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Barriers of sharing tacit knowledge : A case of Gauteng agricultural SMMEs, South Africa

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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Kennisbestuur: 'n onontbeerlike komponent in die strategiese plan van Suid-Afrikaanse universiteite

Administrative professional's role in the processing, retrieval, dissemination and repackaging of information in the networked enterprise

  • Authors: Thomas, Henda Judith
  • Date: 2008-06-23T13:33:47Z
  • Subjects: Administrative assistants , Information organization , Information retrieval , Office information systems , Knowledge management
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3445 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/683
  • Description: The purpose of this research was to establish the administrative professional's role in the processing, retrieval, dissemination and repackaging of digital information in the networked enterprise, and to determine how the administrative professional can add value to the organisation and enhance its competitive position in industry. The digital economy has changed business practices to such an extent that research of the digital office environment and the administrative professional’s role in this new world of work has become necessary. This research subsequently aimed to clarify the administrative professional’s role as an information specialist in the organisation. The following sub-questions were formulated for this project: · What is the current profile of the administrative professional in the organisation? · What changes have taken place in the digital environment? · What are the current technological and information systems skills of the administrative professional? · How can the administrative professional add value to the enterprise in the digital environment? The profile of the administrative professional in the organisation was discussed with specific reference to the history, duties and etymology of the administrative professional. The traditional methods of handling information flow were also investigated. The digital environment was also evaluated. It was found that due to rapid changes in the digital environment, employers’ key expectations of their administrative staff were also changing. Research conducted indicated that employers expect administrative iii professionals to be skilled in new and emerging technologies and show a high degree of information management skills. New Information management skills were evaluated within the framework of information systems available in the networked enterprise. These statements were evaluated and the following aspects amongst others discussed: · The way that the enterprise conducts business in the digital economy. · The latest information technology advances and trends. · Information infrastructure and architecture. · Management of information sources in the enterprise. · Strategic information systems necessary for competitive advantage. · The Web revolution. · Developments in electronic commerce (EC). · The different organisational applications. · Knowledge Management (KM). · Managerial systems and decision support systems (DSS). · Data management such as warehousing, analysing, mining, and visualisation. · Intelligent support systems. · The management of information resources and security. The statements that the administrative professional’s roles have changed through the use of computers, the Web, and other advanced office technologies to perform vital information management functions in the modern office, have been empirically studied and proven to be correct. Information and communications technology (ICT) has become the major launch pad of business activities in the world and causes fundamental shifts in the management structure and the operations procedures in enterprises. In the light of these changes, the researcher empirically justified the specific skills and abilities of the contemporary administrative professional. This was done through an emphasis on managerial perceptions about the role of the administrative professional. The importance of the administrative professional’s ability to provide the correct information in a context that aids decision-making was examined. The level of awareness iv of emerging information and communications technology tools and techniques that is regarded as necessary by the manager was evaluated. , Prof. P. A. van Brakel
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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 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 the learning organisation paradigm in improving intellectual capital

  • Authors: Pienaar, Jaco Johannes
  • Date: 2009-04-30T09:26:08Z
  • Subjects: Intellectual capital , Knowledge management , Organizational learning , Horse racing (South Africa)
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:8331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2458
  • Description: M.A. , The purpose of this thesis is to determine to what extent intellectual capital is recognised and developed in the South African horseracing industry. A significant motivation for this study is that, despite the importance of intellectual capital in today’s market environment, no such study has been done in this specific industry. Because of the scope and nature of the horseracing industry, such a study is crucial. The study is divided into a literature review, where theoretical groundwork is discussed, and an empirical study, where the theory is practically applied within the South African horseracing industry context. The industry can be defined as an oligopoly, with Phumelela and Gold Circle as the key organisations. Therefore, Phumelela and Gold Circle’s intellectual capital recognition and development is examined in depth and compared with each other. Other industry role players and factors, such as betting types and racecourses, are also discussed, as it provides an overview essential to the study. The literature review is divided into three sections – intellectual capital, knowledge sharing, and the learning organisation. Intellectual capital is the main focus of the study, with knowledge sharing and the learning organisation seen as key intellectual capital development methods. Intellectual capital is defined according to three categories – human, structural, and relational capital. Intellectual capital’s organisational importance and measurement are also discussed. Knowledge, knowledge sharing, and knowledge sharing methods (formal and informal) are described and placed within organisational and intellectual capital frameworks. The overall importance of knowledge sharing, in addition to its importance to intellectual capital, is discussed. The learning organisation is an essential paradigm in the knowledge economy and refers to an organisational and individual mindset for knowledge improvement, goal achievement, and development. It is defined and discussed in an intellectual capital context. The learning organisation’s importance to the development of intellectual capital, knowledge sharing, and the organisation as a whole, is explained. The qualitative empirical study is conducted primarily by examining the annual reports and financial statements of Gold Circle and Phumelela. Specific structured interviews with key industry role players are also referred to and comparisons of the aforementioned organisations are given. Summaries of findings are presented and recommendations are made to assist in the industry’s task of managing and developing intellectual capital. Areas of future research are also referred to, which include studying intellectual capital on a global horseracing scale as well as the role that knowledge development plays in the international competitiveness of the horseracing industry. The South African horseracing industry is complex and vast, requiring the development of intellectual capital and other intangible assets to compete strongly globally. This thesis shows that this is not done to its full extent as yet and there is still a long way to go for the national industry to realise its full potential.
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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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Knowledge sharing via enterprise intranets

