An analysis of the current nature, status and relevance of data mining tools to enable organizational learning

Date
2002-12
Authors
Hattingh, Martin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of technological tools has developed rapidly over the past decade or two. As one of the areas of business technology, Data Mining has been receiving substantial attention, and thus the study defined the scope and framework for the application of data mining in the first place. Because of the wide area of application of data mining, an overview and comparative analysis was given of the specific data mining tools available to the knowledge worker. For the purposes ofthe study, and because the goals of data mining involve knowledge extraction, the concept of organizational learning was analysed. The factors needed to facilitate this learning process were also taken into consideration, with a view towards enabling the process through their improved availability. Actual enablement of the learning process, through the improved factor availability described above, was analysed through the use of each specific tool reviewed. The salient conclusion of this study was that data mining tools, applied correctly, and within the correct framework and infrastructure, can enable the organizational learning process on several levels. Because of the complexity of the learning process, it was found that there are several factors to consider when implementing a data mining strategy. Recommendations were offered for the improved enablement of the organizational learning process, through establishing more comprehensive technology plans, creating learning environments, and promoting transparency and accountability. Finally, suggestions were made for further research on the competitive application of data mining strategies.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van tegnologiese hulpmiddels het gedurende die afgelope dekade of twee snel toegeneem. As een afdeling van ondernemings tegnologie, is daar aansienlike belangstelling in 'Data Mining' (die myn van data), en dus het die studie eers die omvang en raamwerk van 'Data Mining' gedefinieer. As gevolg van die wye toepassingsveld van 'Data Mining', is daar 'n oorsig en vergelykende analise gegee van die spesifieke 'Data Mining' hulpmiddels tot beskikking van die kennis werker. Vir die doel van die studie, en omdat die doelwitte van 'Data Mining' kennisonttrekking behels, is die konsep van organisatoriese leer geanaliseer. Die faktore benodig om hierdie leerproses te fasiliteer is ook in berekening gebring, met die mikpunt om die proses in staat te stel deur verbeterde beskikbaarheid van hierdie faktore. Werklike instaatstelling van die leerproses, deur die verbeterde faktor beskikbaarheid hierbo beskryf, is geanaliseer deur 'n oorsig van die gebruik van elke spesifieke hulpmiddel. Die gevolgtrekking van hierdie studie was dat 'Data Mining' hulpmiddels, indien korrek toegepas, binne die korrekte raamwerk en infrastruktuur, die organisatoriese leerproses op verskeie vlakke in staat kan stel. As gevolg van die ingewikkeldheid van die leerproses, is gevind dat daar verskeie faktore is wat in ag geneem moet word wanneer 'n 'Data Mining' strategie geïmplementeer word. Aanbevelings is gemaak vir die verbeterde instaatstelling van die organisatoriese leerproses, deur die daarstelling van meer omvattende tegnologie planne, die skep van leer-vriendelike omgewings, en die bevordering van deursigtigheid en rekenskap. In die laaste plek is daar voorstelle gemaak vir verdere navorsing oor die kompeterende toepassing van 'Data Mining' strategieë.
Description
Thesis (MComm)--Stellenbosch University, 2002.
Keywords
Data mining, Knowledge acquisition (Expert systems), Knowledge management, Business -- Data processing, Dissertations -- Business management, Theses -- Business management
Citation