The Collaboratory
January 17, 2008 by John Morelli and John Holmes REHP | Filed under: Collaboratory,General
Just what is a “collaboratory”?
Well, there are a variety of definitions; some of the more common and not-so-common elements include:
• a research collaboration in a laboratory without walls
• using computer and web-based technologies for sharing information resources
• providing a forum for discussion
• a new type of organization with inherent social processes
In the case of EnvironmentalManager.org, all of these elements are relevant. Ideally, each research team will be made up of environmental management professors, students and practicing professionals from at least two different countries from different parts of the world. An extensive literature review is underway to support the research teams and a wealth of information has already been collected, abstracted and posted under the relevant research topics and subtopics. Research teams will post their work from time to time for comments from other visitors to the site and all will be able to participate in the discussions posted in the Discussion Forums. In the end, this collaboration can serve to help foster an international culture of environmental managers and help guide the profession in its evolving roles and responsibilities in our respective societies.