Performance Support Engineering: An Emerging Development Methodology for Enabling Organizational Learning

Abstract

This paper discusses an emerging development methodology, Performance Support Engineering, that can be used to design and build performance support systems. It introduces a new model called the Organizational Performance/Learning Cycle that describes the dynamics of the organizational learning process and provides a framework for thinking about the technologies (Ariel 1994) and methodologies that enable that process. The author argues that previous definitions of EPSS were too limited and restricted in their scope and expands on these earlier definitions to take into account this new model of organizational learning. The new dofinition clparly distinguishes EPSS from traditional systems development, which focuses on data, not on knowledge, and from expert systems development, which focuses on knowledge rather than on enabling performance. This new view of EPSS offers a clear opportunity for organizations to recognize the strategic importance of managing their knowledge assets. Most of the current methodologies in use by different functional groups are limited in their capability to enable this model and the expanded definition of EPSS. The author describes how the emerging Performance Support Engineering methodology overcomes those limitations.

Tool use in open learning environments: In search of learner-related determinants

“…Although the design framework of a performance support system (PSS) has not been clearly defined in the extant literature, the major technical characteristic of such systems has been identified as a module-based approach which allows for flexibility in the exchange of modules to meet users' needs and provides the possibility of parallel development for each functional component (Barker & Banerji, 1995;Gery et al, 2000;Raybould, 1995;Tjahjono & Greenough, 2002;van Schaik et al, 2002). Based on this technical characteristic, a PSS offers designers a way to integrate multiple instructional modules (such as a tutorial, hypertext, advisory systems, information management systems, and collaboration tools) into a package with a common interface that provides users with a helpful system for dealing with various tasks and problems encountered in their work environment.…”

“…While the toolset design approach of PSSs offers a great deal of flexibility that many PSS designers desire, to integrate all system modules, designers must work hard to develop a unified system interface (Barker, & Banerji, 1995;Gery et al 2000;Laffery, 1995;McGraw, 1995;Raybould, 1995Raybould, , 2000Ring, 1994). A unified system interface, along with a coherent system architecture, are required to support effective user interaction with various system functions.…”

Im proving Organizational Problems

“…An organization is an adaptive system, taking in various inputs and producing valued output in diverse formats [3,7,14,15]. Since the organization must continuously and successfully produce items and services, they often fail to provide sufficient working conditions to employees, providing clear goals and necessary support for performance [5,6].…”

“…Thus, an EPSS is one of the most effective non-training methods that can be used to maximize learning activities. EPSS is an electronic system that provides integrated access to information, advice, learning experiences, and tools to assist employees in performing a task with the minimum support from others [9,15].…”

“…Parts of learning that require direct contact with instructors are handled in a classroom situation while the rest of parts are available in an online Electronic Support System. With this approach to training, online and onsite interventions complement each other [9], [15]. Educational organizations such as public schools and universities are also in need of training staff, faculty members, and students since the new technologies and tools continuously evolving.…”