Optimizing Assignment of Knowledge Workers to Office Space Using Knowledge Management Criteria
The Flexible Office Case

Ronald Maier (University of Innsbruck, Austria)

Stefan Thalmann (University of Innsbruck, Austria)

Florian Bayer (Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany)

Michael Krüger (GISA GmbH, Germany)

Hendrik Nitz (GISA GmbH, Germany)

Alexander Sandow (GISA GmbH, Germany)

Abstract: Even though knowledge management has been around for more than a decade, so far concrete instruments that can be systematically deployed are still rare. This paper presents an optimization solution targeted at flexible management of office space considering knowledge management criteria in order to enhance knowledge work productivity. The paper presents the Flexible Office conceptual model and optimization solution. It discusses the theoretical foundation, assumptions and reasoning. A corresponding prototype was field-tested, successfully introduced, evaluated with the help of a series of interviews with users and improved according to their requirements. The paper also reflects on the organizational impact and lessons learned from field test and practical experience.

Keywords: flexibility, hypertext organization, knowledge management, knowledge work, office space, optimization

Categories: G.2.3, H.1.2, H.4.1, H.5.3, K.4.3,, M.5