INside INnovation - Book Review 1 December 2023 Dr. Moria Levy Previous Article Next Article Inside Innovation: A Closer Look from Within is a collection of essays by Allex Bennet and Rajat Baisya, slated for publication in late 2023. The articles may seem unrelated regarding innovation's level, scope, perspective, or writing style. However, carefully reading reveals that they form a cohesive and integrated mosaic. This comprehensive understanding yields a fresh and profound insight into innovation. The book comprises the following articles: The Age of Agile Innovation Igniting a Kingdom Innovation Culture Planning on Customer Engagement in the Digital Era Integrated Innovation Strategy and Framework in the Power Section: TATA Power Company Limited Catalyst-Strategies: A Study in Small Business and Organic Innovation The BIOTECH Innovation Path of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Science & Technology Policy and Diplomacy for Innovation and Competitiveness in Developing Countries: The Case of India OrgZoo Creative Metaphor: A Story of Creativity and Innovation In_Novation, a Great Native Dynamic Way Toward Successful Performance Crystallizing the Symphony of Passions The Innovative Journey from the MAKE to the MIKE Exploring the Depth of the MIKE: An Intellectual Capital Practice-Based Study Program The summary provided encapsulates the key ideas but does not encompass the entirety of the narrative. It lacks examples and the full richness of the source. I highly recommend reading the book for a more comprehensive understanding. The Age of Agile Innovation: Preston Campbell In this chapter, the author, an innovation expert, delineates a systematic process for fostering continuous innovation, cultivating it into an organizational culture. Innovation is defined as "Realizing creative ideas and applying them to create value," with critical values encompassing creativity, confident openness, experimentation, risk-taking, feedback, learning, and flexibility. The preliminary infrastructure involves establishing a clear vision and intention for the organization regarding innovation. The proposed systematic process, demanding executive discipline, includes the following steps: Identification and delineation of the subject of innovation. Establishment of a supportive infrastructure system incorporating methodologies, partners, and accompanying forms. Setting the challenge. Embracing a mindset of innovation as an ongoing process rather than a one-time effort. Opening one's mind to potential possibilities for addressing the challenge. Divergence. Analyzing ideas and selecting a leading solution (convergence). Testing, measuring, making adjustments, and validation. Application and framing. In today's ever-changing world, avoid seeking experts who claim to have all the answers. Instead, it is more fitting to nurture a culture of continuous innovation, transforming the organization, its employees, processes, and resources into an innovative and renewable entity. The author illustrates this proposed process through two case studies (satellite development and cyber) and imparts several tips for success: Scrutinize developments worldwide and among other organizations; study the needs from your perspective and in the eyes of various stakeholders; collect supporting data. It is crucial to be flexible and allow for adjustments; this does not rule out the idea of long-term planning. Many parallel innovation processes, integrated among themselves, will enable continuous and decentralized innovation. In analyzing problems, look for the root problem, representing the actual need. Consider our conative biases as human beings. Use MVPs both to validate capabilities and to improve risk management. Foster cross-organizational collaboration and DevOp development. Use AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making. Sometimes, limited schedules and resources lead to better results. Most importantly, look for problems whose solution creates value! In conclusion, anyone can learn to be an innovator, and any organization can establish an ongoing innovation program. It is a worthwhile pursuit. Igniting a Kingdom Innovation Culture/Joyce Avedisian In complementing the systematic process approach proposed above, the author places significant emphasis on cultivating a culture of innovation and establishing an "innovation kingdom." The author outlines three levels of organizational innovation: Incremental innovation – incorporating additional capabilities or process changes to existing products and services. Breakthrough innovation – introducing new methods of executing operations that lead to significantly enhanced performance or even entry into new markets. Disruptive innovation – capable of permanently changing the world, potentially creating a new market that didn't exist before. A culture of innovation consists of three key components: Leaders: Develop a vision and values that foster a deeper emotional connection between employees and the organization, emphasizing its significance. Consistently exemplify values rooted in universal truths. Values: Incorporate organizational leaders into the culture. Knowledge Sharing: Encourage collaboration. Facilitate continuous information flow processes (e.g., problem-solving, lessons learned, knowledge transfer). Cultural "Heroes": Reflect innovative thinking, embodying values, skills, and competencies. Act as a coach to others. Tips for success in innovation: As leaders embody humility, vulnerability, and curiosity, consider how you can serve others, not just yourself. View your employees as a resource and a creative engine essential for innovation and organizational change. Proactively invest in approaches and processes that integrate knowledge and its products into collaborative workflows. Value everyone in your ecosystem, including employees, customers, and other stakeholders; ensure decisions benefit everyone, building trust for adequate information flow. Prioritize communication. Concentrate on understanding customers and their needs. Thoroughly identify customer needs and devise solutions based on cross-unit collaboration and teamwork. Utilize prototypes to assess the suitability of proposed solutions swiftly. Effectively manage risk. Implement and measure systematic processes. Planning on Customer Engagement in the Digital Era/ Chulatep Senivongse This article offers a distinctive perspective on innovation, precisely honing in on a critical stage: determining the consumer segment for a product or service. The author argues that the traditional method is ineffective and introduces an alternative approach, jobs-to-be-done, to comprehend needs. Each customer group is scrutinized based on their tasks, extracting the capabilities supported by those tasks and developing products or services accordingly. The conventional approach to consumer analysis, predominantly relying on demographics and external characteristics, falls short of adequately considering the tasks and challenges encountered during these activities. Consequently, offering products that meet real needs and are likely to be purchased becomes challenging. The author substantiates this argument with several case studies illustrating the shift in perspective that leads to a deeper understanding of needs. For instance, a milkshake store faced challenges with standard customer analysis. Detailed analysis revealed that the main purchase times were early morning and afternoon. Further investigation uncovered that customers buying in the