Does Practice Reflect Theory? An Exploratory Study of a Successful Knowledge Management System

Authors: Janet L. Kourik, Peter E. Maher

Abstract:

To investigate the correspondence of theory and practice, a successfully implemented Knowledge Management System (KMS) is explored through the lens of Alavi and Leidner-s proposed KMS framework for the analysis of an information system in knowledge management (Framework-AISKM). The applied KMS system was designed to manage curricular knowledge in a distributed university environment. The motivation for the KMS is discussed along with the types of knowledge necessary in an academic setting. Elements of the KMS involved in all phases of capturing and disseminating knowledge are described. As the KMS matures the resulting data stores form the precursor to and the potential for knowledge mining. The findings from this exploratory study indicate substantial correspondence between the successful KMS and the theory-based framework providing provisional confirmation for the framework while suggesting factors that contributed to the system-s success. Avenues for future work are described.

Keywords: Applied KMS, education, knowledge management (KM), KM framework, knowledge management system (KMS).

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1333248

References:

[1] M. Alavi and D.E. Leidner, "Review: Knowledge management and knowledge management systems: conceptual foundations and research issues," MIS Quarterly, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 107-136, March 2001.
[2] I. Nonaka and N. Konno, "The concept of "ba": Building a foundation for knowledge creation," California Management Review, vol. 40, no. 3, pp. 40-54, Spring 1998.
[3] P. E. Maher and J. L. Kourik, "A knowledge management system for disseminating semi-structured information in a worldwide university," Proceedings of Portland International Center for Management of Engineering Conference (PICMET08) "Technology Management for a Sustainable Economy" Cape Town, South Africa, July 27-31, 2008. pp 1936-1942.
[4] J. L. Kourik and P. E. Maher, "Establishing a consistent curriculum in a distributed campus environment: lessons learned while moving towards accreditation," Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Information Technology: New Generations, IEEE Computer Society. Las Vegas, Nevada, April 7-9, 2008.
[5] I. Nonaka, "A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation," Organization Science, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 40-54, February 1994.
[6] I. Nonaka and H. Takeuchi, The Knowledge Creating Company. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1995.
[7] G. von Krogh, K. Ichijo, and I. Nonaka, Enabling Knowledge Creation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.
[8] K. A. Grant and C. T. Grant, "Developing a model of next generation knowledge management," Proceedings of Informing Science and Information Technology Education (InSITE) 2008, Varna, Bulgaria, June 22-25, 2008, pp 571-590.
[9] C.D. Cramton, "The mutual knowledge problem and its consequences for dispersed collaboration," Organization Science, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 346-371, May-June 2001.