Published Article / Knowledge is universally considered to be a public good and something that should be developed and supported. The information explosion and enabling technologies (such as the Internet and cellular technologies) of the past decade has firmly established the Age of Knowledge. Knowledge has normative value that extends far beyond a single discipline and the Age of Knowledge has resulted in a paradigm shift with regard to the way in which knowledge is generated, applied and stored. As the custodians of knowledge, universities should pay particular attention to the management of knowledge as they take the lead not only in generating new knowledge, but also in converting new and existing knowledge into innovative ideas, products and practices that benefit society at large. Knowledge should, for this reason, be strategically managed to be of value to universities. It is thus imperative that universities should ascertain the nature and extent of their knowledge resources and pay special attention to their Knowledge Management practices that include the way in which knowledge is acquired, disseminated and rewarded. Universities of Technology (UoTs), with their distinct emphasis on applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer, need to manage knowledge in such a way that it enhances the creation of solution-based technologies. This paper provides a theoretical basis for understanding Knowledge Management in a UoT context and reflects on the Knowledge Management practices of a UoT in the South African context.

The aim of the dissertation is to indicate that a large number of problems in rural communities are the consequence of ineffective knowledge management, and that the effective management of knowledge could significantly improve the range and quality of services provided to community members. Knowledge is reviewed by examining the process of changing social facts into data, data into information and information into knowledge. Knowledge management is examined by reviewing the history of knowledge management as well as defining the term knowledge management. A generic model for knowledge management is developed that divides knowledge management into five basic processes namely; knowledge identification, knowledge mobilisation, knowledge generation/elaboration, knowledge application and knowledge evaluation. The model further describes the knowledge management ”enablers” that can either facilitate or debilitate the management of knowledge. Various practical suggestions are proposed that will facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management programme in a rural community. / Psychology / MA (PSYCHOLOGY)

This thesis is addressing the knowledge base of project managers in the South African Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector. It is determining if project management is recognised as an important profession in the ICT Sector; it is also establishing the attributes required for an ICT project manager; the background of ICT project managers with respect to their job experience and qualification and lastly the effectiveness of project management in the ICT sector. A literature review on the knowledge base of ICT project managers is done to clarify particular issues, to determine international perspective on the issues of the study and to contextualise the study. The central research tool was a questionnaire. Project managers from different ICT companies in South Africa were selected to respond to the questionnaire which was mailed to them. Close-ended questions were used in the development of themes and the data were analysed on the basis of tables and graphs and hypothesis testing. The study found that project management is recognised as a career path within the South African ICT sector. It was also found that ICT project managers seem to have a good capability in terms of technical, organic, conceptual and business skills. Most ICT project managers are qualified up to a postgraduate level. They have a degree in another profession and then undertake project management certification. The study also found that project management adds value to the client as well as the company and also adds to the effectiveness of relationships with peers in achieving project goals. The study concluded with recommendations on what can be done to improve the competency of ICT project managers in the ICT sector and also made recommendations for future research.

In recent years, the impact of global forces such as the increasing pace of technological innovation and the growing affluence of emerging economies has changed the role of Information Technology (IT). New sourcing models and increasing competitive pressure have had a significant effect on the way technologies are delivered and subsequently the role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has gradually been migrating from one of a support role to that of playing a crucial part in the execution of corporate strategies. Whilst previous academic studies appear to be focused on the different competencies of the CIO, there have been few studies concerning how CIOs perceive their role and their future. Drawing on the various concepts from role theory, this PhD thesis constitutes the first known study aimed at presenting the role demands, constraints and the choices as perceived by the CIOs. Using a qualitative approach, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted with both CIOs and senior IT leaders. Empirical evidence highlights the critical importance of role choices in determining what type of CIO an individual will be. It has also enabled the development of two new CIO role models; the Abeyant CIO and the Transmuted CIO. The Abeyant CIO model has been established to help understand the role enactment of CIOs who have not yet made the transition from a manager to a leader. In this scenario, it is asserted that individuals are the recipient of a role that was formulated by the role set, and that this ultimately determines the level of demands and constraints within the individual’s environment. In contrast, the transmuted CIO scenario emphasises that individuals have been through a process of self-reflection and they have made conscious choices throughout their careers that have resulted in approaching the CIO role differently. It is theorised in the transmuted CIO scenario that individuals are not the mere recipient of role set expectations and that they are actively involved in role making.

