Identifying similarities and differences of cross-media publishing applications in newspaper printing and commercial printing companies - implications for human capital

摘要

Cross-media publishing is an emerging concept in the production-process of printed and electronic media. The increasing application of the cross-media concept in the graphic arts and media industry creates the necessity of thorough research on implications within traditional printed media production-processes and workflow. One of the most significant implications in the application of the cross-media publishing concept is how the implementation affects present and future employees in graphic arts companies. Previous research has proven that the cross-media concept is mainly applied in two fields: 1. As production tools and new software applications, mainly based on XML editors for publishing of print and electronic media. 2. As workflow production applications for the printed media production-process, from pre-press to finishing. In this paper we explore cross-media publishing applications in the production-process of newspapers and commercial printing companies by comparing the respective workflows. Furthermore, we investigate the work environment and the competences that are required for the human capital, in both production workflows. The research carried out so far has indeed identified similarities as well as differences in the production workflows of newspaper printing and commercial printing. In addition, the extent and potential of further cross-media applications have been identified, as has the attitude of printed media oriented companies both in newspaper printing and commercial printing. In addition, implications to human capital have been explored: mainly as they concern the differences in the work environment of newspaper printing and commercial printing production workflows. Finally, the required skills and competences for human capital have been identified in regard of the orientation of newspaper printing and commercial printing companies to this subject.