morning, on their way to work, did so alone, focusing on milkshakes to pass the time in traffic and boost energy. This understanding prompted adjustments to the morning product's consistency and health components. A similar analysis for the afternoon group led to recommendations for changes related to time spent with children. This analysis, rooted in understanding what consumers do and how the product provides value, bypassed regular demographic segmentation. Instead, it highlighted segmentation based on different needs at various times, allowing for a tailored value proposition for each hour. Utilize Multiple Linear Regression for quantitative analyses to pinpoint the parameters influencing consumer decisions. Employ Conjoint Analysis to select combinations that ultimately distinguish you from the competition. Tips for Success: Segmentation by customer work is a dynamic process that needs periodic repetition as needs evolve. Achieve a robust job analysis by examining consumer behavior, conducting consumer interviews, or employing a combination of methods. Avoid drowning in data. Prioritize the most influential aspects; skip the rest. Ensure that the retained parameters are genuinely significant to the consumer's decision. Before developing a new solution, it is highly worthwhile to cultivate preliminary empathy by engaging with consumers who intend to use it. Only decide for them if they are involved in the process. Remember: Jobs-To-Be-Done, Multiple Linear Regression, Conjoint Analysis – these three professional methods, when combined, lead to success in understanding consumer needs and optimal development. Integrated Innovation Strategy and Framework in the Power Section: TATA Power Company Limited/ G. Ganesh Das, Rajat Kanti Baisya TATA is among the world's largest conglomerates, with TATA Energy being India's oldest and most significant energy company. In an era marked by a transformative shift in the energy sector (disruptive innovation), the renewal challenge is formidable for any company, particularly one like TATA, which is deeply rooted in history and committed to providing cost-effective consumer services. Renewal in the energy sector encompasses various areas, with the primary ones being: Renewable Energy Internet of Energy (IoE) Energy Storage Blockchain Energy as a Service Distributed Energy Resources Demand-side Management Quantum Computing Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Power to X (P2X) TATA Energy has adopted a decentralized approach to oversee the process of renewal through its subsidiaries. The central office synchronizes and integrates all processes through the collaborative and innovative function, reporting directly to the CEO. The development of an innovative culture is a designated responsibility of the central function, involving the following key aspects: Formulating a strategy aligned with the company's goals and growth strategy. Encouraging conceptual processes and implementing pilot projects. Promoting the use of TATA's conceptual platform. Establishing relationships with external companies and institutions to enhance learning, idea generation, and implementation. Additional responsibilities encompass managing deep technologies, conducting applied research, and fostering an environment conducive to research and development. The company engages in processes for developing ideas and innovation across broad fields (open innovation) and in response to known problems requiring solutions (problem statement). Moreover, there are semi-annual, quarterly, and monthly survey follow-up processes to ensure the progress of decentralized processes within the subsidiaries, generally and in alignment with the defined strategy. Catalyst-Strategies: A Study in Small Business and Organic Innovation/ Jim Burke This case study complements the preceding one, delving into innovation within a small enterprise named Catalyst-Strategies (Cat-Strat). The bedrock of innovation within this company rests upon a conceptual framework meticulously crafted through profound customer relationships and interactive engagement. While this perspective may challenge conventional business teachings, there is irrefutable evidence that innovation has been the linchpin of the company's efficacy and triumph for over two decades. The innovation process commences with the exploration of what-if questions about the development of new services. Should these questions indicate a promising positive direction, the company promptly and nimbly brings the new idea to fruition, making necessary corrections and adjustments. A pivotal aspect across all innovation endeavors is that financial gains are not the primary motivating factor. Income is viewed as a means to "cover the bills," beyond that, the company prioritizes actions that customers will find valuable and supportive of their objectives. Pursuing a line of activity that doesn't exclusively maximize financial profits is feasible, given that the company, managed by two spouses, is not publicly traded. Tips for Success: Promptly launch new solutions, maintaining a continuous learning approach and remaining open to surprises in both action directions and customer responses. Experiment with non-traditional tools; for instance, consider abandoning sales measurement for each salesperson at the customer. This unconventional change, implemented a year earlier, resulted in a twofold increase in total sales for that customer. Foster collaborative work and sustain high customer interaction throughout the idea development process. Prioritize deep recognition and trust with a select group of customers, even if it means sacrificing multiple customer relationships. Encourage customers to discuss vulnerability, facilitating a more open dialogue that uncovers real needs rather than just stated desires and requests. Resist the urge to recycle previously successful tactics. The couple actively avoids this to explore "what will work this time continually?" The couple contends that their innovative approach has yielded business benefits and positively influenced their marital relationship and personal development as individuals. Indeed, it is a distinctive and unconventional case story. The BIOTECH Innovation Path of UPLB / Marivilla Lydia Bulan Aggarao, Alex Bennet, Ronald Vatanan- Thesenvitz A case study explores an innovation lab at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The study meticulously examines the driving factors, capabilities, and organizational components contributing to the success of this laboratory. In the laboratory, innovation is defined as technological innovation, signifying an organizational innovation that significantly impacts consumers within the relevant community. This innovation encompasses both new product development and incremental innovations. The foundation for innovation in the laboratory is established on the high level of education and experience possessed by its personnel. Factors driving innovation include: External influences: The country's exposure to numerous natural disasters Social challenges in fostering thriving and sustainable agriculture Integrated laboratory and field development (fields) Funds and entities interested in investing in technology development Organizational factors: Organizational structure, encompassing formal and informal elements, management style, and soft skills of employees Organizational culture, including mechanisms to examine and ensure that resources are optimally invested for their intended purpose and teamwork that supports