Abstracts

A sober (or somber) view of KM (Keynote)

Jacques Steyn
School of IT
Monash South Africa

Some core concepts of standard Knowledge Management ideology are soberly unpacked and scrutinized, and their implications for knowledge as power considered. A wide range of assumptions are highlighted, ranging from dichotomies such as individual knowledge (or neurological?) or community (or social?) knowledge, container knowledge (as in Plato) or process knowledge (in the sense of the process philosophy of Whitehead, and not in the sense of managed process), and the synchronicity or diachronicity of knowledge (following de Saussure) to notions of knowledge as a commodity and product, and value and ideology. If knowledge resides in brains, it is strange that in KM literature there is a conspicious absence of discussion of brain neurology, cognitive memory models, and communication and linguistic theory. If knowledge is social, there are implications for intellectual property righths.

In dominant KM literature knowledge is typically used in the Platonic sense of an ontological being that can be captured in ICT systems. Approaches to KM are furthermore methodological and programmatic, despite references to post-positivist authors. The bulk of KM literature focuses on organisational practice and operational management, assuming corporatism and the classic Adam Smithian capitalist and market models as the dominant (even only) economic models. Even knowledge communities are defined with reference to employment, and not with reference to the supposedly mundane knowledge of entertainment or hobbies.

And among community knowledge workers, there is an effort to preserve knowledge. A sombre would be, taking evolutionary species as metaphor for the life of knowledge, that most knowledge is bound to become extinct, despite our best efforts to preserve it.

The Effect of Knowledge Management Initiatives of Small and Medium Scale Software Companies on Competitive Advantage

Priyantha Kumarawadu
Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology

Abstract
The increasing number of small and medium scale software companies (SMSCs) has remarkably pressurized them to deliver good quality software products on time at minimum cost. This study attempts to prove that knowledge management initiatives can bestow business opportunities of small and medium scale software companies to improve productivity, product quality, flexibility, inter-employee relationships, effective knowledge creation and knowledge utilization while achieving their cost, quality and time targets. Thus SMSCs can gain a competitive advantage to sustain their business. First, some significant facets which benefit knowledge management initiatives in SMSCs were identified and based on the results of a survey of SMSCs, proved that knowledge management initiatives have a significant influence on gaining a competitive advantage of SMSCs. Therefore, we confirmed that organization preparedness towards knowledge management initiatives, knowledge management tools and processes, knowledge management education and training and knowledge creation and transformation contribute SMSCs to gain a competitive advantage.

Communities of Practice in Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning

Celina M. Olszak*
University of Economics
Poland

University of Economics
Ewa Ziemba
Poland

Abstract
It is believed that communities of practice (CoPs) more and more frequently become a critical success factor of contemporary organisations. The article - in the background of the network organisation paradigm - identifies the most important properties of CoPs, presents CoPs capacities in the SECI knowledge spiral model and suggests information technologies that support work of CoPs. Theoretical considerations are confronted with the empirical research results obtained while examining 160 Upper Silesian organisations in 2008 (Upper Silesia is the most industrialised and densely populated region in Poland).

Key Words: knowledge management, organizational learning, communities of practice

Collaborative Knowledge Building Process: An Activity Theory Based Analysis

Gurparkash Singh
School of Management and Information Systems
Central Queensland University

Louise Hawkins
School of Management and Information Systems
Central Queensland University

*Greg Whymark
School of Management and Information Systems
Central Queensland University

Abstract
Collaborative knowledge building (CKB) is seen as a means for achieving desired learning outcomes in educational contexts as well as facilitating sharing and distribution of knowledge among community members. However existing CKB studies do not appear to identify and account for the tools used by groups (at individual and group level) as part of the CKB process. The paper addresses this issue by describing a method for studying CKB using a community of practice group knowledge building activity as the research context. The method is based on operationalising activity theory constructs for analysing and studying the group's knowledge building activity. Data analysis involved conceptualising the CKB process as an activity system in which the group worked towards a shared object and identifying the ensuing contradictions in the CKB activity system. Results from the analysis illustrate participant's use of reflective thinking processes for resolving contradictions and as a tool for articulating knowledge and developing a shared understanding. Two types of contradictions are identified from the analysis; resolving which helped the group to achieve their objective. The efficacy of using activity systems as a holistic and flexible unit of analysis for studying CKB is illustrated through the discussion of results. The results have educational as well as practical implications in terms of developing research tools for analysing CKB, collecting data from a group context, developing tools for improving group-work and building knowledge from experience within knowledge communities.