  • Authors: Van der Walt, Celeste
  • Date: 2008-07-23T11:04:25Z
  • Subjects: Intranets (Computer networks) , Knowledge management , Corporate culture
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7399 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/820
  • Description: Successful enterprises are those that consistently create new knowledge, disseminate it widely throughout the enterprise and quickly embed it in new technologies and products. These ‘knowledge-creating’ enterprises understand what knowledge is and what they should do to exploit it. In other words, they successfully manage and share their knowledge throughout their enterprise. When launching a knowledge management initiative, it is important to identify which knowledge management processes are most relevant to the enterprise’s environment and systems, and steps should be taken to support these activities and integrate them into daily operations. Broader elements and issues should also be identified and recognised for the influence they have on the knowledge management process. For example that enterprises should encourage individuals to interact, to work together on projects, or to share their ideas on an informal basis and systems are needed to codify the knowledge of individuals so that others can use it. Applying these elements involves: information technology; formal and informal structures; and specific knowledge management tools. Another important factor in the success of a knowledge management project is to ground knowledge management and knowledge sharing within the context of the enterprise’s business strategy seeing that the intranet can assist in the creation of economic value and competitive advantage for the enterprise. The knowledge sharing or knowledge contribution part of the knowledge management process seems to be the most difficult for enterprises. Knowledge sharing often takes place in enterprises via employees’ informal networks. Knowledge management could turn this informal, ad hoc process into a more systematic process. Creating a corporate culture where knowledge is valued and shared effectively is a challenge. Part of the solution could be for an enterprise to be aware of their specific corporate culture and how it influences their behaviour and attitude towards knowledge sharing. Because the employee’s behaviour determines the sharing of knowledge, leadership has an important role to play and they could use various motivational practices to encourage knowledge sharing. Leadership should commit to creating an environment, within which employees are able to share, assess and experiment with new knowledge gained. The corporate intranet could be used as such an environment, but employees need to be trained to use their knowledge management IT tools, making it as easy as possible for employees to contribute to the enterprise knowledge base. Effective intranet usage should be embedded in the enterprise’s general corporate and knowledge sharing culture. The intranet should be seen as an essential part of the enterprise’s knowledge management system and should be designed to suit and enhance the enterprise knowledge sharing activities and culture. It is also important that intranets should be evaluated regularly to determine its current contribution to as well as future potential of the knowledge sharing capability of the enterprise. The importance of evaluating and measuring the enterprise intranet and various measurement tools were discussed in depth, which consequently led to the formulation of an intranet evaluation tool in the form of a questionnaire. The prototype questionnaire was compiled by using measurement tools developed previously. The questionnaire brought together the concepts of knowledge management, knowledge sharing cultures and intranet functionalities. The evaluation tool was then applied to measure the effectiveness of a management consulting business’s intranet in enhancing the enterprise’s knowledge sharing culture. Recommendations were made to enterprises use the questionnaire when using the questionnaire in similar environments. An intranet represents a tool of potentially high value to any enterprise, but in order to realise this value, the intranets should be properly measured and managed and every employee needs to take ownership and buy into the concept of the intranet as a knowledge sharing enabler. This calls for an employee to be motivated to participate in knowledge sharing, so that they can experience the value they could add and receive by using the intranet for knowledge sharing activities. , Prof. P.A. van Brakel Mnr. J.A. Kok
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Guidelines for mobile health applications adopted amongst adolescents

