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Artificial intelligence and knowledge management principles in secure corporate intranets

  • Authors: Barry, Christopher
  • Date: 2010-02-23T10:25:43Z
  • Subjects: Artificial intelligence , Knowledge management , Intranets (Computer networks) , Computer networks security measures
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3035
  • Description: M.Sc. (Computer Science) , Corporations throughout the world are facing numerous challenges in today’s competitive marketplace and are continuously looking for new and innovative means and methods of gaining competitive advantage. One of the means used to gain this advantage is that of information technology, and all the associated technologies and principles. These are primarily used to facilitate business processes and procedures that are designed to provide this competitive advantage. Significant attention has been given to each of the individual technologies and principles of Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Management, Information Security, and Intranets and how they can be leveraged in order to improve efficiency and functionality within a corporation. However, in order to truly reap the benefits of these technologies and principles, it is necessary to look at them as a collaborative system, rather as individual components. This dissertation therefore investigates each of these individual technologies and principles in isolation, as well as in combination with each other to outline potential advantages, associated risks, and disadvantages when combining them within the corporate world. Based on these, the Intelligently Generated Knowledge (IGK) framework is outlined to implement such a collaborative system. Thereafter, an investigation of a theoretical situation is conducted based on this framework to examine the impact of the implementation of this type of collaborative system. The potential increase in cost savings, efficiency and functionality of corporations that would employ the IGK framework is clearly outlined in the theoretical example, and should this approach be adopted, it would be able to provide significant competitive advantage for any corporation.
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An information management framework for the work-integrated learning process

  • Authors: Brink, Roelien
  • Date: 2014-06-21
  • Subjects: Experiential learning , Knowledge management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11269
  • Description: Ph.D. (Information Management) , The South African landscape on employment has reached a stage which requires strategies and initiatives that can assist and elevate awareness on ways which can facilitate opportunities of placement of people in the labour market. Critical levels of unemployment have placed the priority on the skilling of work seekers at the highest level. The critical issue of unemployment has also impacted on the higher education institutions (HEIs) fraternity to turn out professional graduates that are attractive and appropriately skilled for placement at industry level. HEIs have an unspoken obligation as a research founded environment to be on the cutting edge of processes and strategies on addressing the country's needs and strategic directives. Work-integrated learning (WIL) was identified as a core area which can facilitate preparation and empowering student learning on industry level that can promote student placement and possibly address levels of employment. HEIs in South Africa require teaching and learning to include WIL within specific learning offerings. The different learning offerings provided by various faculties have unique and diverse procedures which justify different WIL approaches at HEIs. A lack of structure regarding the information management (IM) for WIL across departmental silos, result in different processes followed for WIL. Therefore a lack of structure for IM can impact negatively on the optimal utilisation of WIL. In order to establish an effective IM feedback process the information that currently is, and that potentially could be exchanged between the HEI, the industry partner and the student has to be managed. This relationship is referred to as the WIL triad partners. Effective WIL is largely reliant on the managing of information exchanged between the triad partners. Without an effective flow of information, the WIL component will be cumbersome for the triad partners with duplication taking place across faculties. WIL can be optimally managed from a centralised unit to facilitate information flow between the triad partners, but first a framework has to be developed for the IM for WIL. Frameworks for the IM for WIL have been developed at international HEIs over long periods of time, which have evolved into good practice benchmarks. An investigation into these frameworks offered valuable insights to be tested at a HEI in South Africa. It became clear from this study that significant challenges are in the order of the day, pertaining to the IM for WIL process in place at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). It is paramount that processes and techniques do not stagnate but evolve with time and in line with the latest trends and technology. Therefore HEIs should be on par and be in line with the latest trends which affect HEIs' approach to WIL. It is strategic to realise the importance of capacitating students for employment and having the latest, most effective process in place will not only benefit students but add to the value chain of student employability due to strong and established collaboration with industry partners. The ultimate goal of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for IM for WIL for a HEI. The research resulted in a conceptual framework that would lay the foundation for the ultimate development of a portal, which was identified as the most appropriate platform that could facilitate the creation and development of a centralised solution that would enable IM for WIL processes. Such a platform could then be populated with the relevant data, featuring access functions that will allow for a single repository of data which can be centrally managed. The acceptance of the IM for WIL framework was tested amongst WIL coordinators and a very positive response was achieved. This study could guide and assist the UJ, as well as other HEIs, in developing and structuring of a centralised WIL unit based on an online WIL portal benefiting the role players who are central to the WIL process.
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Online community portals for small businesses

