Electronic performance support systems: how and why to remake the workplace through the strategic application of technology

The importance of Gery's work in the field of supporting work with situated, task oriented knowledge cannot be overstated. An acknowledged authority in the field of computer based training, she noticed in the late 1980's that training given prior to a task was not able to satisfy the various competency requirements of present day work environments. At the same time computer technologies had developed rapidly and in the late 1980's possibilities like multimedia and local area networking emerged to widespread use. Putting these pulls and pushes together, Gery devised a totally new paradigm she called electronic performance support systems or EPSS for short and distilled her theses into this book. In spite of the ten years since this book has been written, it is still amazingly relevant.One can criticise Gery for her focus on performance but it is understandable when one remembers that with this book Gery has tried to sell a totally new way of thinking, not to mention her consultant services to U.S. industries. I guess the only outright error Gery made was her optimism. She believed that the concept of EPSS would penetrate industries during the next few years and change the way we do work. Alas, the problems Gery presents are still rampart in spite of the fact that existing solutions would have allowed abolishing them a long time ago. But Gery also discusses thoroughly the reasons why things have taken so much longer. The chapters addressing issues like justification, resistance, sponsorship, strategy, philosophy and politics make most appropriate reading for anybody who tries to implement new organisational information systems.

This book has started more revolutions than almost any. Seeing the potential for integrating knowledge, learning and performance all within a seamless working environment is the grail that companies seek.Gloria's ideas for structuring and identifying performance support opportunities will change the way people think about training and job performance.

Gloria is the generally acknowledged champion of EPSS and this book must have helped a lot of the early systems get started. Although the field has moved on since the book was written, it hasn't always lived up to the original vision. That's why I regard this book as essential reading.The book does have its frustrations, especially if you try to use it in reference mode. Suggestion: read it cover to cover and take good notes.