innovation Organizational values centered on technological advancement and appreciation for those involved in the craft. Personal competencies: Employee competence in innovation, covering skills in research, creativity, management, leadership, and altruism (yes – this is not a writing error! M.L.). These skills are cumulative and enable the development of advanced skills, such as problem-solving and critical analysis. Tips for success: Gratitude functions as an emotional state consistently serving as a motivating factor for meaningful change. Excellence doesn't solely arise from professionalism but is also rooted in a commitment to something more significant. In the case of this innovation laboratory, it involves preserving, caring for, and protecting natural resources. Science & Technology Policy and Diplomacy for Innovation and Competitiveness in Developing Countries: The Case of India / Rajat K Baisya, Madhusudan Bandyopadhyay As mentioned in the introduction to this summary, the book explores innovation from various perspectives. Following the discussion on innovation in a university laboratory, the book dedicates a chapter to developing scientific and technological innovation in one of the world's largest nations – India. Innovation at a national level manifests through diverse tools and mechanisms, including: Adoption of Science and Technology Policy and Indicators Establishment of infrastructure for research and development Development of personnel with relevant skills. Defining innovation within a sector involves realizing ideas for improved products and processes, commercializing them, and disseminating them in the market. Technological innovation is a dynamic and complex process that transforms research results into commercial capability, leading to positive change in a given market. The authors discuss the positive impact of innovation on competitiveness, highlighting that a country's success is currently measured not only by output but also by the education system, employment, and costs. As global competitiveness increases and product life shortens, innovation becomes crucial in achieving business excellence. Additionally, innovation is identified as one of the three overarching competitiveness indicators by the World Economic Forum (WEF). When India focuses on strengthening scientific-technological innovation, it considers its characteristics: Strengths: Telecom investments, productivity, science graduates, robotics, and the technological stock market. Weaknesses: Scientific-technological employment, rigid contracts, internet infrastructure and connectivity, exposure to pollution, and overall work performance. Opportunities: Skilled workforce, low employment costs, the dynamism of the economy, a sound higher education system, and positive attitudes. Threats: Trade disruptions, difficulty returning to high GDP after COVID-19, asset monetization, fundraising for infrastructure investments. The critical efforts undertaken by India in various aspects of state innovation include: Adoption of science and technology policies and indices: Prioritizing legislation. Conducting diplomatic policies promoting overall economic development and focusing on Research and Development (R&D). Engaging in dialogue and forming alliances with other countries on these issues. Creating infrastructure for research and development: Providing financial support through investments and tax incentives in all matters related to R&D. Establishing the infrastructure to support entrepreneurs and industry. Promoting cooperation by fostering productive collaborations between universities and between them and the private sector. Rewarding researchers and inventors in the country for their contribution to the development and implementation of technologies. Supporting educational, educational, and research institutions. The factors contributing to success are outlined as follows: Well-defined policies. A comprehensive and supportive administrative structure with a focus on science and technology. A robust national innovation management system. A skilled workforce proficient in science and technology. Support for a dynamic community of entrepreneurs. A culture deeply rooted in innovation. A broad base of production capacity grounded in innovation. Widespread distribution and recognition in various countries facilitated by diplomatic efforts. A liberal policy concerning international technologies. OrgZoo Creative Metaphor: A Story of Creativity and Innovation / Arthur Shelley The case study presented in this chapter stands out distinctly from its predecessors. It recounts the evolution of a creative idea over the years, narrated from the writer's perspective, who, with community involvement, developed this idea over time. The idea revolves around using illustrations featuring different animals in various work-related situations to facilitate discussions on ideas, difficulties, conflicts, and issues related to organizations. The selection of animals is intentional and meticulously designed over time. It encompasses animals with "familiar" characteristics, as well as those that can be identified in diverse ways. The discourse, mediated through discussions about animals, creates an open environment that encourages people to discuss topics more openly and effectively, especially those that typically pose challenges for honest and authentic discourse. The situations portrayed can be intricate, the images rich in detail, and the freedom to choose adds a dimension of flexibility that aids the process. Over time, individuals who experienced using the tool sought to apply it themselves, forming an international community of "organizational zoo" ambassadors. These ambassadors discovered more ways to utilize the tool for mentoring, coaching, counseling, leadership development, conflict resolution, raising awareness, and discussing relationships and cooperation. Subsequently, the writer linked the "organizational zoo" concept with another concept developed – the spiral of collaborative discourse. Today, the zoo continues to evolve through various realizations (e.g., game cards) and regular feedback and sharing from a creative community characterized by deep inner trust and a shared passion for the core idea and its developments. What contributed to the success? A combination of several factors, with the main ones being: Identifying initial success Willingness to invest at different stages (e.g., by adding characters or illustrating complex situations) Feedback A diverse community Remember, smiling, laughing, and having fun work wonders. Don't give up on them. In_Novation, a Great Native Dynamic Way Toward Successful Performance / Florin Gaiseanu This chapter presents a uniquely different perspective on innovation, focusing on the brain's internal workings. The author delves into the components responsible for managing information from within and extends the analysis outward. The human body, concerning knowledge management, is structured around the following seven layers: A sensor system that perceives the external world through various senses and transmits information to the information storage center (memory). Processing information in the decision-making center and issuing commands for actions. Emotions, linked to the brain's limbic system, significantly influence decision-making. The information management system derives energy from food, water, and air to meet our needs. The genetic information transfer system communicates with the nervous system. The production of