  • Authors: Chen, Her-Jiang
  • Date: 2011-10-11T08:53:31Z
  • Subjects: Small business , Information and communication technologies , Knowledge management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3905
  • Description: M.A. , The first part of the study is a literature review which indicate that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) represent an important vehicle to address the challenges of job creation, economic growth and equity. Modern economy is driven by innovations and knowledge. Transforming information resources into knowledge and maximise the value of knowledge is the new challenge in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. Information resources are needed by small businesses as much as their larger counter parts but small businesses are usually in a disadvantaged position in terms of finance and expertise. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer small businesses new opportunities in the information economy. Exciting ICT applications such as Web portals provide platforms for business communities to share information and communicate more efficiently than ever. Such information resources enable small businesses to react faster and adapt better to the changing global market. The stimulation of SMMEs must be seen as part of an integrated strategy to develop the society to a higher level. The research findings of this study provide all stakeholders in small business development in South Africa including government, industries and academics a better understanding and practical guideline for delivering information resources to small business owners and managers and the design of information portals that can address the information needs of small businesses in South Africa. The empirical components that follow the literature review comprised a questionnaire survey. The survey focused on non-franchised small businesses in the retail industry in the greater Johannesburg metropolitan. A total of 150 questionnaires completed by small business owners and managers were used for statistic analysis in this research. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: business biographic information, business information and agencies, information and communication technologies usage, and community and portal activities. The survey results revealed valuable insights and trends in the use of ICTs and attitudes towards information sharing amongst small business owners and managers. Textile, clothing, footwear and leather goods were the most popular trade for the small businesses use in the survey. Nearly all respondents prefer English for business communication and the businesses are typically owner manager with a small number of employees. Infrastructure for ICTs is in place for small businesses, but the usage level is still basic. Short message service (SMS) and e-mail are the most commonly used ICT tools. Traditional media such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines remain the most important source of information for these small business owners and managers. Younger businesses adapt better to ICTs than the older businesses. Despite a mixed attitude towards sharing business information, small business owners and managers showed a high level of interest in networking with other businesses, in particular with potential customers and suppliers. Most respondents do not belong to any professional or industrial organisation primarily because they were not aware of these organisations. Based on the literature review and the empirical research, the final conclusion that was made from this research is that Web community information portals can, to a great extent, promote the use of information resources for small businesses in South Africa. The results from this research give a better understanding and are useful guidelines to stakeholders in small business development in South Africa.
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Leveraging knowledge assets in a postmodern workplace : a personal constructionist perspective

Knowledge management and outsourcing in an IT environment

  • Authors: Desroches, Colin Michael
  • Date: 2009-03-31T09:30:16Z
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Contracting out
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370386 , uj:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2363
  • Description: M.B.A. , The following study concerns Knowledge Management and Outsourcing in an IT environment. More specifically, it gives a brief description of what Knowledge Management is; the different types and phases, the economics and strategies, different drivers, the outcomes, critical success factors, the benefits, frameworks and the influence that Knowledge Management has on competitiveness and innovation in the workplace. The topic is concluded with a discussion around technologies for enabling Knowledge Management. Also discussed in the study is the definition of Outsourcing, the different theories, critical success factors, drivers and moving from traditional to transformational Outsourcing. Mention is also made about some of the obstacles and problems associated with Outsourcing and the different prescriptive models around. Lastly, the determinants of organisational adoption and the stages of the Outsourcing framework are discussed in depth. The original decision was to develop a questionnaire and distribute it throughout the company, Business Connexion, a leader in the IT Outsourcing industry. However, due to time constraints and the number of potential employees, approximately 4700, it was agreed upon to only target the staff members within the Outsourcing division. At the time of the questionnaire, the total number of employees was 539 and 127 participated in this study by responding via a URL link set up by Statkon, a division of the University of Johannesburg. The responses were fed into a database which produced the relevant results for this particular study. These questionnaires were designed to specifically measure the varying issues surrounding Knowledge Management and Outsourcing in an IT environment. Due to the fact that this study was implemented within only one division of the organisation, it is important to note that the findings of this study cannot be generalised, thus providing an opportunity for future comparative research.
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Information and knowledge management in support of legal research in a digital information environment

  • Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya
  • Date: 2009-01-08T13:03:45Z
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Information superhighway , Digital libraries , Law libraries , Law librarians , Law firms , Legal research , Management information systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:14754 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1834
  • Description: D. Litt. et Phil. , The main research question addressed by this study is whether the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has an effect on the practice of law, and specifically whether information and knowledge management affects the process of legal research. Various issues are considered in this regard, including what the concept of knowledge management (KM) entails in a law firm and what the current KM trends are in South African law firms. To this extent an investigation follows of the global trends in the application of ICTs for legal research purposes and what the specific applications are of KM in support of legal research. Furthermore, this study investigates how information technology applications and KM systems and strategies can support the legal research process and what the benefits of KM are to legal research. This entails a study of the unique characteristics of legal research in a digital information environment and of the challenges legal researchers face in a changing information environment. Subsequently the skills and tools that are required for effective digital legal research are discussed. This research also considers the effect the changing information environment has on the role of the legal information professional, which includes an investigation of the reasons why legal information professionals can and should support lawyers in their legal research activities. Specifically, this study considers the roles, skills and competencies of legal information professionals as knowledge managers, digital librarians and trainers of legal research skills in a changing information environment. Lastly, this study investigates whether current legal research skills training offers useful guidelines to future digital legal researchers.
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The importance of knowledge management in a research and development facility : investigating perceptions and practice

  • Authors: Dube, Thamsanqa Ian
  • Date: 2013-07-11
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Sasol (Firm)
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/374197 , uj:7606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8472
  • Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , Research and Development (R&D) facilities have been used to develop new or better products and services for a long time. Organisations utilise knowledge gained from their R&D facilities to gain access to new markets and to improve the organisation’s competitiveness in the market. R&D facilities are referred to as learning organisations that employ people who specialise in specific technologies. These employees are referred to as ‘knowledge employees’. Sasol R&D was formed in 1955 to assist the organisation to develop and improve the Fischer-Tropch (F-T) technology that was adopted by the organisation to produce synthetic fuels from coal. At the time the technology had not been sufficiently proven on a commercial scale and this necessitated that research be conducted to ensure that the processes related to (F-T) technology are efficiently operated. The use of the knowledge generated by Sasol R&D has resulted in Sasol being recognised as the world leader in F-T technology and has led to joint ventures with other organisations around the world. The management of acquired knowledge has been critical in the development of Sasol and the successes that the organisation has enjoyed. It is therefore important that the employees of Sasol and those of Sasol R&D are well equipped to utilise the knowledge that was generated by previous employees to continuously improve and develop technologies. The objective of this study was to establish the perception that knowledge employees have of Knowledge Management (KM) and what Sasol R&D can improve on in this regard, i.e. business performance and individual employees’ career development. Respondents generally agree with the importance of KM in Sasol R&D and also indicated that a successful KM strategy can help improve individuals’ careers. The respondents also indicated that they were familiar with the concept of KM and the advantages for the organisation in the successful implementation of such a KM strategy. The main recommendations from the study are: 1. Employees should be involved in current the future KM strategies that the management of Sasol R&D wants to implement. 2. The adopted KM strategy’s objectives and benefits should be made clear and understandable to all employees. In addition, all relevant documentation should be made available to the employees.
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The role of human resources in knowledge-driven organisations : an analysis of identified companies that operate in the South African chemical industry

  • Authors: Govender, Yoganathan Kaniappen
  • Date: 2014-07-28
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital , Human capital
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11577
  • Description: M.B.A , The aim of this study is to conduct a literature study on knowledge management with specific reference to the Human Resources environment and compare these practices in the various identified companies that operate In the Chemical Sector in South Africa. Knowledge management has demonstrated to be an essential contributor to business success in many global companies. As an evolving discipline within organisations, the Human Resources function can benefit from this by adopting the appropriate knowledge management tools and principles to ensure maximum Human Capital output is achieved. The foundation of this dissertation is based on the literature review, where the researcher attempts to highlight important aspects relevant to this topic. These include concepts associated with the Human Resources function - but are viewed in perspective of a knowledge-driven organisation. The focus will be primarily on Learning and Development, Compensation and Benefits, Recruitment and Placement, and Performance Management and associated concepts that support these Human Resources technologies. In order to gain a better understanding of currant practices in the identified South African companies, the researcher will survey these companies. Both the providers of Human Resources services (Human Resources Professionals) and recipients of the Human Resources services (Employees) will be surveyed. From the findings, the researcher will provide appropriate recommendations based on the expertise provided by the authors in the literature review so that the companies may adapt and implement these. Since South Africa is a developing economy, these companies can learn from the tried and tested methodologies as illustrated in the literature review, to enhance their competitive edge.
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Information retrieval and processing with the use of intelligent mobile software agents

