Assignment Nine:Watch Dan Ariely's video on predictable irrationality. Discuss what lessons knowledge management can learn from it.

Lessons that knowledge management can learn from the Video on predictable irrationality are that even though the human eye is a remarkable tool, it still is prone to make mistakes; therefore if something as remarkable as the eye is complex, man made structures can be not reliable as well. As a technology driven society, we are relying more heavily on technology every day, which ultimately can result in a problems if, we as a society, are not careful. Ariely produced evidence of two of the same picture, but when asked if they were alike or different, people would chose that they are different.

Also, Ariely told about a study on organ donation in different countries and how different countries varied, simply because of how they worded the question as to whether or not they would want to be a participant on the organ donation list after death. How things are worded is very crucial in any field of business. If things are not worded correctly, mishaps will happen. Wording things is essential in knowledge management for things such as artificial intelligence.

Dan Ariely taught a told of a lot of experiments that were conducted that were interesting to learn. His video was thoroughly enjoying and offered up great humor.   

Assignment Eight: Read the article http://www.web2summit.com/web2009/public/schedule/detail/10194 (or serach to find a Web 2.0 example), then describe an example of Web Squared technology. Also, talk about how valuable this "cool" website/app to the user.

An example of a web 2.0 website would be Youtube. Most everyone that uses the internet uses Youtube to look at videos, whether they would be for entertainment or for educational purposes. Youtube is the perfect example of a web 2.0 website for the fact that users can upload information automatically, people viewing the site can give feedback, and videos can be watched in seconds of loading automatically. With as many people that visit Youtube daily, Youtube couldn't afford not to be Web 2.0 because of the advancement in technology that Web 2.0 offers.

Other examples of a web 2.0 website would be Craigslist, Photobucket, Wikipedia, and Twitter.

Assignment Seven:Search for and discuss information about a business application of the neural networking technology

        Neural networks are composed of artificial neurons or artificial nodes. Neurophysiologist Warren McCulloch and logician Walter Pitts invented the first artificial node in 1943. Biological neural networks are composed of either one group or multiple groups that are chemically connected to other neurons. The number of neurons that are connected together can get quite large. Neural networking takes on a different approach with problem solving than a standard computer will. They take on many statistical and science problems to solve.
        A neural network tends to process information similar to that of a human brain. It does not store information into its memory bank. Instead it stores information as patterns throughout the structure. A neural network will learn by an example that it is given; yet they cannot be programmed to perform specific duties. The more conclusions that a neural network can make, the better conclusions it can make. The network in the computer consists of interconnecting neurons that work together to solve specific problems.
       Neural Networks are now considered as the most effective artificial intelligence technology for pattern recognition and they are also being used for a wide variety of reasons within the business world. Neural network technology is found in operating in financial institutions, oil and gas cooperation’s, manufacturing companies, insurance companies, and even in airline security controls, just to name a few.

Assignment Six:Search the Web for information about how artificial intelligence is applied to support certain aspects of business operation.

Artificial intelligence is defined as the intelligence of machines, as well as the computer science that branches out in order to create such a thing. Artificial Intelligence is important if a business wants to succeed due to the fact that so many businesses and cooperation’s are using artificial intelligence already. Chances are that the next “big” company is using artificial intelligence to enhance its function and performance.

            Artificial intelligence can be used in virtually every work field known to man. The high demand of technology requires that artificial intelligence be at the top of its game, to improve how things work and function.  It is used in medical diagnosing, logistics, data mining, supply chain management, simulation methodology, stochastic modeling, applied statistical methods, stock trading, robot control, and many other areas among the technological world.  With Artificial Intelligence, machines are able to understand what a human is commanding it to do; they are also able to perform human-like actions.

            In the medical field, Artificial Intelligence is used to schedule staff rotation and give medical information. In Finance, they manage properties, organize stock, and organize operations while using Artificial Intelligence. In the Heavy Industry, dangerous jobs are given to robots instead of people to decease on the number of accidents.

            With Artificial Intelligence making technology so advanced today, people have to wonder what Artificial Intelligence will bring to the table ten years from now. The constantly changing world of technology, keeps inventors and scientists always rolling out with something new constantly to keep up with the pace of the ever-changing world. In a sense, society demands something new and fresh all the time.  Many experts fully believe that Artificial Intelligence will exceed the limits of advancement. 

            Without Artificial Intelligence, businesses may not be what they are today. Many businesses rely on Artificial Intelligence to help and make their business what it today. By having companies use Artificial Intelligence, they are able to exceed the limits they need to and they are able to perform up to par.  

Assignment Five:Briefly explain the knowledge spiral model using an example to discuss the process of knowledge creating in an organizational setting.

The knowledge spiral is a concept used to show how tactic knowledge is transformed into explicit knowledge and how explicit knowledge is transformed into tactic knowledge.  According to Ikujiro Nonaka, knowledge is a spiral process. The tactic knowledge is the knowledge that is implanted in one’s mind overtime, such as a child touching a hot stove, learning that he will get burned. Explicit knowledge is any kind of knowledge that has been documented, such as knowledge that you are able to find in textbooks. The spiral can consist of four different ways that knowledge can be converted, socialization, externalization, combination, or internalization.

When it comes to conveying tactic knowledge from one person to the next, it is done through a process called socialization. Sharing experiences with one another does this. By having individuals share personal experiences, tactic knowledge is formed and implanted into the brain.

Externalization is transforming tactic knowledge into explicit knowledge through transforming and processing information through dialog with others. When it comes to externalization, it is done through face-to-face interaction in which they exchange ideas and give feedback.

