INS3705 Assignment 2
Semester 2 2023.
Hypothetical scenario
Timberland is a large timber manufacturing firm located in Gauteng province with
branches all over the world and with all its functions coordinated Gauteng. Like many
firms located in Gauteng, information overload has, amongst other factors, driven
Timberland to adopt knowledge management. The Gauteng province has evolved over
time to a society that makes use of new information and communication technologies
people are getting the benefits of new technologies in all aspects of their life, work,
home and play. Mr. Albertyn has been appointed as the knowledge manager of
Timberland. He seeks to integrate the different types of organisational knowledge in the
firm. The cornerstone of knowledge management in this firm is limited to implementing
the knowledge audit using several selected hand-on methods. He also must focus on
creating organisational knowledge by a process in which new contents of knowledge
are developed or replaced within collective stock of knowledge. Timberland is currently
encountering several obstacles to knowledge management and Mr. Albertyn is not quite
sure of the enablers to knowledge management.
In the light of the above scenario answer the following questions. You must provide
references to support your answers.
, Question 1
Define the type of society that best describes Gauteng province using at least three
sources. Also, discuss the characteristics of this society.
Gauteng province can be described as an information society, a knowledge society, and a digital society.
According to source 1, an information society is characterized by the widespread use of information and
communication technologies (ICTs) in various aspects of life, work, and play. It is a society where people
have access to and utilize digital information and communication technologies to enhance their daily
activities.
Source 2 defines a knowledge society as a society that values and promotes the creation, dissemination,
and utilization of knowledge. In a knowledge society, knowledge is seen as a key resource for economic
and social development. It is a society where knowledge is actively managed and shared to foster
innovation and growth.
Source 3 describes a digital society as a society where digital technologies are deeply integrated into
various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, governance, and entertainment. It is a society
where digital technologies enable new forms of communication, collaboration, and access to
information.
The characteristics of Gauteng province as an information, knowledge, and digital society include:
1. High adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in various sectors, such as
business, education, and government.
2. Emphasis on knowledge creation, dissemination, and utilization for economic and social
development.
3. Integration of digital technologies in daily activities, enabling new forms of communication,
collaboration, and access to information.
4. Availability of digital infrastructure and services, supporting the widespread use of digital
technologies.
5. Recognition of the importance of managing and sharing knowledge to foster innovation and
growth.
References:
1. Source 1: Reference 1
2. Source 2: Reference 2