Key Words: collaboration, knowledge building, knowledge communities, activity theory, focus groups

Action Research to Knowledge Management in Construction Projects

Danny W.H. Tang*
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Abstract
A decision to embark on a journey to improve knowledge management (KM) is obviously a major commitment and undertaking of an organization, and therefore will not be made lightly. This paper reports on an action research undertaken at the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) in Hong Kong to develop a KM solution blueprint. A new project KM system framework has been proposed upon which a system prototype has been built. The notions that project knowledge must be captured live in the course of a project; and KM activities must be amalgamated with project management activities to be effective are important conceptual foundations of the new framework. While the action research reported in this paper is company-based, it is believed that the research approach adopted for the project and the new framework delivered can be extrapolated to a wider context to construction projects of other companies and even to projects of different natures.

An Expert System Methodology for SMEs and NPOs

Richard Dazeley
University of Ballarat

Abstract
Traditionally Expert Systems (ES) require a full analysis of the business problem by a Knowledge Engineer (KE) to develop a solution. This inherently makes ES technology very expensive and beyond the affordability of the majority of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs). Therefore, SMEs and NPOs tend to only have access to off-the-shelf solutions to generic problems, which rarely meet the full extent of an organisation's requirements. One existing methodological stream of research, Ripple-Down Rules (RDR) goes some of the way to being suitable to SMEs and NPOs as it removes the need for a knowledge engineer. This group of methodologies provide an environment where a company can develop large knowledge based systems themselves, specifically tailored to the company's individual situation. These methods, however, require constant supervision by the expert during development, which is still a significant burden on the organisation. This paper discusses an extension to an RDR method, known as Rated MCRDR (RM) and a feature called prudence analysis. This enhanced methodology to ES development is particularly well suited to the development of ES in restricted environments such as SMEs and NPOs.

Keywords: Expert Systems, Knowledge Based Systems, Decision Support, Small and Medium Enterprises, Non-Profit Organisations, Prudence Analysis

Indian Knowledge Commission: A Transformation to Knowledge Economy

Parveen Babbar
Indira Gandhi National Open University

Dr. Seema Chandhok
Indira Gandhi National Open University

Abstract
Today we are passing through the era of 'Knowledge Century' where world growth is recognized by brainpower and not by economic or military power. In view to this India has constituted its National knowledge Commission (NKC). India under the guidance of high-level advisory body to the Prime Minister of India started the National Knowledge Commission, with the objective of transforming India into a knowledge society covering sectors ranging from education to e-governance. It was established in year 2005 and covers the five focus areas of the knowledge paradigm: access, concepts, creation, applications and services. It also includes a variety of subject areas such as language, translations, libraries, networks, portals, distance learning, intellectual property, Entrepreneurship, application in Agriculture, health, small and medium scale industries, e-governance etc. The paper discusses the major focus and subject areas of Indian Knowledge commission.

It also explains how India's National Knowledge Commission is focusing on the Internet to act as a 'powerful and democratic source of information and knowledge. It attempts to discuss the NKC Index of performance measure as a knowledge economy and provide a decision support for growth and government policy making. The paper describes the various variables of National Knowledge Index in India such as performance of economy, governance, innovation system, human capital, ICT infrastructure and core competencies. The paper shows how NKI is facilitating in the design, development and monitoring of the policies, processes and projects which are enabling the nation capacity and ability to create new ideas, thoughts, processes and products and to translate these into economic wealth. So, paper attempts to discuss Indian NKC's methodology, subject areas, specific recommendations, created knowledge networks and specifics on network architecture, applications, and utilities.

