A General Framework for a Collaborative Water Quality Knowledge and Information Network

Abstract

Increasing knowledge about the environment has brought about a better understanding of the complexity of the issues, and more information publicly available has resulted into a steady shift from centralized decision making to increasing levels of participatory processes. The management of that information, in turn, is becoming more complex. One of the ways to deal with the complexity is the development of tools that would allow all players, including managers, researchers, educators, stakeholders and the civil society, to be able to contribute to the information system, in any level they are inclined to do so. In this project, a search for the available technology for collaboration, methods of community filtering, and community-based review was performed and the possible implementation of these tools to create a general framework for a collaborative "Water Quality Knowledge and Information Network" was evaluated. The main goals of the network are to advance water quality education and knowledge; encourage distribution and access to data; provide networking opportunities; allow public perceptions and concerns to be collected; promote exchange of ideas; and, give general, open, and free access to information. A reference implementation was made available online and received positive feedback from the community, which also suggested some possible improvements.

Internet-Based Delphi Research: Case Based Discussion

“…The Internet promises the potential for increased sample size and diversity, reduced administration costs and time investments, innovative data management and analysis tools, and a number of other appealing benefits (Donohoe and Needham 2009). In the NREM context, Dalcanale and others (2011) and Mahler and Regan (2011) report that advances in environmental management have paralleled the evolution of information technology, most notably the prevalence and integration of geographic information technologies in research and decision making. More information publicly available through digital mediums has resulted in a shift from centralized decision making to increasing movement toward participatory processes (Dalcanale and others 2011).…”

“…In the NREM context, Dalcanale and others (2011) and Mahler and Regan (2011) report that advances in environmental management have paralleled the evolution of information technology, most notably the prevalence and integration of geographic information technologies in research and decision making. More information publicly available through digital mediums has resulted in a shift from centralized decision making to increasing movement toward participatory processes (Dalcanale and others 2011). While increased hardware and software complexity along with development of the World Wide Web “has resulted in a change from centralized mainframes, to the wide popularity of personal computers, collaborative sites, and online, social and professional networks” (Dalcanale and others 2011, p. 443), it has also come at a cost.…”

“…More information publicly available through digital mediums has resulted in a shift from centralized decision making to increasing movement toward participatory processes (Dalcanale and others 2011). While increased hardware and software complexity along with development of the World Wide Web “has resulted in a change from centralized mainframes, to the wide popularity of personal computers, collaborative sites, and online, social and professional networks” (Dalcanale and others 2011, p. 443), it has also come at a cost. Benfield and Szlemko (2006) warn that the growing use of Internet-based research methods, techniques, and tools is misleading because e-research remains marginal in size and scope, especially when compared to the wealth of existing traditional research (e.g., paper and pencil survey research, face-to-face interviews, focus groups, etc.)…”

“…The majority of peer-reviewed articles identified in Benfield and Szlemko’s meta-analysis of Internet-based data collection methods report little evidence supporting the appropriateness of the Internet as a tool for scientific inquiry. Dalcanale and others (2011) agree, arguing that despite efforts to capitalize on the potential of information technology for NREM research and practice, inadequate attention has been paid to how newly emerging e-research methods are being utilized. In the absence of such conversation, Roztocki (2001, p. 1) argues that “it is likely that the resulting academic research will be flawed or compromised in some manner.” Because of this, there is need for discussion on the amelioration of unique methodological issues confronting researchers operating in an increasingly electronic and interconnected world.…”

Policy, Science and Society Interaction

“…The management of water is not merely a technical issue but requires a mix of measures including changes in policies, prices and other incentives along with infrastructure and physical installations (Connor et al, 2012). Water management is unique and touches on every aspect of human well-being with links to socio-economic development, safety, human health, the environment and cultural and religious beliefs (Dalcanale et al, 2011).…”