Organizing information flows in a collaborative environment

This paper presents a model for information classification in a collaborative environment. The work has been divided into several steps. Firstly, a bibliographic survey was conducted in order to verify the existence of already developed information classification frameworks and their suitability for the collaborative network application field. As a result of this research, no satisfactory results were found. This way, a new classification model was suggested by the authors. The definition of the framework for information classification has been developed in two phases: first of all the individuation of a convenient parameters set, then a proposal of correlation among those parameters and available IT tools. In order to test the effectiveness of the model proposed, this methodology was applied to analyze information flows concerning four support processes previously individuated as crucial for the Virtual Development Office (VDO) management. VDO is a conceptual organizational model for enterprise networks. In particular the model focused on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in a dense network or inter-firm relationship given that they represent an important aspect of the European economy. The expected final result was to individuate the most suitable IT tools for each situation.