Context Management of ERP Processes in Virtual Communities

Abstract

A methodology is proposed for sharing the contextual knowledge/resources that flow within ERP processes in virtual communities. Context is represented by a set of relevant collaborative semantic concepts or “objects.” These are the objects that are localised/contextualised to specific sub-process within the ERP process. Two sets of objects are identified: (i) objects that make up a community member’s actual contextual knowledge/resources with regards to the ERP process, and (ii) objects that make up the required contextual knowledge that various sub-processes/tasks expect from the member to possess for successful execution of those tasks. The excess of the objects in (ii) compared to those in (i) are identified and are put within the focus of the community member in order to enable the member to effectively participate in various collaborative interactions within the community’s ERP process(es).