in the concluding section.
TopIntroduction
There are great challenges of the management in creative knowledge work, where individuals and information systems have a considerable role when the organisation is striving to achieve its strategic objectives. It is shown in this article that analysing the information and operational environments helps management in knowledge management and activates the organisation’s awareness about the development needs of information systems.
The purpose of this article is to analyse the interaction between the dynamic information environment (IE) and the operational environment to promote the cooperation of the higher education institution with business life and enhance the external impact of the institution on its environment. The dynamic IEs are analysed to manage the information systems and internal processes in an educational institution and their cooperating partners.
This article is organised as follows: The article introduces the approach of IEs and operational environments. Then the concept of a dynamic IE is used to analyse the information systems used in the core internal processes of the higher education institution. The study also describes the partnership in a dynamic IE. Thereafter, a short case study is presented about partnership using the electronic Optima platform at the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS). Finally, the results of the study are summarised in the concluding section.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Information System: A system, whether automated or manual, that comprises people, machines, and/or methods organised to collect, process, transmit and disseminate data that represent user information.
Knowledge Management: A term applied to techniques used for the systematic collection, transfer, security and management of information within organisations along with systems designed to help make the best use of that knowledge.
Management Information System: A proper management information system presupposes modelling the entire management process and tailoring all the necessary components of the information technology support system to meet the needs of the organisation. The management information system should include a description and measures as to how the strategic objectives will be achieved.
Higher Education Institution: Higher education institutions include traditional universities and professional-oriented institutions, which are called universities of applied sciences or polytechnics.
Dynamic Information Environment: The virtual surface of the organisation, which is used for seizing the world outside. The main idea of the dynamic information environments is the strategic awareness of the potential of virtual learning, interaction and communication.
Information Environment: Mechanical, organic or dynamic area of information management consisting of different interrelated and/or isolated information systems.
Operational Environment: The operational environment of an organisation consists of the organisation and its stakeholders, social networks, the local community and society. The organisation has to adapt its internal processes, resources and capabilities to the changing operational environment in the strategic plan.