KITE is a research group involving the University of Technology, Sydney office of DSTC and academics from a number of UTS faculties.

The KITE project aims to develop better ways to support knowledge sharing and knowledge creation. We are interested in developing a better understanding of these issues so as to help organisations effectively use their knowledge assets. By applying our skills and expertise to help Job Futures, we in turn gain the practical understanding and experience that is fundamental to our research objectives.

The members of the group are from several academic and professional disciplines and have experience with a range of methods for studying the use of software and technology, work practices, organisational behaviour and networks. Using an action-research approach, we are developing general-purpose, commercially-exploitable assessment methods and software tools and configurations that can be flexibly applied within organisations. To do this we are drawing upon and integrating published research in this field and industrial experiences with knowledge management issues and software and applying this directly to the benefit of the organisations we are working with.

Potential benefits would include recommendations for tools and work practices to improve teamwork, internal and external communication, and non-hierarchical networking across the Job Network.

Specifically, on the basis of our initial meeting with Job Futures, we would expect to examine: distributed communication (between remote workers in Job Network agencies and Job Futures, as well as between Job Network partners); internal communication (between Job Futures staff); efficient coordination, the fostering of networks within Job Network partners, and planning for the future growth of the organisation.

The KITE Group benefits directly from the opportunity to conduct research within an applied environment. KITE researchers are interested in affecting and observing positive change and development within a sociotechnical context. Researchers in the KITE Group benefit from the opportunity to publish and present results of studies (maintaining confidentiality of Job Futures staff and affiliates) in academic and public forums such as academic journals, conferences and other media. The project also aims to develop general-purpose, commercially-exploitable assessment methods and software tools and configurations that can be flexibly applied within organisations.

Contact Point:
Dr Tim Mansfield
Phone 02 9514 2689
Email timbomb@dstc.edu.au