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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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Knowledge sharing as a means of enhancing intellectual capital within the project environment

  • Authors: Maake, H. P.
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/371274 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82645 , uj:18985
  • Description: Abstract: Knowledge sharing (KS) is one of the most important knowledge management (KM) processes that enable value adding KM initiatives within the organisation. The flow of knowledge between individuals within the organisation, leads to the creation and enhancement of intangible assets known as intellectual capital (IC) through the process of combination and contextualisation of different pieces of knowledge. This intangible asset known as IC, is regarded as the unique competitive advantage of the organisation due to the difficulty to imitate by the competitors. In the context of the project environment, IC plays an integral role in improving the project management (PM) capability and competencies while also creating a knowledge base. This research focuses on the investigation of KS as the means of enhancing IC within the project environment of a South African power utility (SAPU). The SAPU currently involved in the construction of many projects across South Africa has the opportunity to create and enhance IC through the use of KM processes such as KS that will become beneficial in terms of improving project planning and execution due to enhanced competencies and PM capability. Currently there are KS practices that are taking place within the SAPU's project environment, however, certain major challenges are hindering this process which results in a lost opportunity to enhance IC and build sufficient capacity to improve on project execution. The respondents of this study agreed to the value of KS as a means of enhancing IC with the SAPU's project environment by acknowledging its potential of improving PM capability, enhancing the competencies and building a knowledge base. Certain key recommendations that were considered critical for the success of KM processes such as KS included the following: 1. Leadership should champion the development and implementation of KM programs within the SAPU's project environment. 2. KM should be integrated within the project life cycle model (PLCM) to become part of projects within the SAPU. 3. Enforced governance and rewards as well as recognition systems are recommended for promoting KS in the SAPU’s project environment. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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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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A knowledge management strategy for a multinational telecommunications company

  • Authors: Mahlangu, Thabo George
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Telecommunication - Management , Industrial management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451525 , uj:39792
  • Description: Abstract: The knowledge economy refers to a system in which the economy’s growth and the creation of employment are primarily based on knowledge intensive activities. It is the economy that creates knowledge, disseminates and uses knowledge in order to enhance knowledge production for economic growth and development. The existence of a knowledge economy provides more reasons for organisations to have knowledge management strategy. A knowledge management strategy is an approach which details how an organisation intends to manage its information and knowledge better for the benefit of the employees and all stakeholders. While there has been a shift from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy, many organisations do not have a knowledge management strategy which enables them to manage their knowledge effectively and use it to benefit themselves. There are mainly two knowledge management strategies, and these are the personification and the codification strategies. The personification strategy uses people to people methods to exchange knowledge and the codification strategy uses a system where the knowledge is documented, retrieved and shared with other people... , M.Com. (Business Management)
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A theoretical assessment of the performance of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise through lmowledge management in the South Africa construction industry

E-participation implementation and adoption of a local government collaboration network

  • Authors: Masueme, Shadrack
  • Date: 2015
  • Subjects: Business communication - South Africa , Local government - South Africa - Western Cape , Text messages (Cell phone systems) , Knowledge management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/55357 , uj:16283
  • Description: Abstract: This study investigates e-participation implementation of a local government collaboration network in South Africa, and specifically the SMS-based two-way communication channel between municipalities and citizens in Western Cape Province. Its implementation has been segmental by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the SMS-based two-way communication channel between municipalities and citizens has not yet been investigated in terms of its usage and level of participation it has engendered. A quantitative research design was used and the study's sample that consists of three municipalities, namely Kai Garib, Knysna and Theewaterskloof, were randomly selected from the accessible population which consists of six municipalities that are currently implementing the program which involves the SMS-based system. Research data was collected with structured interviews, supplemented by follow-up questionnaires. From among the three sampled municipalities 120 staff members were drawn, to whom copies of the questionnaire were administered, out of which only 93 responses were returned and analysed (77.5% response rate). Descriptive statistics was used to present the results of the analyses, which was interpreted and discussed. The discussion is aligned to the main research question: "What is the level of implementation of SMSbased two- way communication channel between the municipality and citizens as a local government collaboration network?" The value of the study is derived from its most significant findings:  The qualities of the professionals that are involved in an e-participation platform determine the type of work they do, for example, administrative officials, communication and ICT professionals, or lawyers are hired by municipalities to run the SMS-based two-way communication channel or in short "SMS-based system". Some municipalities have more experienced people who are in a position to supervise and mentor the younger and newer employees... , M.Com.
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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.
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Benchmarking best practice in new product development project : a South African cinema study

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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Translating IT project lessons learnt into organisational learning

  • Authors: Mothapo, Korong
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Information technology - Management , Organizational learning , Knowledge management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474872 , uj:42816
  • Description: Abstract: Project learning is about converting available raw data into understandable information. It contributes towards streamlining the ideas, problems, projects and deployment driving towards productivity. The purpose of this study was to determine why information technology (IT) project lessons are not integrated into organisational learning. The study explored themes of (i) understanding the different project management roles, responsibilities and experience of project managers in the organisation, (ii) determining the understanding of the concept of organisational learning and (iii) determining how project lessons are shared within the organisation... , M.Com. (Information Technology Management)
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Knowledge management maturity model mapping within the South African Revenue Service