  • Authors: Kolb, Derek
  • Date: 2014-02-05
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology - Management , Information storage and retrieval systems
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9040
  • Description: M.A. (Information Technology) , The Internet contains large amounts of information that researchers can use, however, finding the required relevant information can be a lengthy exercise. Internet search engines, such as Google, allow users to search the Internet but these search engines only supply lists of information that "could" be relevant thereby forcing us, the users, to manually examine the list to select the relevant information that we require. Instead of requiring users to use Internet search engines to find lists of possibly useful information, it would be advantageous to have a system that would give an academic user a research summary report for the specified research query. This research summary report can be formatted in such a manner that would allow the user to have a list of links to the relevant information obtained, which could be used as an aid in the researcher's research projects. The design of the Mobile Agent Information Processing (MAIP) model and prototype relied heavily on mobile software agents (MSA). These MSAs will move from the creator system (the user's computer) to other known peer computer systems participating in the MAIP system. Whilst the MSAs are on the remote computer systems, relevant information is extracted from any of the text documents that are acknowledged as available by the remote host system. The extracted information will be returned to the creator system by each MSA where it will be processed and used to create the research summary report. The MAIP model is designed to locate, retrieve, and summarise information that is relevant to a researcher's research query, it can, therefore, be said that the MAIP model meets all the stated research objectives. The new and innovative model is deemed to offer an effective and feasible technology solution to the problem of information overload that exists within the electronic environment.
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The implementation of knowledge cafés as a technique for knowledge sharing

  • Authors: Lefika, Pheladi Tracy
  • Date: 2013-07-18
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Knowledge sharing , Knowledge cafés , Organizational learning
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8517
  • Description: M.Phil. (Information Management) , Given the current knowledge economy, knowledge sharing has become a vital process in contributing to the success of any given organisation, whether academic or industry related. It is therefore essential for organisations to be aware of and to understand the various knowledge sharing techniques that exist. Consequently it is also relevant to acknowledge the potential contribution that knowledge sharing can make between peers, for educational purposes. An in-depth literature review was conducted which focused on knowledge sharing, and the various concepts associated with knowledge sharing. A sequential mixed-methods research methodology was followed in order to contribute to the lack of literature pertaining specifically to knowledge cafés. A qualitative Delphi study was conducted to document the guidelines, criteria and potential contribution of knowledge cafés as a knowledge sharing application. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the application of knowledge cafés as a technique for knowledge sharing. The quantitative component of the mixed-methods research was initiated by implementing three knowledge cafés using univariate quantitative data analysis on structured questionnaires to measure participant’s views towards knowledge cafés as a knowledge sharing technique. Essentially this study firstly gathered and documented information on knowledge cafés as a knowledge sharing technique and recommended that knowledge cafés can be used effectively as a technique for knowledge sharing, when appropriate criteria and guidelines are applied.
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The acceptance of technology-based knowledge management systems by knowledge workers