genetic information that drives bodybuilding and vaccination processes. The information relationship system is responsible for choosing between certainty and uncertainty and determining our trust based on experience. This system serves as a safeguard against errors. Examining personal family history, the author introduces a concept of information development within the human body, where growth is initiated by: Commencing with the genome transmitted by the parents. Personal creativity begins to evolve with awareness, documentation of the environment, and the commencement of adaptation to it. The dynamics of learning from mistakes assist in transitioning between states of knowledge and will. Building upon these foundations, we formulate criteria and assessments of certainty and function as information operators for identification, thinking, reasoning, and response. Success in response yields victories, fortifies the cognitive system and further contributes to its ongoing development. Our ability to harmonize judgment and emotions emerges as one of the most crucial elements influencing our effectiveness in exploration and innovation. Life, both on an individual and familial level, presents challenges that act as opportunities for innovative thinking and action. In the end, innovation becomes integral to our definition: We = Our knowledge + our desires + our loves + what we create + the genetics according to which we were made + our beliefs This is a point worth contemplating. Crystallizing the Symphony of Passions / Johan Cools This chapter explores the crucial role of intention and passion as driving forces for innovation, drawing from the writer's introspection: The environment in which we are raised and the interests of our educators play a crucial role. A rich environment instills numerous impressions and sparks our curiosity. In the early stages of life, we establish vital foundations that shape the potential for creativity. A robust intention catalyzes creativity. Creativity can intensify even further when intention evolves into passion, albeit sometimes accompanied by an incubation period before reaching fruition. Significant deficiencies, untapped love, and extreme events or drama are sources of inspiration (as observed, for example, with artists’ work). These factors can also propel us out of our comfort zone, opening windows to new realms of knowledge and areas of activity we may not have explored previously. At times, introducing another person into the equation is necessary, allowing all motivating and compelling factors to converge and manifest as a practical project. This realization transforms innovation into a tangible creation. Bottom Line: Intention and passion hold significance. A synergy of intentions and desires, at times singular and at times in partnership, can propel us forward, each contributing its unique "melody." While we may not actively seek difficulties and challenges in life, when they arise, we can undoubtedly endeavor to harness them for creativity and subsequent innovation. Stay optimistic! The Innovative Journey from the MAKE to the MIKE / Alex Bennet Exploring the Depth of the MIKE: An Intellectual Capital Practice-Based Study Program / WB Lee with Eric Tsui The final two chapters explore the MAKE Award, initially founded by Rory Chase and later evolving into the MIKE Award. What makes this story most intriguing is that, in my opinion (M.L.), the award itself is the secondary aspect of the entire narrative. Chase devised a conceptual framework for exemplary knowledge management, suggesting that organizations can be assessed based on this framework. The purpose is to evaluate themselves and their standing relative to other organizations, enhance their shared language, and glean insights from each other. The award was initially named MAKE: Most Admired Knowledge Organizations and focused on the following components: Knowledge-based organizational culture. Knowledge worker development through senior leadership. Development of knowledge-based products, services, and solutions. Maximizing human capital. Creating and preserving an environment for knowledge sharing. Creating and maintaining a learning organization. Value creation based on stakeholder knowledge. Turning organizational knowledge into value for stakeholders. The perceptual framework transformed. After 20 years of implementation, it was discovered that knowledge-driven organizations significantly outperformed other organizations. In 2017, MAKE reached its culmination. According to the author, interest in knowledge management waned as other trends were introduced. However, before this decline, it can be asserted that MAKE positively impacted the transition from organizations emphasizing individual to organizational learning in the broadest sense. Following an intermediate stage featuring an award and an associated concept, the decision was made to transition from MAKE to a more contemporary concept, MIKE, emphasizing innovation — Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprises. Simultaneously, with the retirement of Rory Chase, Dr. Vincent Ribiere, Director of the Far East Innovation Institute, joined and later (in 2021) assumed leadership of the new competition. The new concept is complemented by a platform where information from various organizations is uploaded to facilitate comparison, sharing, and learning. The competitions are conducted in two stages: country/region and global, encompassing for-profit business organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. MIKE comprises the following updated components (constructed on the foundation of the initial framework, coupled with studies on cognitive factors): Knowledge workers: Empowerment for innovation. Leadership: Strategy and Vision. User needs: Creating expectations, needs, and experiences. Networks: Developing internal and external organizational sharing networks. Culture: Fostering a culture of corporate innovation. Products and services: Investing in and developing knowledge-based products and services. Systems: Implementing knowledge experiences and support systems for knowledge creation. Creativity: Establishing a virtual and creative environment that generates value for stakeholders. Commentary: The award underscores innovation and the value it delivers at the organizational and business levels. An analysis of the performance of the winning organizations reveals that components 1, 2, and 5 are perceived as the most crucial among all the others. Summary: As noted, this is an extensive and inclusive book with various chapters. You may opt to read one chapter per month, absorbing knowledge gradually. Alternatively, you can regard each chapter as an independent piece that adds to a broader mosaic, facilitating a deeper comprehension of the innovation world through collaborative learning. It's a valuable endeavor.

December News Previous Item Next Item KMGN has opened registration for its 2024 course, "Leveraging the value creation of tacit knowledge", which will begin this coming February. Details and registration can be found at Link ROM Global has launched a new service focused on the application of Generative AI in organizations. Our goal is to enhance knowledge work in a smart, straightforward, and responsible manner. Organizations are welcome to get in touch with us to explore whether and how this service can benefit them. KM consultants interested in becoming our business partners for this and other KM services are encouraged to contact us at: moria@kmrom.com .