The Impact of Biometric Systems on Communities: Perceptive and Challenges

Dr. Sitalakshmi Venkatraman
University of Ballarat

Dr. Siddhivinayak Kulkarni*
University of Ballarat

Abstract
Due to the increasing demand in secured applications, biometrics systems are becoming very important for many real world applications. A biometric system is essentially a pattern-recognition system that identifies a person based on feature vector derived from a specific physiological or behavioural characteristic that the person possesses. Over the years, biometric technologies based on face, fingerprint, DNA samples, speech, keystroke and other personal features have advanced to a great extent leading to sophisticated authentication systems. Though there is evidence of interest in the use of biometrics in selected areas such as crime detection and border security, studies indicate that the development of such biometric technologies has not been utilised to its full capacity in business and social communities due to socio-technical concerns. While much research focuses on the implementation enhancements relating to acquiring samples, feature extraction, digitizing and storage, pattern matching algorithms and fault tolerance, there is a paucity of research that focuses on the impact assessment of biometric systems on communities. This paper identifies the motivating factors as well as major challenges that biometric systems face from the perspective of the impact of technology, cost, privacy and social issues on communities. It analyses such impact on communities through various scenarios in societies, businesses and government. Based on the study, we believe that a suitable knowledge-shared ICT implementation framework is required to successfully harness the benefits of biometrics systems in communities. Hence, in this paper, we propose a knowledge-based adaptive framework that overcomes these challenges through a selectively shared knowledge management approach among various organisations, government bodies, societies and other communities. We believe this would be a step towards achieving highly secured communities that make use of biometric systems effectively.

Building Knowledge Capabilities: An Organisational Learning Approach

Zaana Howard
Information and Knowledge Manager
Lovell Chen

Mary M. Somerville
University Librarian and Director
Auraria Library, University of Colorado Denver

Abstract
The communal nature of knowledge production predicts the importance of creating learning organisations where knowledge arises out of processes that are personal, social, situated and active. It follows that workplaces must provide both formal and informal learning opportunities for interaction with ideas and among individuals.

This grounded theory for developing contemporary learning organisations harvests insights from the knowledge management, systems sciences, and educational learning literatures. The resultant hybrid theoretical framework informs practical application, as reported in a case study that harnesses the accelerated information exchange possibilities enabled through web 2.0 social networking and peer production technologies. Through complementary organisational processes, meaning making is negotiated in formal face-to-face meetings supplemented by informal boundary spanning dialogue.

The organisational capacity building potential of this participatory and inclusive approach is illustrated through the example of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in San José, California, USA. As an outcome of the strategic planning process at this joint city-university library, communication, decision-making, and planning structures, processes, and systems were re-invented. An enterprise-level redesign is presented, which fosters contextualising information interactions for knowledge sharing and community building.

Knowledge management within this context envisions organisations as communities where knowledge, identity, and learning are situated. This framework acknowledges the social context of learning - i.e., that knowledge is acquired and understood through action, interaction, and sharing with others. It follows that social networks provide peer-to-peer enculturation through intentional exchange of tacit information made explicit. This, in turn, enables a dynamic process experienced as a continuous spiral that perpetually elevates collective understanding and enables knowledge creation.

Key Words: organisational learning; knowledge management; knowledge creation

Categorisation of Knowledge Management Processes in the Development of Sustainable Enterprises

Rosemary Van Der Meer
Deakin University

Dr Sukunesan Sinnappan*
Swinburne University of Technology

Abstract
Sustainable development is a growing area of interest in organisations. Particularly those that have large energy demands for processing, use dwindling raw materials or produce a great deal of waste through production. Knowing those processes that can contribute to making an organisation more sustainable provides a great advantage both in terms of project implementation success and in measurable Triple Bottom Line returns.

In previous research we identified that many of the Information Technology processes used to assist organisations in developing sustainable practices were more clearly suited as Knowledge Management processes (Van Der Meer and Sinnappan, 2008), however less empirical study has been done to categorise them meaningfully.

