The development and evaluation of an Information Technology Support System for inter-organisational collaboration in HRD

Ford, NJ

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to evaluate the diffusion of and user response to an information technology support system (ITSS) which was designed to facilitate inter-organisational coordination and collaboration in the professional development of officers employed by local authorities (LAs).

Design/methodology/approach – An action research strategy was adopted reflecting the tightly coupled nature of the design and evaluation of a training coordination model. The evaluation comprised a preliminary questionnaire survey and analysis of focus group discussions.

Findings – The ITSS was regarded as having the potential to fulfil key training coordination functions; nevertheless, there was a low usage of it within its first eight months of operation. There was no evidence of overt organisational or cultural barriers but there was a failure to appreciate the usefulness and benefits of the collaborative tools provided by the ITSS.

Research limitations/implications – ITSSs have the capability to facilitate coordination and collaborative workplace learning for professional officers across local government boundaries but factors influencing organisational support may need further investigation.

Practical implications – Similar projects should incorporate initiatives to inform users and managers of the benefits of full engagement with the ITSS.

Originality/value – Web-based systems, such as the one developed for this project, present a real opportunity for employers to work collaboratively to address specific professional development needs through sharing knowledge and resources

Citation

Ford, N. (2006). The development and evaluation of an Information Technology Support System for inter-organisational collaboration in HRD. Journal of European Industrial Training, 30(7), 569-588. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590610704411

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2007
• Journal: Journal of European Industrial Training
• Print ISSN: 0309-0590
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 569-588
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/03090590610704411
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/03090590610704411