  • Authors: Wafeequa, Ben
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Medical informatics , Self-care, Health , Diabetes
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/124480 , uj:20921
  • Description: Abstract: The enhanced usability as well as pervasiveness of smart phones has resulted in a renewed interest as well as development of healthcare apps. The current era can be called an mHealth revolution as medical apps created for smart phones are flourishing in the market. To manage Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) effectively, time, basic mathematics and memory is required. Individuals living with T1DM need to count carbohydrates, monitor blood glucose levels and determine insulin dosages. Research shows that the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes can be enhanced through the effective management of diabetes with the use of smart phones. The behaviour of adolescents has the biggest impact on trying to achieve this objective. Evidence suggests that the use of mHealth apps can be used effectively as to monitor glucose levels, which is recognised as a core element for the effective self-management of diabetes. Therefore, by finding out which mHealth apps individuals living with T1DM are using to manage their illness effectively could be used to generate recommendations that adolescents can adhere to when using these specific mHealth apps to manage their illness more effectively. An in-depth literature review was conducted which focused on using mHealth apps to help manage T1DM as well as the role, benefits and challenges of mHealth apps. A qualitative research methodology was carried out in order to contribute to the lack of literature pertaining to how mHealth apps can assist adolescents with managing T1DM more effectively. Evaluation criteria tools were used to rate specific mHealth apps for diabetes self-management and focus group interviews were conducted in order to find out about the views, opinions and experiences of the individuals who used the apps. The main objective of this study was to find out which mHealth apps are enablers to support the effective management of T1DM. Essentially, committed individuals who were already using mHealth apps to manage their T1DM successfully were sought. Recommendations were then created for adolescents who were experiencing difficulty in managing their illness. These recommendations were then tested to determine whether it can or cannot assist adolescents with managing their T1DM by making use of mHealth apps. , M.Phil. (Information Management)
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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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The need for process-aware knowledge management systems in South Africa

  • Authors: Mabe, Kagiso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Knowledge management systems , Benefits
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceeding
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289418 , uj:31401 , Citation: Mabe, K. 2018. The need for process-aware knowledge management systems in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: This study had as an aim to identify whether there is a need for process-aware knowledge management (KM) systems in South Africa. The research question that had to be answered was: Is there a need for process-aware knowledge management systems in South Africa? As such, the study focused on the benefits of KM systems, whether there is a need for processaware KM systems, as well as the challenges associated with implementing KM systems in the context of the South African environment. The methodological choice utilised was the mono-method qualitative, which according to Azorín and Cameron (2010), refers to the use of either quantitative or qualitative methods. As such, qualitative means were used as a tool to examine the main objective: To determine whether there is a need for process-aware KM systems to be implemented in South African organisations. In tackling the objectives, a literature review was used together with nonstandardised, semi-structured interviews of 5 participants working at a knowledge management consulting firm. In the end, it was found that South Africa is still in the first stage of KM, which is the initiation stage. This stage mainly focuses on increasing awareness of the field. This suggests that South African organisations are at a stage where introducing a system has more to do with how people will react to it as opposed to what the system does. Another key finding was that the attitude of people is more important than implementing a system. At this early stage of KM in South Africa, a KM system is regarded as only an enabler, meaning, it does not matter what system you implement, should people not use it or should they reject it, then organisations would have wasted resources in implementing the system. As such, it is more important to have measures in place that encourage positive attitudes towards any system that is implemented. A system being process-aware has little effect on the success of the system.
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Change management in an academic library in the knowledge economy

  • Authors: Du Plessis, Tanya , Mabunda, Tiyani Tyson
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Change management , Academic library , Knowledge management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/123950 , uj:20855 , Citation: Du Plessis, T & Mabunda, T.T. 2016. Change management in an academic library in the knowledge economy. , Citation: Mabunda, TT... https://www.uj.ac.za/library , https://www.uj.ac.za/library
  • Description: Abstract: In the knowledge economy, knowledge is channelled in new ways which brings about changes to the structure and function of an organisation. Organisations such as academic libraries often introduce innovations in delivery of information services to clients which entail the use of information and communication technology. Current growth in technological applications is enabling academic libraries to change the way they deliver services to clients. Technological applications continuously redefine how academic library collections are used. This article investigates how change in terms of technology is managed in a decentralised academic library in a higher education institution of South Africa. The study was placed within a qualitative research paradigm. A case study design presented the research providing the opportunity to analyse the perception and experience of participants and ensured that real life events were investigated. Semi-structured individual interviews were used to collect data. The most significant finding of this study is the emphasis on the importance of change management in academic libraries and the need for effective communication in order to achieve low resistance to change from academic library staff.
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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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Can models for knowledge management be successfully implemented to manage the diversity of indigenous knowledge?