Combination is a process that involves combining explicit knowledge and incorporating it to an existing manuscript. In combination, knowledge can be transferred in a type of document, databases, through meetings, etc.

The process of internalization requires sharing technical know-how, as sort of learning by doing process. Internalization is done through experience, whether it is through actually accomplishing the concept or through simulations.

            The knowledge spiral can take place in physical places like in offices; it can be virtual such as in teleconferencing, mental through shared experiences, or in relationship conditions such as people sharing similar goals. The purpose of the creation of knowledge has five enablers, which consist of staff, system, vision, strategy, and structure. Below is an example of the knowledge spiral.

Assignment Four: Based on the videoed lecture and the summary of the book, what do you think is (are) the most important factors driving Globalization 3.0? Also discuss their implications for today's college students.

            The lecture video of the book, The World is Flat is an excellent example of what the world is now being faced with as far as becoming globalized, and as a result we are loosing out on jobs because of the technological advances that the world now has within it’s possession. What once made America the land of the great as far as there being plenty of jobs available and being one of the smartest countries in the world is now not the case. America has lost a lot of jobs because of the “flattening” of the world, moving them overseas or having computers do the work.

            Friedman names the major developments that came into making the world flat, one of which is the invention of Netscape, allowing more people to access the internet. The creation of the Internet helped most definitely create a flatter world. With the Internet, other countries are now able to compete with America. Just think, when you call customer service for a specific product, chances are you will not be talking to someone in the United States, but you just might be talking to someone from India, which is in turn flattening the world.

            Technology has come so fast and rapid in so little time that some may wonder if it is a good thing or not. While technology can be a good thing to many, it can be a curse to others and they may not even realize it. If people are not aware and up to date on technology, they will fall behind. Now days with technology being so constant and demanding in our lifestyles today, if we are not up to speed on it, as well as educated on it, someone else, whether it be within the United States or in another country, is going to take the place of what you don’t know because they know more, therefore they can do it better. 

Assignment Three: One of the most powerful concept about knowledge economy is the law of increasing returns. Discuss what this concept means to a company or any organization. Use examples to illustrate your points.

Law of increasing returns is very important to businesses due to the fact of “the more you sell, the more you sell.” An example of this would be social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. If one person is only using the site it doesn’t do much good for the owner of the business or for the customer; but if more people happen to be using the sites, the more beneficial it is for everyone involved.

Compact Disks are another example of increasing returns. It takes a lot of money and resources to create and make all of the information that goes on that one particular disk, but after that one disk is created, virtually making copies of the other disks cost practically nothing or very little compared to the original price of that fist disk. What is important to remember is not to put too much time in money into one product though if you cannot make it up through the sales. It is important to know the competition’s product and know what the competition is selling their product for. 

Assignment Two: Discuss why innovation is critical to stimulating and sustaining economic growth of a society.

Innovation brings out the best of the best whenever it comes to designing and developing a product. Without having innovation, people would not buy new things, new jobs wouldn’t be created, and the economy would not grow. It is essential for companies to have innovation to bring out the best products and services to customers, allowing their lives to be more convenient. Innovation involves constantly keeping up with the change of the fast pace world.  A good example of a company that constantly keeps innovating itself is Facebook. Facebook is constantly making changes to itself to keep the user coming back for more. Facebook is appealing to so many age groups because it brings a little of something to everyone whether it be connecting with friends and family, playing games, chatting, finding groups to be apart of online, etc. Junior high children all the way to grandparents are on Facebook, which happens to be a very broad range group, therefore Facebook must keep reinventing itself to keep up with the demand of what the user wants.

Google is another great company that seems to be on top of innovation. Google knows that they need to be more than just a search engine to be on top of the competition. With the features that Google brings to the table, creates new jobs, which in turn helps the economy grow. Recently with the newest feature of Google+, Google has ventured into social networking, which in turn could give Facebook a run for their money.

Innovation brings out the best of the best in competing for the top spot of winning over a customer. Knowledge of knowing what a customer wants is critical to becoming on top of innovation. Just imagine if Ford Motors happened to still be making the Model T and other motor companies were designing vehicles like we have today. There would be no way that Ford would be able to stay afloat if that were the case. Innovation is important. In a sense, the economy relies on innovation to keep jobs and money floating around. 

Assignment One: Discuss why knowledge and competence are a critical source of competitive advantage.

Knowledge is the key to advancing in anything in life, especially whenever it comes to companies and their chance to lead over the competition.  According to Webster’s Dictionary, the definition for knowledge is “the range of one’s information and understanding.” Knowledge and understanding have to be a part of the company in order to improve and expand, not only to bring upon a better client base, but also to provide a better product. Take for example the company Apple. All of the knowledge that they have brought to the table creates an amazing product that keeps people in demand for it because they are always reinventing their products as newer, faster, slimmer, and better, keeping customers wanting more and not switching to another company.

            The world of retail revolves around competition and striving to be number one in the creation of products and sales. If there were no such thing as competition then how would companies strive to make a better product, satisfying the customers? Thankfully, the growing world of technology brings about plenty competition for companies to strive in making the perfect product that we as customers will often wonder how we ever did without that specific product and the features that it has to offer. About two to three years ago, a lot of people did not have internet access on their phones. Today, the majority of cellphone users now use smartphones instead of just a standard phone that does nothing but call and text.

            Companies are striving to make the best product out there because if they want their company to survive and not go under, they have to. We as a society are obsessed with having the latest gadgets, whether it is to make life more convenient for our lives on the go, keeping up with the Jones’, or just because we find the latest gadgets fun. Whatever the reason, companies know that they are going to have to keep up with the technological world if they want to keep business.