Since the beginning of mankind until today uncountable many inventions took place and prepared the base for an unbelievably fast development. Compared to the age of our planet the time period between the invention of the wheel 5000 BC [50] and the first computers like the British “Colossus computer” or Konrad Zuse’s “Z machine” is not more than a tiny moment. This development would have been impossible without directed communication, as well as sharing and storing of knowledge. The invention of the computer laid the foundation for the change from the industrial age to the today’s information age. As the term “information” already implies, the economical focus in this age has changed from industrial production to information and information processing. This means that today the value of information is significant for economics and business. However, information gets a value just when it is exchanged, which makes it necessary that communication takes place. Otherwise nobody would be interested in buying or selling information. In today’s business information can be exchanged in various ways. Communication can take place between people; it can be an interaction between a person and a computer or between computers only. For all these interactions communication systems are necessary. They have a wide range of structure and specification, depending on the media and contents which have to be communicated. These systems shall provide the infrastructure for an effective work which helps to save money and time and at the same time helps to remain compatible and to develop further.
In the here presented diploma work I will focus on “Communication Systems in Modern Business Management Structures - Needs, Requirements and Solutions”. This means that I will examine needs and requirements which are set by modern companies to communication systems and which solutions are offered to them.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Modern approaches to communication systems in business management
2.1. Communication and communication models
2.1.1. Communication
2.1.2. Communication models
2.1.3. Classification of communication
2.1.4. Communication scenario
2.2. Communication systems
2.2.1. Development and evolution of business communication systems
2.2.2. Types of communication systems
2.2.3. Features of communication systems
2.3. Modern Business
2.3.1. Modern Business
2.3.1. Modern business and e-business
2.3.2 Fields of modern business
3. BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND COMMUNICATION NEEDS
3.1. Communication in modern business
3.1.1. Communication flow in modern companies
3.1.2 Relation between company size and business communication
3.1.3. Integration of different media
3.1.4 Knowledge management
3.1.4.1. General knowledge management
3.1.4.2 Explicit and implicit knowledge
3.1.4.3 Structural, organizational and technical needs
3.1.5. Communication policy
3.1.5.1 Communication policy
3.1.5.2. Communication charter
3.1.5.2. Security
3.1.5.3. Openness
3.1.5.4. Rational communication
3.2. Hierarchy and management in modern business
3.2.1. Hierarchy and management in modern business
3.2.2. Hierarchy and communication flows
3.2.2.1. Hierarchy and communication flows
3.2.2.2. Virtual structures
3.2.2.3. Logistics and supply-chain-management (SCM)
3.2.3. Management style and communication
3.2.4. Business process standards
3.2.5. Workflow and workgroup oriented communication
3.2.6. Value of communication and economical aspects of communication systems
3.3. General needs and requirements
3.4. Summarizing overview of needs and requirements
4. Communication systems in departmental business management and some proposals
4.1. Comparison of communication systems for modern business
4.1.1. Comparison of communication systems for modern business
4.1.2. HiPath 3000
4.1.2.1. HiPath 3000 and its applications
4.1.2.2. Summary
4.1.3. Octopus F650
4.1.3.1. Octopus F650 and its applications
4.1.3.2. Summary
4.1.4. SOPHO 2000 IPS
4.1.4.1. SOPHO 2000 IPS and its applications
4.1.4.2. Summary
4.1.5. Conclusion
4.2. Examination of the company XYZ and the HiPath 3000 communication server
4.2.1. Description of the company XYZ
4.2.2. Handling analysis of requirements and needs by the HiPath 3000 communication system in the company XYZ
4.2.3. A SWOT analysis for the company XYZ
4.3. Conclusion
5. Conclusion
6. References
6.1. Books
6.2. Scripts and other sources
6.3. Internet sources with data and time of accession
Research Objectives and Themes
This thesis examines the essential requirements for communication systems within modern business management structures. It investigates how these systems must be adapted to meet the specific needs of enterprises to facilitate effective communication, coordination, and cooperation in a globalized, information-driven economy.
- Evolution of communication systems in modern business environments.
- Identification of structural, organizational, and technical communication requirements.
- Comparative analysis of contemporary communication systems (HiPath 3000, Octopus F650, SOPHO 2000 IPS).