November News Previous Item Next Item The inaugural KM Global Week, led by Moria Levy on behalf of KMGN, was a remarkable success. This global initiative saw activities held in 13 countries, igniting enthusiasm for knowledge management worldwide. Looking ahead, next year promises an even larger celebration with more countries and activities. This event has initiated a new tradition, reinforcing the global knowledge management community's unity and collaboration. On November 16th, we will hold the last KMGN roundtable of the year titled "Reblooming the Knowledge Movement". The event will be led by Dr. Annie Green and the panelists will include: Dr. Alex Bennet, Robert Turner. Dr. Nancy Dixon, Dr. Thomas Stewart, Dr. Bill Halal, Dr. Anthony Rhe, and Dr. Tori Dodla. Registration at: Link

Expressing via Graphs 1 November 2023 Dr. Moria Levy Previous Article Next Article The book "Graph Expression: A Model for Describing Data Relationships and the Graph Characterization Guide" is an illustrated digital work by Bella Graff, published in 2023. Bella Graff, a renowned expert in Israel on data visualizations, meticulously outlines a comprehensive model for crafting graphs and uncovering concealed insights within them to facilitate decision-making. She conveys this model step by step through illustrations and concise explanations. This model is grounded in several key assumptions: A well-structured model is essential for effective data visualization, as it is based on a sound methodology. The model aids in the entire planning process leading up to the creation of a graph, not limited to its visual design alone. The primary purpose of visualization is to elucidate the relationships among different elements in reality as presented through data. A compelling message results from the harmonious combination of words and images. Data, which forms the foundation of this book, refers to measured items, phenomena, or things for which we possess quantitative values. When we delve into their analysis, we focus on discerning the relationships between various data points: Are they akin or distinct? Is one larger or smaller than the other, and by what magnitude? Data visualization entails using visual representations to scrutinize, comprehend, and convey insights about their significance, employing a format tailored to the workings of the human brain. The significance of visualization is rooted in the fact that our brain processes information through both verbal and visual channels in tandem. Consequently, visualization enhances our capacity to perceive reality, grasp its intricacies, and formulate decisions for its enhancement. The principal components of the model, as outlined in the book, are as follows: Planning and Data Collection: 1.Purpose: Defining the objectives for improving real-world scenarios. 2.Measurement: Identifying what aspects of reality are being measured. 3.Categorization: Classifying the measurement categories. 4.Temporal Alignment: Establishing timeframes for data collection. The Structuring of Data as the Foundation for Learning: 5 .Design: Selecting the appropriate visualization format. 6 .Significance: Determining the most effective organizational structure. 7. Textual Integration: Defining how to convey a cohesive verbal and visual message (i.e., a graph). It's important to note that the book covers additional topics, offering detailed information and examples not encompassed in this summary. Reading the book has instilled in me a commitment to precision in the field's terminology and has equipped me with new tools for shaping my thought process in all aspects related to graph design. Access to the digital book (Hebrew): Link Planning and data collection: 1.Objective: What aspect of reality do you wish to enhance? Data visualization has a clear purpose, and this purpose perpetually centers around improving reality. It's crucial to articulate, or if applicable, retrospectively ascertain (M.L.) the specific objective that you aim to facilitate and seek to gain insights from. For instance, enhancing sales serves as a prime example. Based on this objective, the subsequent section delineates the specifics of data collection. 2.Measurement: What aspects of reality are under scrutiny? The measurement represents the elements within the reality you intend to gauge to enhance the current state of affairs. Typically, people perceive a metric as a numerical value embodying an idea. In this context, it remains consistent; the value signifies the magnitude of elements within the reality being examined. The author presents a selection of five acceptable indicator types to facilitate this process: Sum: Measurement result, for example- Sales Percent : Proportional part of the whole, for example- Percentage of sales of electronic equipment from total sales Difference: Gap between indices, for example- The gap between income and expenses Calculation: Mathematical operation [beyond the difference], for example- The ratio between the volume of sales and the bonuses paid for them Function : Expression of a phenomenon through quantitative value, for example- The level of customer satisfaction with the sales service 3.Space: the categories of measurement The space defines the collection of categories in which the measurement is performed. Examples: products, months, age group, and more. The author offers five types of accepted categories: List: The collection of items in reality. In no fixed order. Suitable when the quantity is limited (M.L), for example- The details of the salespeople. Sequence: Groups of details by range. Suitable when the amount of items is too large. The description has no meaning for the total detail (M.L.), for example- Population by age groups (10-20, 20-30, etc.) Chunk (distribution of the total): The relative distribution of the cake between groups According to Rob - for a percentage index, for example- The distribution of the share of expenses according to the type of expense (R&D, marketing, etc.) Timeline: Categorization by time, for example- Days, weeks, months, years Map: Categorization by location areas, for example- Total sales in different regions of the country 4.When: Establishing the time frame for Measurements This denotes the specific duration over which the measurements are conducted. Including this temporal range alongside the index and the categories in every graph's heading is imperative, as delineating the timeframe is integral to the definition (ensuring the accuracy of the information). Data organization: 5.Structure: Selecting the Data Organization Format (Visualization) This element determines how data is structured to facilitate learning and decision-making. It's important to remember that visualization elucidates the relationships among diverse data points. Consequently, the visualization chosen should underscore these connections in one of several available approaches. Rating Ranking the information by level of importance [left alignment] Typical use: List Imaging Example: Horizontal bar Arrangement The organization of information according to a fixed order of groups. Typical use: Sequence Imaging Example: vertical bar Separation [Note- not a pie chart! M.L.] Separation between one group and another Typical use: chunk (part of) Change A line showing the trend of change between the data in space Typical use: Timeline Imaging Example: Distribution Round areas (of varying sizes) scattered over a surface in different areas Typical use: Map Imaging Example: 6.Meaning: Discerning Organizational Patterns This step involves recognizing the insights that can be gleaned from the visualization. It entails pinpointing the primary distinguishing characteristic that informs us about what is distinct and, in turn, how we can enhance reality. It's worth noting that this process may take time to be evident on occasion, requiring some experimentation with the visualization until the insight becomes apparent. The author guides with five common, accepted forms of meaning to aid this endeavor. Hierarchy Relevant structure: Rating Explanation: High/low importance of categories about each other Example: The sales success rating of the store ... was higher than others. Seriality Relevant structure: Arrangement Explanation: Position on the continuum of major/minor categories Example: Level of stability of sales volume throughout the year in the last five years. Dominance Relevant structure: Separation Explanation: Differentiation of one group as more or less dominant than all the rest. Example: A group ... has sold significantly more than others in the past year. Trend Relevant structure: Change Explanation: Identifying change processes of increase and decrease of the index on the timeline. Example: The sales volume increased yearly until 2021, but then the increase stopped. Density Relevant structure: Distribution Explanation: Identifying categories that are more or less dense Example: The northern region has a broader distribution of points of sale than other regions. Remember, as the author quotes: "A graph is an answer to a question" (Jacques Bertin, 1981) 7.Text Integration In any visualization, the textual component plays a vital role. It encompasses three key elements: The Simulation Including the index, the categories, and the timeframe that has been defined. Structural Headings These pertain to the type of visualization and can include titles for axes on a graph, among others. Additionally, a legend is included to elucidate values that aren't self-explanatory (M.L.). The Insight Title. This title answers the question: What have we learned? What can be contemplated to enhance reality? The saying goes that a picture is worth a thousand words, but as mentioned, an image alone is significantly less valuable. It's essential to combine visual elements with verbal text to ensure comprehension. This harmonious fusion is the path toward improving our understanding of reality.