  • Authors: Moloto, Mothlago Stella
  • Date: 2014-02-05
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Knowledge based systems , Information technology - Management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9014
  • Description: M.A. (Business Information Technology) , Knowledge management has developed greatly over the last few decades, particularly in striving for economic and commercial effectiveness. With the growth of technology-based knowledge management systems and an increase in the number of organisations implementing them, there is concern as to how these systems are being accepted by knowledge workers. The systems are currently a pertinent issue on business agendas, and organisations across all sectors are recognising the critical role that effective ~ ones will play in their future success (Malhotra, 2000:56). This creates a concern where these systems are expected to bring success in organisations or to improve return on investments without a deeper understanding of their utilisation by knowledge workers. The goal of this dissertation is to understand the way in which technology-based knowledge management systems are being utilised and accepted by knowledge workers, and furthermore to establish if knowledge workers have full understanding of the systems they use. The focus of this research is therefore on the human dimensions in relation to the systems, and on how they support organisational intellectual capital. The history of interactive computlnq shows repeatedly that it is the human issues which make or break new methods and tools at work. What are technology-based knowledge' management systems? How are they managed? Moreover, how can managers harness the potential of the knowledge workers to expand the knowledge base of the organisation? In order to answer these questions, this research determines how knowledge workers utilise the systems and their level of acceptance of this technology. It considers the importance of organisations that want their employees to use the systems effectively by contributing ideas and knowledge out of their own goodwill. Employees will do so if the concept of trust (of any technology system) has been imparted to them fully.
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Managing customer knowledge

  • Authors: Mulumba, Caroline Grace Nakkungu
  • Date: 2013-07-18
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Customer relations management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7628 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8498
  • Description: M. Phil. (Information Management) , Customer relationship management has been exposed as a strategic failure, unveiling only customer dissatisfaction. A new method for managing customers is consequently required. The effect of the knowledge economy has brought about a change in global orientation, in the focus on customer wants and needs to increase satisfaction. There was then a shift in focus from information to knowledge. In such an economy, the customer knowledge management strategy, as a combination of information and knowledge management techniques, is one best suited to allow organisations to manage their customer knowledge effectively. The purpose of this study was thus on determining whether South African organisations manage customer knowledge within their organisations. A literature review was conducted to determine the reason for the failure of customer relationship management practices, and define customer knowledge management in the context of the knowledge economy. Traditional and electronic sources from which customer knowledge could be collected were identified and measured according to their advantages and disadvantages. Customer knowledge management techniques were discussed, along with the strategic requirements for the system’s success. These specifics were measured within South Africa’s developing economy. Knowledge practitioners in South Africa participated in a quantitative online questionnaire, administered on LinkedIn. Aspects such as education, years of exposure to knowledge management, information and communication technologies, social networking and customer knowledge applications and practices, were examined. The results revealed electronic knowledge-sharing practices in organisations, despite the lack of supportive forces. In conclusion, the collections of customer knowledge are being applied, but not yet formally managed in organisations. A second conclusion is that knowledge practitioners have limited understanding of the customer knowledge management concept, pressed upon by hindrances in external social factors. Taking this into consideration, recommendations are made to strategise the applications of customer knowledge in a number of industries further.
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The effect of knowledge sharing on employee engagement

  • Authors: Naicker, Thilgavathie
  • Date: 2013-12-09
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Organizational learning , Personnel management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8757
  • Description: M.Comm. (Human Resources Management) , The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of knowledge sharing as an intervention geared toward improving employee engagement. In the process of pursuing this purpose, literature on employee engagement and knowledge sharing was reviewed. The literature reviews culminated in the development of operational models for both employee engagement and knowledge sharing and an illustration of the link between these two multi-dimensional constructs. The employee engagement research instrument consisting of a 12-item questionnaire and a 5-point Likert scale was developed in line with theoretical requirements. The research was located within an undisclosed provincial government department in Gauteng, South Africa. This was done to ensure the confidentiality of the participants and the specific government department concerned as disclosure could possibly compromise the political sensitivity of the activities of the department. A sample of one-hundred 100 employees was selected from an available population of 189. The research consisted of three phases; a baseline survey, which sought to establish the existing level of employee engagement, an intervention phase, conducted over a three day period consisting of eight knowledge sharing interventions, and a post-assessment phase, which endeavoured to establish if any differences to the level of engagement would be evident, when compared to the pre-assessment state of engagement. The study found no significant difference between the pre and post test scores of the experimental group and concluded that knowledge sharing does not have a significant impact on increasing the level of employee engagement. It further concluded that despite not being significant that the greatest impact was evident in the cognitive dimension of employee engagement. This study goes on to recommend that further longitudinal intervention research studies are needed to establish the impact of the different motivators that drive fluctuations in the level of employee engagement. The study also recommended that a theoretically reliable instrument be developed, which targets all dimensions of employee engagement (the physical, emotional and cognitive components). The instrument will allow for the establishment of existing levels of employee engagement and an indication of areas of improvement to ensure targeted interventions are conceived.
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Establishing knowledge management for competitive advantage in an enterprise