- Application of communication strategies in a corporate case study (XYZ company).
Excerpts from the Book
3.1.4.2 Explicit and implicit knowledge
Knowledge can be divided into two different forms. The first one is the formal or explicit knowledge, which is easy to communicate, as it is uniformly coded [39]. The second form of knowledge is the so-called informal or implicit knowledge, which is hard to locate, to map or to value, as it is included in human beings, but it is often unconscious and therefore not easy to communicate. Michael Polanyi states [24] that all knowledge is implicit and that the explicit one is based on it. This fact makes clear how important an effective usage of the employees’ knowledge for modern businesses is. Based on the theory of Polanyi Ikujiro Nonaka and Hirotaka Takeuchi created the SECI-model (Socialisation, Externalization, Combination, Internalization), which aims on the transformation of implicit knowledge into explicit knowledge, which can be used more effective in modern business. [51].
The leaching of tacit knowledge is normally a hard process, as it is mostly used unconsciously by the owner of this knowledge. Therefore the first step in the in the SECI-model is socialisation, which enables the transmission of the tacit knowledge by experiencing it. A good example here is teamwork, where experienced employees and the not so much experienced ones work together. The “learning employee” expires how the “knowing one” solves problems and tasks by observing and cooperation. In this way the tacit knowledge of the experienced employee is externalized and the not so much experienced employee can combine his/her observations and experiences with his/her own knowledge. In the end the employee internalizes this knowledge, becomes more experienced and is able to initiate innovation.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the transition to the information age and the vital importance of communication systems for organizational success.
2. Modern approaches to communication systems in business management: Discusses the theoretical foundations of communication models and the evolution of communication systems in business.
3. BUSINESS STRUCTURES AND COMMUNICATION NEEDS: Defines the critical requirements for communication in modern organizations, including knowledge management, hierarchy, and communication policy.
4. Communication systems in departmental business management and some proposals: Provides a comparative analysis of selected communication systems and applies them to a hypothetical company scenario.
5. Conclusion: Summarizes findings on the necessity of integrating communication strategies with business process management.
Keywords
Communication systems, modern business, information management, business structures, knowledge management, E-Business, communication policy, organizational hierarchy, virtual structures, supply chain management, VoIP, Unified Messaging, workflow, workgroup, SWOT analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this diploma thesis?
The work examines the needs and requirements that modern companies face regarding communication systems and how these systems can be effectively integrated into business management structures.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The thesis covers the evolution of communication technologies, knowledge management, the impact of organizational structures on information flow, and the practical application of systems in corporate environments.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to identify how communication systems can be tailored to meet specific corporate needs to support effective cooperation, coordination, and competitiveness in the "new economy."
Which scientific methodology does the author apply?
The author uses a literature-based theoretical analysis of communication models followed by a comparative technical assessment of specific communication systems (HiPath, Octopus, SOPHO) and a SWOT analysis applied to a fictive company.
What is discussed in the main part of the thesis?
The main part focuses on identifying specific communication needs (e.g., knowledge management, openness, rational communication) and analyzing how technical communication solutions address these needs in departmental settings.
How would you characterize this thesis using keywords?
Key terms include Communication Systems, Modern Business, Knowledge Management, Business Structures, and Organizational Efficiency.
How does the author define the relationship between "old economy" and "new economy" structures?
The author contrasts the rigid, top-down hierarchy of the "old economy" with the flexible, process-oriented, and networked structures required by modern enterprises.
What is the significance of the "communication charter" proposed in the work?
It acts as a strategic framework to ensure optimal internal and external communication by defining goals, responsibilities, and appropriate media, helping to prevent information overload.
How does the HiPath 3000 serve as a case study?
It is used as a specific example to demonstrate how a modern communication system can meet the complex requirements of a dynamic, international consulting firm (company XYZ).
What role does knowledge management play in this thesis?
Knowledge management is identified as a critical success factor, with the author highlighting the importance of transforming tacit (implicit) knowledge into explicit knowledge using models like the SECI framework.
- Quote paper
- Michael Kuhn (Author), 2006, Communication Systems in Modern Business Management Structures - Needs, Requirements and Solutions, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/63903