  • Authors: Kok, J.A.
  • Date: 2005-12
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Indigenous knowledge , Knowledge management frameworks
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3413
  • Description: With the dawn of the new political dispensation in South Africa, new frameworks emerged on macro level for a better understanding of equality, empowerment and development. Among these were the Reconstruction and Development Programme, the government's Macro-economic Strategy (GEAR), the National System for Innovation and the African Renaissance. This set the scene for reconstruction, innovation and the establishment of human rights, sustainable development and democratization in South Africa.
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Principles of building a learning organisation in the public sector

  • Authors: Ngqulana, Arthur Junior Vuyisile
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Executives - Training of , Employee empowerment , Knowledge management , Organizational learning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225864 , uj:22822
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The development and building of learning organisation principles have become the cornerstone and focus of many leading organisation both in public and private sector. Senge (2006) states that a learning organisation as a place where people continually expand their capacity to create results they truly desire where new exposure patterns of thinking are outward, where collective aspirations are part of the organisation drive to success. Senge (2012) explains that the five principles of a learning organisation as systems thinking, personal mystery, shared vision, mental models and team learning which drive the organisation to a future focus in dealing with organisational challenges both internally and externally. This demonstrated that organisations in the public sector to be able to deliver on strategy and sustainability these principles serve as a foundation for long term success. The first two principles of systems thinking and shared vision evolve around the overall organisation strategic themes and direction. Driven by leadership across the overall organisation by facilitating decisions and alignment based on building a learning organisation. The learning organisation principles create the basis for the organisation strategic deliverables. The other three principles of personal mystery, mental models and team learning focus on the individuals and groups within an organisation which ensure the execution of the strategy, management of changes and most critically facilitating learning in the organisation across individual and teams. The qualitative study was conducted at SARS which is one of the public sector organisations in South Africa. Two hundred people who participated in the study who are in management roles. A questionnaire was used as means of collecting data. The researcher applied and used the principles of content analysis to analyse for patterns and trends by looking at each question’s response based on questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was also used in the study by the researcher to highlight themes based on the data collected.
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Benchmarking best practice in new product development project : a South African cinema study

Teaching to learn and learning to share : assessing a culture of sharing amongst information and knowledge management students in a virtual environment.

  • Authors: Mearns, Martie , Jacobs, Lizelle
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Knowledge sharing , Information sharing , Virtual environment
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6201 , ISBN 978-1-906638-46-7 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5281
  • Description: Knowledge and information sharing has become synonymous with the concept of creating value and power for organisations. Knowledge is being recognised as a valuable asset and the promotion and dissemination of information and knowledge in its internal workings has the aim of creating learning organisations. The sharing of information and knowledge creates a community where participants can collaborate with each other in achieving their goals. In a knowledge management course in the Department of Information and Knowledge Management, at the University of Johannesburg (South Africa), students are introduced to these concepts as part of their training to pursue various careers as information and knowledge workers within organisations where these concepts have to be applied Using a philosophy of teaching by example, students are encouraged to share information and knowledge, making use of discussion boards in a virtual learning environment as part of a multiwmodal learning approach that includes facewtowface lectures as well as an online interactive environment. Discussion topics are provided in line with a case study that students are requested to analyse. Students' reflections on the learning that has taken place, based on the responses to the discussion topics, form part of the case study analysis which is assessed. The purpose of the research is to gain insight into the effectiveness of information and knowledge sharing in a virtual environment using discussion boards in terms of its impact to generate a learning culture. A mixed methods approach is applied to 210 registered students in a second year group and 123 registered students in a third year group by monitoring their discussions on allocated topics. Firstly, content analysis methodology is applied to assess the knowledge sharing that is taking place in the virtual environment. Secondly, a survey is conducted at the end of the discussion period to determine student experiences, perceptions and opinions on the knowledge sharing process and is used to adapt and develop the course design. Thirdly, students are required to reflect on the learning experiences as part of the submitted case stUdy analysis assignment. The discussion monitoring will investigate the following variables: (1) student participation rates, frequency and patterns; as well as (2) cognitive and meta-cognitive components of student messages. The survey and reflection will be used to assess the students' (3) perception of learning through sharing; (4) experiences of group dynamics and (5) their perceived individual performances based on the discussion groups. This research includes an investigation of using different group dynamics to compare the experiences of students being managed in a randomly selected group as opposed to students signing up to a group of their own choice. It is hypothesised that the findings from this research will provide important answers required to facilitate students with diverse skills and socio-economic backgrounds in their cognitive and meta­cognitive development for information and knowledge sharing when making use of online discussions boards.
  • Full Text:

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.
  • Full Text:

A strategy for knowledge management

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