  • Authors: Ndlela, Lorna Thembisile
  • Date: 2012-09-12
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Competition , Strategic planning
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:10184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7560
  • Description: M.Inf. , Enterprises are becoming more dependent on people than ever before and in the twenty first century, an enterprise's survival and success will highly depend on the ability to manage knowledge as a source for competitive advantage. This study is concerned with the establishment of a knowledge management program that will ensure sustainable competitive advantage within the enterprise. The main problem under investigation is to assess the importance of knowledge management within an enterprise and to ascertain how knowledge management can ensure sustained competitive advantage in an enterprise. In the first three chapters of the study a literature survey is done to get a better understanding of what knowledge management is, the importance of corporate culture when implementing a knowledge management program and how knowledge management can be a source for sustainable competitive advantage or business edge. The advancement in information technology has allowed enterprises to leverage people's knowledge onto higher competitive level by improving competencies and processes, reducing mistakes, etc. and the optimal application of knowledge in a knowledge-based environment is playing an ever-increasing role in enterprise success. The second part of the study was an empirical study where a qualitative research was conducted in the Eskom Transmission Group. The aim of the research was to investigate understanding of the knowledge management concept amongst business leaders, determine enablers and barriers to implementing a knowledge management, and to also determine whether knowledge is seen as a source for competitive advantage. Structured interviews were conducted with ten business leaders in the Eskom Transmission Group. The data obtained from the interviews were analysed and interpreted according to the grounded theory. It was found that although knowledge management is old but as a formalised concept in the business environment in South Africa it is new and there is no common definition or understanding of the concept. It is however evident that the need to manage knowledge is understood and its importance to the sustainability of the business. The majority of the respondents agree that people issues are critical to the success of knowledge management in an enterprise, as people own knowledge. It is suggested that enterprises should adopt a holistic and integrated approach when establishing a knowledge management program. The holistic approach together with the framework and guidelines as given in chapter six would afford enterprises the ability to manage and harness their knowledge for sustainable competitive advantage. Broad recommendations for establishing a knowledge management program that will be a source of sustainable competitive advantage are proposed.
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Effective knowledge sharing within communities of practice in a financial institution

  • Authors: Nkuna, Shyless
  • Date: 2013-07-18
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Information technology , Economic development , Business education
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7625 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8495
  • Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , This research paper is a study of the effectiveness of knowledge sharing within the communities of practice (CoPs) in a financial institution in South Africa. Specifically, the focus is on investigating the requirements for establishing CoPs that share knowledge effectively within this organisation. This was achieved through understanding the current state of knowledge sharing within the CoPs, identifying critical factors for effectively sharing knowledge and thereafter determining reasons for a CoP not being effective in sharing knowledge. The results showed that there is still a long way to go to ensure the effectiveness of knowledge sharing through CoPs. The CoPs within this financial institution are informal in nature, and therefore not necessarily given the attention that they deserve. Time used for CoPs is not maximised effectively, which reduces the chances of their effectiveness and improvement of productivity. Lack of effective system infrastructure to support knowledge sharing is also a massive challenge for the CoPs, as is not having virtual Cops to reduce challenges faced in the use of face-to-face CoPs. The literature review in chapter 2 of this paper covers the importance of the role of technology in supporting knowledge sharing, which is supportive to this finding.
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Motivation of scientists in a knowledge organisation focusing on rewards

  • Authors: Padayachy, Aneshri
  • Date: 2015-08-18
  • Subjects: Employee motivation , Knowledge management , Incentives in industry
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:13905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14253
  • Description: M.B.A. , The aim of this research study was to understand the needs of knowledge workers and to determine if the current reward system is appropriate to promote the objectives of a knowledge intensive organisation. The objectives of this study were to identify factors that motivate and satisfy knowledge workers, to determine if monetary or non monetary reward is of, greater value, to establish the benefits and shortcomings of the existing reward system in the organisation and to recommend changes to the reward system within a knowledge organisation.
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A strategy for knowledge management