Blog Previous Item Next Item Blog about various aspects of managing knowledge management activities, as well as professional tips on implementing these activities - Link

The Knowledge Management System: An Essential Tool for Service Centers in Emergency Times 1 November 2023 Sagit Salmon Previous Article Next Article Service centers heavily rely on the knowledge management system as a cornerstone in their operations, and its role becomes even more pronounced during emergencies. Recent global events, from the COVID-19 pandemic to ongoing conflicts, have accentuated its significance in these environments. Drawing from insights during the pandemic, many service centers rapidly transitioned to partial or complete remote work setups, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of operations. However, remote work can sometimes create a chasm, distancing employees from the more extensive organizational infrastructure of the service center. In such scenarios, the knowledge management system emerges as an indispensable ally, bridging this gap by acting as the primary communication channel between the service center and its workforce. This is especially critical when the service providers themselves are affected by the prevailing circumstances. Moreover, the system becomes crucial for conveying timely and accurate professional information to clients. In these challenging periods, service centers witness an influx of new, often transient, data to address unique scenarios swiftly. For instance, insurance-related service centers are inundated with questions ranging from travel insurance for those postponing returns to Israel, car insurance for damaged vehicles, to health and life insurance inquiries and withdrawal requests. On the other hand, banking service centers play an instrumental role in extending support to impacted individuals, necessitating the regular updating of operational information, such as their working hours and formats. Under standard conditions, updating the knowledge management system within service centers is meticulous, involving vetting, testing, addressing queries, ensuring quality, and aligning with existing content. However, during emergencies, the system's agility becomes paramount. During the COVID-19 phase, a pivotal decision faced service centers: should they consolidate all the emergent information into one central knowledge item within the system or integrate it into existing items? While conventional wisdom leans towards updating existing entries, the pressing nature of the situation led most service centers to create a centralized knowledge item that compiled all updates related to the emergency. This dynamic entry swiftly becomes the focal reference during such times. In such dire circumstances, the decision-making path for service centers was evident, lacking the luxury of extended contemplations. Yet, amidst the urgency, the knowledge management system's unwavering commitment to deliver accurate, high-standard responses remains paramount. This translates to crisp, clear, and precise content for service centers, further enriched by relevant resource links. Given the situation's sensitive nature, infusing communications with empathy also becomes imperative. In conclusion, we earnestly hope for a future where service centers and the world grapple with fewer such challenges, steering towards days filled with peace and safety.

Zoom AI 1 December 2023 Moshiko Ofir Previous Article Next Article During the COVID pandemic, Zoom made significant strides in the global market. Four years later, the company is enhancing the capabilities of its tool and introducing new AI-based features to boost efficiency and user experience, all while prioritizing user safety and privacy. Zoom AI is integrated across all Zoom tools, including Zoom Whiteboard, Zoom Team Chat, and Zoom Mail. Zoom AI Companion After years of development, Zoom unveiled the AI Companion, replacing Zoom IQ. This intelligent assistant aims to enhance productivity, elevate meeting quality, and optimize the work environment. According to the company, using AI Companion reduces time spent on repetitive tasks, typically consuming about 62% of an average workday. Currently, this service is available for free only to customers with paid accounts. AI Companion operates through a ChatGPT-like bot, allowing users to engage directly with AI. Users can inquire about past meetings and chats, request meeting summaries, distill meeting insights, and more. For instance, users can instruct AI Companion to create a project status update using transcribed meetings, chats, emails, documents, and apps. Users can also seek real-time support during meetings, formulate answers to questions, and identify tasks for future implementation. An upcoming feature, "Real-time Feedback," will provide insights into participants' presence, conversation dynamics, and presentation skills during meetings. Integration with the Zoom Team Chat messaging app is another noteworthy aspect. Users can schedule meetings, summarize chat threads, and automatically complete sentences, akin to AI features in Microsoft Teams and Google Meet. In Zoom Whiteboard, AI Companion will generate images and propose templates, likely powered by engines such as OpenAI's DALL-E 2 and Midjourney. AI Companion's integration extends to Zoom Mail, enabling users to view and manage emails directly from the Zoom desktop. Users receive AI-generated email suggestions, with the company emphasizing user privacy. Zoom assures that it does not use user audio, video, or other communications to train its artificial intelligence. Users can turn AI features on or off for sensitive meetings, based on their preferences. Differences between AI Tools: Zoom AI Companion vs. ChatGPT While Zoom AI Companion is purpose-built for exclusive use within Zoom meetings, ChatGPT is designed for a broader spectrum of tasks. Additionally, Zoom AI Companion prioritizes privacy by abstaining from using session data for model training, whereas ChatGPT utilizes some data for model training. A Comparative Analysis Reveals Main Advantages and Disadvantages of Zoom AI Companion Main Advantages: Comprehensive Meeting Management: Generates meeting summaries, takes notes, and suggests meeting agendas, catering to complete meeting needs. Integration with Zoom Features: Seamlessly integrates with other Zoom features, enhancing overall meeting functionality. Privacy Focus: Prioritizes privacy by refraining from utilizing data as a model for broader company learning. Main Disadvantages: Not Available as a Standalone Application or API: Currently lacks availability as a standalone application or API, limiting its versatility. Limited Availability: Restricted to paying Zoom subscribers, limiting access to a specific user base. Development Status: As of the end of 2023, the tool is still being developed, implying potential limitations in its current iteration. In Summary: Zoom AI Companion, adding knowledge-work-based features for Zoom meetings, addresses typical meeting needs and is designed to optimize the meeting experience. As Zoom seeks to replicate the growth experienced during COVID, it leverages the capabilities enabled by generative AI technologies to propel its advancement.

