A model of information technology opportunities for facilitating the practice of knowledge management

Abstract

Purpose -There is controversy about the role information technology (IT) should play in knowledge management (KM) spanning extremes that either overvalue or undervalue IT's role. This study recognizes the balance required between the two extremes and aims to present a KM process and a three-dimensional model to assist in identifying opportunities in which IT can effectively facilitate KM practices. Design/methodology/approach -Through a synthesis of KM literature the paper developed a KM process that consists of identification of classifications of knowledge and their particular value to an organization, sources of knowledge, and application opportunities. It developed a three-dimensional model consisting of KM life cycle, KM level, and KM objectives to assist in identifying the most effective IT application opportunities. Findings -Current IT infrastructures provide support for the organization, formalization, and distribution of organizational knowledge. However, there are relatively few applications that perform the generation, application, and evolution of organizational knowledge. The paper describes a distributed simulation prototype system that demonstrates the potential ability of IT to perform these important KM activities and contribute to the effective facilitation of KM. Research limitations/implications -This study is by no means exhaustive, but is intended as a starting point to explore opportunities in which IT may be most effective in realizing the goals and objectives of KM. Originality/value -The proposed KM process guides knowledge workers toward a systematic understanding of how to view the use of IT in the most effective way to achieve organizational objectives and goals. The model permits them to assess how they are currently using IT for KM and where they may either leverage their current IT infrastructure or develop focused IT applications to achieve benefits through better use of IT in facilitating knowledge management. The Navy planning system described demonstrates one such application.

Knowledge management: An information science perspective

“…Many also contend that the technology has been part and parcel of developments of KM (Becerra-Fernandez & Sabherwal, 2006;Dalkir, 2005;Doodewaard, 2006;Gannon-Leary & Fontainha, 2007;Hsu, Lawson, & Liang, 2007;Lang, 2001;Pang, Pablos-Mendez, & Jsselmuiden, 2004;Wild & Griggs, 2008). Becerra-Fernandez and Sabherwal (2006, p. 230), for example, state that:…”

Managing knowledge in organizations: Past, present and future

“…En la actualidad, la gestión del conocimiento está presentando un interés creciente, tanto en el plano profesional como en el académico, en campos como la ciencia cognitiva, la sociología, la gestión, la información, la ingeniería del conocimiento, la inteligencia artificial y la economía (Sinotte, 2004;Dalkir, 2005;Rowley, 2007;Martin, 2008;Wild & Griggs, 2008), lo que ha supuesto que el desarrollo de la gestión del conocimiento se haya visto influido por los diferentes campos que la incluyen en sus investigaciones (Sinotte, 2004;Dalkir, 2005;Sarrafzadeh, Martin & Hazeri, 2006;Rowley, 2007;Martin, 2008). Esto es debido fundamentalmente a los estudios que relacionan positivamente la gestión del conocimiento con el desempeño, como por ejemplo la investigación realizada por Jiménez-Jiménez y Sanz-Valle (2011) quienes relacionan innovación, aprendizaje organizacional y resultados, y también a varios factores como la globalización, el desarrollo tecnológico y la importancia creciente de la información.…”

Knowledge management research status in China from 2006 to 2010: based on analysis of the degree theses

“…Researches in this area have increased year by year. Hopefully the subjects involved will increase gradually, such as cognitive sciences, sociology, management science, information science (IS), knowledge engineering, artificial intelligence, and economics (Dalkir 2005;Martin 2008;Sinotte 2004;Rowley 2007;Wild and Griggs 2008). Professional journals dedicated to KM, special issues on KM, regular scholarly articles on KM, reports from different aspects of KM, and national and international conferences on KM have all become common beginning in the early 1990s (Ajiferuke 2003;Blair 2002;Chua 2009;Jakubik 2007;Gashaw Kebede 2010).…”