  • Authors: Mthembu, Mlungisi
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , South African Revenue Service
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237776 , uj:24366
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: The study investigates knowledge management maturity within the South African Revenue Service (SARS). The underlying premise is that good practice of knowledge management (KM) and strategic information management (SIM) leads to efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement. It is therefore important to measure the effectiveness of KM using an appropriate KM maturity model (KMMM) and SIM principles. The research strategy was a case study and data were mostly analysed by means of quantitative analysis, except for one section which required qualitative analysis. Research ethic guidelines were strictly observed. The research site and unit of observation were given generic names to protect research participants’ anonymity and ensure that the aim of the study was achieved. The study aimed to serve as input to a SARS business case for implementation or enhancement of KM structures and processes thereby contributing to future ICT strategy planning. The research design aimed at generalisability and the study has potential value to revenue services institutions (RSI) seeking higher level KM maturity. As a RSI, SARS could use the conceptual KM framework and enterprise KM mapping framework that were developed based on this study’s findings. The aim of data analysis was to identify the levels of KM maturity within the RSI, specifically of the assessment of income tax for both individual and company entities in order to provide guidance on how to improve and contribute to future ICT strategy planning. The study sought to determine how will mapping of the perceived KM maturity levels of the RSI’s individual and company tax payer entities contribute to the next phase of ICT strategy planning. The study was cross-sectional and assessed the KM capability within RSI by means of a questionnaire targeting specific RSI roles. An existing KMMM was utilised to measure perceptions of managers, auditors, specialists and quality assurers on the value of knowledge, lessons learned, leadership role, and culture as enablers for knowledge sharing. Trust was also an enabler established in the theoretical framework and empirical findings. The KMMM was chosen for its self-assessment character consisting of five levels of maturity conceptually derived from Carnegie Mellon’s Capability Maturity Model. The five levels are: Possible, Encouraged, Enabled/Practiced, Managed, and Continuously Improved. This approach ensured generalisability. Overall, the results are factual and the key finding confirm that the value of KM is generally well conceived. However, barriers exist and levels of consensus generally drop as the levels progress towards the highest KM maturity level, mostly lacking in terms of continuous improvement. The general consensus is that RSI leadership is responsible and accountable for creating an enabling environment by investing in infrastructure as well as implementation of policies, processes, and procedures for KM.
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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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Examining the role of knowledge management and technology operating capabilities in the development of customer-centric organisational systems

  • Authors: Munyanyi, Watson , Pooe, David
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Knowledge management , Technology operating capabilities , Customer-centric organisational systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/404566 , uj:33934 , Citation: Munyanyi, W. & Pooe, D., 2019, ‘Examining the role of knowledge management and technology operating capabilities in the development of customercentric organisational systems’, Acta Commercii 19(2), a647. https://doi.org/ 10.4102/ac.v19i2.647 , ISSN: (Online) 1684-1999
  • Description: Abstract: Orientation: Over the years technological competence and knowledge management have grown in significance in relation to strategic management of firms. Research purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the role of knowledge management and technology operating capabilities in the development of customer-centric organisational systems for small and medium enterprises in Zimbabwe. Motivation for the study: The dynamism in the business environment, coupled with the proliferation in technological advancements, is forcing firms to reorient themselves, especially towards customer centrism. Research design, approach and method: Based on a cross-sectional survey conducted on 388 firms in Zimbabwe, this study sought to investigate the influence of knowledge management capabilities and technology operating capabilities on the ability of small and medium enterprises to create customer-centric organisational systems. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from simple, randomly selected small firms, and structural equation modelling was used to test the direction and significance of the proposed relationships. Main findings: The study found that there are positive relationships between the two dimensions of knowledge management capability and one technological competence dimension. Practical/managerial implications: Because external knowledge searches have become progressively significant for small and medium enterprises to attain and maintain a competitive advantage, the study findings demonstrate that knowledge acquisition and transformation are also essential for firms to create customer-oriented organisational systems. Contribution/value-add: The novelty in this study is that it decomposes absorptive capacity and technological competences and assesses the individual dimensions’ influence on the dependent variable, thereby enhancing exhaustive understanding while avoiding theoretical misspecifications and empirical contradictions.
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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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A framework for identifying master data from business processes

  • Authors: Ndlozi, Joshua Gugu
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Database security , Data protection , Knowledge management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237766 , uj:24367
  • Description: M.Com. (Information Technology Management) , Abstract: The recent advancement in information technology has prompted many organisations to review their business strategies. One of the prominent areas concerning business executives is data management. The introduction of new technology such as the ‘internet of things’ continues to present serious challenges within the data management discipline. Systems that used to be siloed are now expected to share data and integrate with other systems. The integration and sharing of data across systems presents serious data management challenges. Business executives are responding to this challenge by turning to master data management. The lack of research studies and research papers in this field show the immaturity of the master data management discipline. This makes business executives have less interest in master data management and therefore reduces any investment into research on the subject. New data governance legislation and regulations such as those set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act are now forcing business executives to be accountable for the data they own. This presents a serious challenge for business executives as the master data management discipline has not been well-researched. The implementation of a master data management program is very challenging and the current best practices are too generic to be applicable in every company. Within the South African boundaries, there are no known master data management frameworks that can be used to facilitate the implementation of master data management programs. This dissertation uses an exploratory, phenomenographic research approach to learn about master data management. The aim of the exploratory approach was to develop the required knowledge, establish priorities and develop the concepts of master data management more clearly. One of the challenges of implementing master data management is the identification of master data objects from the business processes. Keywords: Enterprise information management, data management, master data management, information technology, process management, data architecture, information quality, IT portfolio management, information security.
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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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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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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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