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Ontologies for e‐document management in public administration

Ralf Klischewski (Faculty of Management Technology, German University in Cairo, New Cairo City, Egypt)

Business Process Management Journal

ISSN: 1463-7154

Article publication date: 1 January 2006

3825

Abstract

Purpose

This research seeks to explore the potential of ontologies for reorganizing e‐document management in public administration with the aim of supporting administration in organizing cross‐organizational document and information management.

Design/methodology/approach

Since ontologies are suitable for organizing metadata for annotation of informational resources, the research question is: How can public administrations make use of ontologies for organizing and improving their e‐document management? Findings, based on an action research project in the state administration of Schleswig‐Holstein (Germany).

Findings

The research findings indicate that structuring documents and information through ontologies requires a socio‐technical infrastructure consisting of a number of regularities, services and support on the level of organization as well as information technology.

Research limitations/implications

Since the case of Schleswig‐Holstein is typical for governments trying to enter the information age without having the power and resources to be on the leading edge, the recommendations based on this research may support the strategy development and solution finding in other administrations as well.

Practical implications

A rather small government (such as that of Schleswig‐Holstein) must be aware of its strategic goals and step ahead carefully in order to avoid the risks of misinvestment while reorganizing its e‐document management.

Originality/value

The paper systematically addresses the question “How can public administration make use of ontologies for organizing and improving their e‐document management?”.

Keywords

Citation

Klischewski, R. (2006), "Ontologies for e‐document management in public administration", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 34-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/14637150610643742

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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