THE WELCH COMPANY
440 Davis Court #1602
San Francisco, CA 94111-2496
415 781 5700


[Submitted via Internet]

October 27, 1997                                         03 00050 97102701


 

Mr. R. Max Wideman
Wideman, R. Max
2216 West 21st Avenue
Vancouver, BC  V6L 1J5
Canada

Subject:  Communication Metrics
                Cognitive Science Needs Consideration
References:

  1. Telecon Max/Rod Oct 24, 1997
  2. Welch letter Oct 20, 1997
  3. USACE report on Cost Savings, Oct 8, 1997
  4. Partnering Analysis, SDS Oct 21, 1997

Dear Max,

Thanks for interesting comments on Cognitive Science when we talked on Oct 24.

Communication Metrics uses a theory of the mind as a process to accumulate chunks of experience within a span of attention, and to use that experience for analysing and organizing new information to grow new knowledge. This improves ephemeral workings of the mind that cause rework, by providing consistency (accuracy) and expanding span of attention.

Writing of course expands span of attention. Conventional writing in computers uses traditional analogs (e.g., documents, files, etc.) that are too slow for the faster pace and complexity of modern life. Communication Metrics provides a key advance by integrating time and information. Our discussions indicate a need for authority on the nexus between Cognitive and Management Sciences.

People need faith that new world realities can safely build on old world experience. The primary new reality is that better communication in the 21st century requires technology to leverage the "black box" of cognition. For some, this is delicate because it treads on mysteries traditionally reserved for religion, e.g., turning water into wine. The challenge is to find a constructive way to transcend the mystery without impinging on tradition.

Communication Metrics might support emerging "partnering" practices, ref d, as a way for people gain the experience that opens a window on the human mind.

Sincerely,

THE WELCH COMPANY



Rod Welch


P.S. Web sites on using intranets for PM are at line 290411.