CoP as driver for research knowledge

This dissertation is interesting as it combines research methodology with a focus of getting new research into a community of practice so that they can implement the knowledge as learning, thereby bypassing commercialisation factors.
Identifying the literature of CoP is useful particularly with this list of important factors, which are all people/community related

1. time


2. value adding


3. learning


4. self-policing and responsibility


5. content rather than form

CoPs are stated to be 'undefinable and not designable', which is refreshing with respect to business management literature on CoPs.

It is interesting in an age where universities are expected to self fund. One technique used is to move the learning organisation into a business model, taking new research and implementing it with business partners into new products and services. In this way the university capitalises on the knowledge value it creates and deems to own. Many people are not happy with this commercialisation factor. On the other hand, the community stands to gain from new research with little lag period. One needs to be cautious the academic/research freedom is not curtailed by commerce drivers.

Culatta, R. E. (2006). EXTENDING THE REACH OF EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH: APPLYING PRODUCT COMMERCIALIZATION PROCESSES TO COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE. Thesis Retrieved 2/12/2007 from OAIster databases

http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/ETD/image/etd1799.pdf