ChatGPT Enterprise 1 December 2023 Anat Bielsky Previous Article Next Article ChatGPT Enterprise is a robust new OpenAI assistant, crafted explicitly for business applications. It enhances ChatGPT's conversational capabilities by incorporating strong security measures, advanced functionality, and personalized features tailored for enterprise use. Key Features of ChatGPT Enterprise: I ncreased Security: ChatGPT Enterprise prioritizes data privacy with enterprise-grade security features, including end-to-end encryption, SOC 2 compliance, and a commitment to refrain from utilizing customer data for model training. This ensures the protection of sensitive business information. Unlimited Access to GPT-4: Organizations benefit from unrestricted access to the latest OpenAI version, GPT-4, enabling seamless execution of commands and tasks. Multi-step Interactions: Facilitates extended conversations with an impressive token capacity of 32,000, offering four times more capacity than the accessible version of ChatGPT. Advanced-Data Analysis: Enables natural language queries on databases, producing data-driven insights in graphical, tabular, and summary formats. ChatGPT Enterprise can directly analyze databases through integrations like Microsoft Graph. Custom Templates: Users can create fixed, reusable templates for everyday tasks such as emails, presentations, brainstorming sessions and streamlining workflows. Advanced Admin Controls: A dedicated console empowers administrators to efficiently manage users, models, and settings. Additionally, customization options for the organization are available through Single Sign-On (SSO), APIs, and more. ChatGPT Enterprise empowers businesses to seamlessly integrate AI into crucial workflows, enhancing efficiency and productivity: Accessibility of Organizational Knowledge Bases: Integrates with existing knowledge bases, facilitating quick and accurate customer and employee responses. Apprenticeship and Training: Addresses frequently asked questions and provides pertinent information, streamlining mentoring and employee training processes. Creation of Marketing Content: Generates compelling texts for advertisements, product descriptions, and marketing materials, ensuring effective communication. Programming Assistance: Offers assistance by suggesting syntax, aiding in bug fixing, and providing explanations for errors, thereby improving programmer productivity. Product Recommendations: Utilizes preferences and purchase history data to offer relevant product recommendations, enhancing the overall customer experience. How Much Does it Cost? While ChatGPT 4 (ChatGPTPlus) personal pricing plan is $20 per user, ChatGPT Enterprise is flexible and customized according to each organization's unique needs. Differences between ChatGPT Enterprise and Microsoft 365 Copilot: ChatGPT Enterprise and Microsoft 365 Copilot, both aimed at enhancing organizational productivity, exhibit distinctive approaches: ChatGPT Enterprise: Engages in conversations resembling fundamental human interactions, employing advanced language processing technology. It has learned from extensive internet data to comprehend questions and respond naturally, allowing it to simulate authentic conversations. Microsoft 365 Copilot: Offers more personalized assistance by integrating innovative technology with an organization's private data, including emails and documents. This lets Copilot provide real personal data-based support, directly integrating with Microsoft apps and workflows. It leverages user and context data to deliver personalized recommendations and insights. In addition, while ChatGPT Enterprise emphasizes general friendly discussions, Copilot prioritizes productivity enhancement through personalized assistance based on user data and workflows. Copilot operates as an AI-powered assistant tailored to the user, extending beyond a conversational bot. In Summary Considering these distinct approaches, organizations may find value in combining both tools, based on their needs. ChatGPT excels in informal conversation, while ChatGPT Enterprise surpasses in business-oriented security, speed, analytics, and personalization. Its advanced natural language capabilities automate and enhance a broad spectrum of processes, appealing to customers and internal entities, ultimately improving effectiveness, engagement, and productivity. Sources: Microsoft Chat Copilot vs. Azure ChatGPT - Which generative AI capability to choose for the enterprise? ChatGPT For Enterprises: Use Cases And Solution. 10 Amazing Real-World Examples Of How Companies Are Using ChatGPT In 2023. Streamline Your Business With ChatGPT for Enterprise - Appinventiv. wikipedia What is ChatGPT Enterprise? | OpenAI Help Center ChatGPT Plus vs ChatGPT Enterprise: 5 Key Differences - Analytics Insight. ChatGPT vs ChatGPT Enterprise, what are the differences?

International Conference on Knowledge Management Studies Previous Item Next Item International Conference on Knowledge Management Studies ICKMS February 12-13, 2024 in London, United Kingdom Link

Claude: A Chatbot Championing Human Values 1 November 2023 Anat Bielsky Previous Article Next Article The realm of AI-based chatbot tools is continually evolving, with several leading options available in the market today: 1. OpenAI LLM: GPT-3.5, GPT-4 Chatbot: ChatGPT 2. Google LLM: Palm 2 Chatbot: Bard 3. Anthropic LLM: Claude 2 Chatbot: Claude 4. Meta LLM: Liama 2 Chatbot: -- Previous articles in our monthly magazine discuss ChatGPT and Bard's capabilities. In this article, our primary focus will be on Anthropic's Chatbot "Claude". Anthropic is an AI startup, founded in 2021 by former employees of OpenAI who played a significant role in developing the GPT-2 and GPT-3 models. Like other AI-based chatbot tools, Claude is also built upon the foundation of a Large Language Model (LLM). These models are potent neural networks, capable of generating natural language texts based on the input they receive. The models are trained on vast amounts of textual data. In Claude's case, this amounts to more than 52 billion parameters. In contrast, ChatGPT, built upon GPT-4, boasts an estimated 1.76 trillion parameters. This increased parameter count in GPT-4 enhances its knowledge base, making it more informative and better suited for tasks that demand creativity, thus having more comprehensive understanding of complex instructions. What are Claude's capabilities? Content Accountability: Claude operates on principles of universal human values, including integrity and human dignity. This approach ensures that Claude provides helpful assistance without causing harm through the following means: Filtering Harmful Content : Claude employs filters to prevent displaying harmful, dangerous, or illegal information, making it impossible to recommend unethical or illegal actions. Non-Generation of Harmful Content: Claude does not generate potentially harmful content, such as disinformation, inflammatory material, or content that violates privacy. Referring Users to Human Help: If the tool detects a user in distress, it gently advises them to seek assistance from a qualified human. Refusal of Harmful Actions: If asked to