A Process-Oriented and Technology-Based Model of Virtual Communities of Practices: Evidence from a Case Study in Higher Education

International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2008, DOI: 10.4018/jwltt.2008010109.

1 Pages Posted: 8 Sep 2012 Last revised: 10 Sep 2012

See all articles by Giustina Secundo

Giustina Secundo

University of Salento

Gianluca Elia

University of Salento - Department of Engineering for Innovation

Cesare Taurino

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Date Written: 2008

Abstract

This article hypothesizes that virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) are valuable to business schools and universities because they contribute to the emerging paradigms of just-in-time, action-based informal learning. It presents a real case study of a VCoP called Virtual eBMS that was built by applying participative observation (Yin, 1994). In particular, the article provides a process-oriented model of Virtual eBMS that is composed of four main elements: the people participating in the community, the processes and the purpose of the community in terms of the value created for the business school, and the technology enabling the interactions between the community members. Indeed, from a technological point of view, the community is supported by an integrated Web learning and knowledge management platform, described in terms of the main knowledge processes triggered and the correspondent technologies supporting the actions. Finally, the work presents some preliminary results and the value created through the use of Virtual eBMS.

Keywords: Virtual Community of Practices, Business Schools, Virtual eBMS, learning in action, action learning, value creation

JEL Classification: I2, O3

Suggested Citation

Secundo, Giustina and Elia, Gianluca and Taurino, Cesare, A Process-Oriented and Technology-Based Model of Virtual Communities of Practices: Evidence from a Case Study in Higher Education (2008). International Journal of Web-Based Learning and Teaching Technologies, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2008, DOI: 10.4018/jwltt.2008010109., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2143653

Giustina Secundo

University of Salento ( email )

via Taranto 35
Piazza Tancredi, N.7
Lecce, Lecce 73100
Italy

Gianluca Elia (Contact Author)

University of Salento - Department of Engineering for Innovation ( email )

Via per Monteroni, sn
Campus Ecotekne
Lecce, Lecce 73100
Italy

Cesare Taurino

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

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