Information and the gaining of understanding

It is suggested that, in addition to data, information and knowledge, the information sciences should focus on understanding, understood as a higher-order knowledge, with coherent and explanatory potential. The limited ways in which understanding has been addressed in the design of information systems, in studies of information behaviour, in formulations of information literacy, and in impact studies are briefly reviewed, and future prospects considered. The paper is an extended version of a keynote presentation given at the i3 conference in June 2015

Financial management of company on the capital market

Bakalářská práce se zabývá návrhem procesů pro řízení kapitálu společnosti na kapitálovém trhu, se zaměřením na zhodnocování volných finančních prostředků. Volné finanční prostředky jsou zhodnocovány pomocí investiční strategie pro akciový trh, jejíž výsledky jsou interpretovány na historických burzovních datech. Je provedena analýza rizik a následný ekonomický dopad na finanční situaci společnosti.The bachelor thesis deals with the proposal of processes for capital company management on the capital market, focusing on the appreciation of free funds. The free funds are valued using an investment strategy for the stock market, the results of which are interpreted on historical exchange data. A risk analysis and subsequent economic impact on the financial situation of the company is carried out.

Diversity and constructive conflict in stakeholder dialogue: Considerations for design and methods

Diversity is generally recognized as a key issue for learning in stakeholder dialogue on wicked sustainability issues. Yet the question on how design of stakeholder dialogue and supporting methods actually enhance learning in stakeholder dialogue deserves more attention. This paper presents constructive conflict as a central design issue for stakeholder dialogue. This means that a dialogue entails the articulation of a diversity of perspectives and the confrontation of claims and ideas based on these perspectives. Building on three properties of diversity (variety, balance and disparity), the methodological implications of constructive conflict as a central design issue will be derived. These implications are structured according to three design steps: stakeholder identification and selection, articulation of perspectives and confrontation of claims and ideas. It is argued that social scientific methods are needed to support design of stakeholder dialogue. Q methodology is presented as an example that was used in a stakeholder dialogue on sustainable biomass in the Netherlands to identify stakeholder perspectives, to select stakeholders and to structure the dialogue. The paper wraps up with conclusions on constructive conflict as a design issue.Values and technologyTechnology, Policy and Managemen