perform an action that may cause harm, Claude refuses and explains the refusal. Protecting User Privacy: Claude does not store personal or private information about users, and conversations are automatically deleted. Human Control: There is close human oversight of the tool's behavior and content, to ensure continued safety. Fairness and Anti-Bias: Claude is designed to be fair and unbiased, avoiding judgments or discrimination and not making assumptions based on stereotypes or prejudices. Document Analysis: Claude's notable advantage lies in its ability to analyze lengthy texts, even the length of an entire book. Additionally, it allows the comparison of several text files within the chat. While currently efficient at comparing 2-3 documents (up to 5 files can be uploaded), the process becomes more complex and slower as more documents are added. Proficiency in Less Common Languages, such as Hebrew: Claude excels in handling the complex morphological structure of Hebrew. It offers the following capabilities: Recognizing Common Phrases, Slang, and Spelling Mistakes in spoken Hebrew, and adjusting responses accordingly. Hebrew Text Production: Composing correct and clear sentences and texts in Hebrew, following grammar, punctuation, and language rules. Emotion Recognition: Identifying various emotions in Hebrew texts (joy, sadness, anger, etc.). Cultural Adaptation: Familiarity with Israeli culture and context, allowing Claude to tailor responses and recommendations accordingly. Metaphors and Phrases: Recognizing metaphors, idiomatic expressions, slang, and humor in Hebrew, and using them as needed. Transparency: Users can receive explanations on how the tool generated its responses and the assumptions it relied on. Content Creation: Like ChatGPT, Claude can generate new and creative content from lengthy texts. Moreover, it can write code, debug, analyze raw data, and transform it into insights. ChatGPT boasts numerous advantages, primarily from the vast data used for its training. This extensive dataset enhances the tool's potential for greater creativity. Additionally, ChatGPT offers a variety of add-ons that enable its application in diverse activities. Conversely, Claude distinguishes itself through its unique capabilities. These include proficient text summarization and the ability to generate substantial volumes of content. Claude excels in handling the Hebrew language, utilizing artificial intelligence that prioritizes responsibility and alignment with human values. Sources: Claude Pro vs. ChatGPT Claude 2

Microsoft 365 Copilot 1 December 2023 Polina Shapiro Previous Article Next Article Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-based tool integrated into Microsoft 365 applications. Leveraging the advanced capabilities of ChatGPT-4 from OpenAI, the tool offers a diverse range of features for convenient and efficient work within familiar Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as browser and Windows 365 applications. Its functionality enables interaction with a chatbot seamlessly integrated into the existing Office menu, allowing users to effortlessly provide instructions and receive guidance. Microsoft 365 Copilot Capabilities Highlights: Writing Texts: Generate content on specific topics, summarize, or integrate information from various sources. Translation: Convert text into different languages. Email Composition: Independently compose emails in Outlook using existing information. Data Insights in Excel: Analyze data files, extracting insights, categories, and properties, and visualizing them as graphs or Pivot Tables. Teams Video Call Transcription: Transcribe and summarize video calls in Teams, identifying themes and key insights. Organize Team meetings, providing an overview of topics and highlighting key points for participants. PowerPoint Presentations: Prepare and design PowerPoint presentations based on textual instructions from the user. Organizational Information Handling: Organize and extract information from databases, archives, or logs using a Copilot plugin. Extract keywords from transcribed conversations and generate conversation reports. CRM Optimization: Streamline CRM tasks by transcribing real-time customer conversations, identifying sentiment, conducting chatbot interactions, and analyzing transaction success based on customer activity history. Key Differences between Microsoft 365 Copilot and other AI Tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot is seamlessly integrated into the core 365 tools to enhance productivity, aligning with the broader AI movement seeking to redefine our computer-assisted interactions. Specifically crafted to boost efficiency within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Microsoft 365 Copilot utilizes machine learning to provide intelligent recommendations and insights based on user behaviors and preferences. Here are some notable distinctions between Microsoft 365 Copilot and other AI tools: Targeted Productivity Improvement: Microsoft 365 Copilot focuses on enhancing productivity and associated tasks within the Microsoft 365 environment. In contrast, other AI tools like ChatGPT are more general-purpose and adaptable to a broad range of applications and platforms. Data Integration: Microsoft 365 Copilot seamlessly integrates Large Language Models (LLMs) with data from the Microsoft Graph, encompassing the user's calendar, emails, chats, documents, meetings, and more. Functional Optimization: While other AI tools may be optimized for specific tasks such as content writing or code generation, Microsoft 365 Copilot distinguishes itself by offering diverse features and integrations. Key Advantages of Microsoft 365 Copilot over Other Tools: Microsoft 365 Copilot distinguishes itself through several key advantages over other tools: Extensive File and Document Reference: Enables efficient work with Office applications by providing extensive reference capabilities to files and documents. In-App Text Reference: Allows referencing text within the 365 app, both in the initial request and throughout the conversation. Tool-Specific Actions: Performs actions tailored to specific Office tools, such as animation in PowerPoint. The integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot into these fundamental and central work tools in both personal and organizational realms has rapidly garnered a significant fan base since its launch. A Microsoft-conducted survey among global Microsoft 365 Copilot users revealed that over 89% express high satisfaction. Users describe it as a "personal assistant" adept at handling routine and technical tasks, ultimately saving them time and energy and allowing them to focus on "what really matters." In summary Microsoft 365 Copilot seamlessly integrates into our daily work apps, streamlining processes and freeing up time for advanced thought processes. The tool enhances productivity, fosters creativity, and elevates skill levels. Sources: Microsoft 365 Copilot: What Is It & How To Use It? Perplexity

A collection of lessons learned case studies Previous Item Next Item A remarkable collection of lessons learned case studies of CALL (Center for Army Lessons Learned): Link