A design option for optimising knowledge worker expertise

  • Authors: Ramsey, Mark Allan
  • Date: 2010-11-09T06:34:37Z
  • Subjects: Knowledge workers , Knowledge management , Organizational effectiveness , Leadership
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:6962 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3470
  • Description: D.Phil. , The success of an organisation depends on the mental capability of a comparatively small number of highly proficient knowledge workers who innovate and clarify the business processes others must act on (Zemke, 2004). Many organisations utilise knowledge worker expertise to create a competitive advantage, but this expertise is not incorporated into the business processes and routine operations of the organisation. Organisational design does not create the conditions under which an organisation can optimise knowledge worker expertise (Grant, 1996). As a consequence, when the knowledge worker leaves the organisation, the knowledge created is lost and the competitive advantage is not sustainable. One of the foremost objectives of an organisation must be to optimise knowledge worker expertise to produce new products, services or ways of working for sustaining competitive advantage (Gold, Malhotra & Segards, 2001). Organisational design continues to be seen as the process of assembling and fine-tuning an organisation’s structure to achieve its goal. Much has been written about knowledge, knowledge management, the knowledge-based organisation and the knowledge worker. However, current organisational design methodologies do not place emphasis on the optimisation of knowledge worker expertise (Grant, 1996). For knowledge workers to contribute sufficiently to the production of new products, services or ways of working, consideration must be given to their motivation. Despite all our achievements in technology and product improvements, knowledge workers are not thriving in the organisations they work for because organisations are not clear about where knowledge workers fit and how their contribution is valued. Covey (2004) asserts that managers are still applying the Industrial Age control model to knowledge workers. For an organisation to succeed in the new economy, knowledge workers must be intrinsically motivated so that they can reach new heights of fulfilment (Covey, 2004).
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The importance of knowledge sharing in increasing revenue collection in SARS

  • Authors: Sekane, Teboho Henry
  • Date: 2014-10-20
  • Subjects: Tax collection - South Africa , Knowledge management , South African Revenue Service , Expertise
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12456
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , The South African Revenue Service (SARS) is an organ of the state, which has a mandate of collecting revenue for the government. The organisation is faced with numerous challenges in its task of collecting revenue. The challenges include the current recession that the world economy is going through and the deliberate tax evasion by businesses and individuals. To execute its mandate effectively, the organisation has to look continuously at how it uses its internal resources and how it can effectively lower the costs of collecting revenue. This research study looks at the importance of knowledge sharing in support of revenue collection at SARS. SARS recently launched a compliance model, indicating a problem of non-compliance, which contributes to the high debt figures for the organisation, compared with some revenue authorities in Europe, North America, Australia and Africa. The focus of this research study was the two Johannesburg offices of the debt management department of SARS, Alberton and Sunninghill (Megawatt Park). A qualitative research design was chosen for this study to obtain an in-depth feel of the knowledge sharing in the organisation. Interviews were conducted with 19 respondents from the two offices and the findings are presented in table format, with a detailed illustration of the responses and quotes from the respondents. The research objectives were met and the research hypothesis was accepted. The study concludes with six recommendations and a suggestion for future research. The limitations of the study were that it was limited to the Johannesburg area and confined to the debt management department at SARS.
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Corporate advisory networks of knowledge sharing agents

  • Authors: Stavri, Evthemia
  • Date: 2014-10-20
  • Subjects: Social networks , Knowledge management , Business analysts
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12463
  • Description: M.Phil. (Information Management) , This study was aimed at the discovery of in corporate advisory networks who act as agents to share information and knowledge. In the current competitive and often uncertain economic business environment, savvy executives need to leverage off the expertise of their company employees in order to service their customers effectively and remain competitive. Since not all employees in the company have expert knowledge, executives need to discover the advisory networks of expert employees embedded in formal organisational structures and encourage them to share and transfer their expert knowledge to novices and/or less experienced employees. In light of the current argument, a diagnostic technique known as social network analysis (SNA) was used to map out and measure the advisory relational X-ray patterns within organisational departments and across to other functional business units. Once the patterns are discovered and the key expert networked employees identified, knowledge sharing interventions are introduced to facilitate experts to share and transfer their information, knowledge, insights and experiences to other less knowledgeable employees within the departments and across to other functional areas in the organisation. The overall objective of this study is therefore to utilise the SNA technique to discover the experts in the corporate advisory networks whom will act as agents to facilitate information and knowledge sharing in the organisation to improve other employees’ work performance thereby enabling the organisation to meet and even exceed its strategic objectives...
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