In this study we have taken these Knowledge Management processes and categorised them according to the sustainable development practice where we identify they can be of service based on Waage et al (2003). Through this we are hoping to develop a framework for organisations to determine what Knowledge Management processes are needed to achieve the particular sustainable development. We may also be able to judge what steps an organisation needs to take to develop further sustainable practices in other areas.

Development of a framework for knowledge management tools in sustainable development would assist industries in determining the best processes for these sustainable projects. This framework also contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable development and Information Technology.

Knowledge-Sharing in a Selected Organisation in South Africa: The Enabling Role of an Intranet

Udo Richard Averweg
eThekwini Municipality and University of KwaZulu-Natal
Information Services
South Africa

Abstract
Knowledge-sharing is an activity through which knowledge is exchanged in an organisation. In organisations, information technology plays an important role to give effect to the sharing of knowledge. An Intranet has an enabling role to support knowledge-sharing in an organisation. The question arises: To what extent does an organisation's existing Intranet enable knowledge-sharing? This question is explored by selection of a large organisation (eThekwiniMunicipality, Durban, South Africa) as the field of application. Derived from a mixed-methods research approach, the results of a survey of eThekwini Municipality's Intranet are presented. In order to enable increased knowledge-sharing within the organisation, some suggestions for improvement to the Intranet are made.

One Company, Two Outcomes: Integration vs Disintegration

William P. Hall*
Australian Centre for Science, Innovation and Society
University of Melbourne

Susu Nousala
Spatial Information Architecture Lab ( SIAL)
School of Architecture and Design, RMIT

Bill Kilpatrick
Nexus Energy

Abstract
Most knowledge management case studies report successes. However, to learn to avoid pitfalls we need to accept and understand failures rather than hide them. This study reports experiences with a once independent and successful project management organization (EPMO) - recently auctioned to its competitors - at least partially because of specifically identifiable failures to transfer personal knowledge from one project to the next.

The EPMO case reported here is grounded in a theoretical framework of organizational autopoiesis and based on extensive studies of knowledge requirements and transfer processes and explores the outcomes of two different management styles during its history. For more a decade and a half EPMO led its industry in successfully prosecuting a large and complex engineering project, profitably keeping to both budget and schedule. In practice, most decisions contributing to EPMO's success were made locally, with ample opportunity to identify and resolve problems at a functional level. Due to changes in management style in the completion phases of the large project, local control was stifled and replaced by strongly hierarchical command-and-control management. These management changes effectively prevented transfer of personal knowledge from the successful project to a smaller new project that soon breached both budget and schedule, thus generating substantial losses that presumably contributed to the company's loss of independence. Because knowledge transfer requirements and activities were studied in detail during the transition period between the two projects, we identified what knowledge was available in the concluding project, what was needed by the new project, why the transfer didn't happen, and roughly what the failure cost EPMO.

How to get skunkworks adopted in an organisation (Jim's Loos - A Wiki Project)

Robyn McCutcheon
Department of Sustainability and Environment

Abstract
This paper is about research into skunkworks. What are they and how they can be made beneficial to the organisation in which they have developed?

Skunkworks are defined as IT systems of some kind, which have developed in isolation in an organisation and rarely become known to the wider organisation. Any potential value that these projects may have provided to the organisation is usually lost as is the knowledge gained in the creation of the projects.

The paper considers two projects as examples of skunkworks. The first project was a success but it was viewed in isolation from a second project which, it is argued, could have benefited from the knowledge gained in the first project. The two projects are described and compared.

In the paper IT governance is considered and the question is asked: is IT governance a help or a hindrance?

To test the relationship between IT governance and the development of innovative IT projects, a specific project has been chosen. This project is separate from the examples of skunkworks and focuses on the creation of a knowledge management tool. The tool is a wiki which has been set up to collect and share information about the maintenance of toilets in national and state parks across Victoria.

The research has begun and will be based on observations of how the tool develops, the attitude of the organisation's IT management group towards the creation of this tool and the success or otherwise of attempting to share the knowledge stored in this wiki.

There are some interesting stories to tell about the maintenance of toilets in our public parks. It's a dirty job but someone has to do it!