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This chapter introduces the concept of ambient intelligence (AmI), a new concept in the area of information and communication technology (ICT), from a systems development perspective in the manufacturing environment. To create an AmI environment, requires the use of a combination of technologies. The AmI environment can be enabled through the use of computers that are embedded into everyday objects and through the use of wireless communication. The interaction between these embedded devices and the human user is improving through advancements in the area of natural interaction. The aim of the chapter is to provide a better understanding of AmI. To this end the following tools are presented, an AmI definition, typology, and taxonomy. The typology solidifies the understanding of AmI by highlighting the elements that need to be considered when developing an AmI system. The taxonomy shows the evolution of technologies towards development of AmI.

This chapter introduces the concept of Ambient Intelligence (AmI) with regard to the enabling technologies and how they are combined to assist e-entrepreneurs. AmI is a new paradigm in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). AmI allows for seamless interaction between the human and technology. The AmI system provides the human user with information and decision support tailored to their specific needs. To achieve seamless interaction between the human and technology requires the environment that surrounds the human to be embedded with technology in everyday objects. These technologies gather information that the AmI system uses to adapt its responses to the human user. The aim of the chapter is to provide a better understanding of the AmI process and knowledge of the AmI system and tools. To this end three of the enabling technologies are discussed: semantic web, multi-modal services, and radio frequency identification tags. These technologies are then examined within the AmI reference model. The reference model provides an understanding of how the technologies can be combined to achieve different AmI features for the human users. This toolkit can be used by a new venture in the area of e-entrepreneurship to provide AmI to service providers, new businesses and traditional industries.

Abstract:This paper introduces a framework for supporting and analysing knowledge transfer in the service sector, which centres on the individual in the process. It argues that the individual is at the centre of the transfer process and, as such, needs to be catered-to within both teams and organisations. Furthermore, the authors hope that a clear understanding and accurate identification of the factors that impact the knowledge transfer process for individuals can have an impact on the knowledge transfer process in teams and organisations, as teams and organisations are made up of individuals. The development of a suitable approach to support knowledge transfer for improved transfer of knowledge among these groups in the service sector is achieved using technology where appropriate, through the knowledge transfer framework which is presented.