Technological breakthroughs experienced globally have opened new avenues of opportunities; creating a virtual environment that transforms and changes businesses, organisations, social, economical and political landscapes. Such a wave of change affects all walks of life as internet connectivity gives the web a presence that engulfs workplaces and other organisational settings. In maintaining competitiveness, organisations strive to use knowledge to create value in the challenging new environment. The study aimed to develop a framework that will be used for the critical evaluation of strategies for value creation within knowledge-driven organisations using available resources. The research used mixed methods in two case studies; the first for developing a conceptual framework and the second for critiquing it. Through a literature review and observation at AB institute main venue, case study 1 identified crucial intangibles for creating value. Knowledge workers (academics and non-academics) were the study participants in primary research that used indepth interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Over four phases, the study unfolded to three neighbouring institutions for a wider representation. All the institutions covered in case study 1 were within the higher learning industry. The data were analysed and the findings revealed six features and six themes in two separate models, which formed the conceptual framework. The framework models were denoted as part A and B. Part A: the organisational Critical Evaluation of Strategies for Value Creation xv perspective shows the context within the features: ‘knowledge flow, departments, new entrants, dynamic, recognition and the deliverables’. The individual global perspective forms part B with the themes: individual commitment, emotional capital, proactive environment, workplace interaction, value creation process and endless global connectivity. The four phases of the research process in case study 1 eased data collection, in triangulation for the convergance of evidence which produced the conceptual framework. Case study 2 started in the UK and later in Tanzania was designed to critique the conceptual framework, the outcome of case study 1. Knowledge workers comprising ‘academics and non-academics’ from higher learning and other organisations formed the participantsin the 57 in-depth interviews of which had data collection under the instrument based on informed consent and confidentiality. Using mixed methods the data were analysed and findings presented as a condensed ‘qualitative knowledge’ of themes and features in ‘focused codes’ as a matrix to merge the models of the framework. The findings suggest that the framework will enhance understanding as a guide to unleash and create value; a lens for both decision makers and knowledge workers to use action research in endeavour to seize opportunities and initiatives for creating value through existing practices. It is a guide to harness ideas from interconectivity changing them into workable realities. The main contribution of the research is the developed framework and body of knowledge from the primary research findings of case studies 1 and 2.

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of knowledge management (KM) in integrating sustainability into business strategy in companies applying the framework for strategic sustainable development (FSSD).Corporations have the potential to be key players in moving society towards sustainability, but they lack clear definitions and guidelines around strategic sustainable development (SSD). The authors focus on the benefits of KM in organisations applying the FSSD, which offers general strategic guidelines, but does not refer to the complexity of managing the new sustainability knowledge.This study first examines the scientific literature around KM and FSSD and compares it with the results of expert interviews to develop a State of the Art Model of KM for SSD. Then the model is compared to current practices of corporations applying the FSSD and the gap is examined.The results of the analysis show that the concept of KM is widely discussed in the literature, yet it does not have much presence in the business world. The value of knowledge is recognised, but KM is not much used and no structured practices were identified. It was concluded that companies would benefit from a strategic KM system when integrating sustainability.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the past decade or two companies started to realise that competitive advantage is not only achieved by optimising their business value chain, but also in managing the knowledge in the company. This led to the development of different knowledge management models and to millions of dollars being spent on knowledge management implementations across the world. Although there were huge successes, a large number of initiatives were spectacular failures - believed to be mainly caused by the linear method of capturing and presenting knowledge. Computer-based mapping tools is a new generation of personal computer (PC) based tools that allow people to present knowledge graphically. Since the focus of most research into computer-based mapping tools has been on the educational use of mapping tools, the focus of this study will be on the business use of these tools. Thus a number of common, off-the-shelf computer-based mapping tools were evaluated to determine whether they can add business value. From the evaluation a decision matrix was developed to assist knowledge workers in selecting the best tool for a specific application. The primary activities of the knowledge value chain model were investigated to select a series of business activities where the use of computer-based mapping tools could possibly generate more business value in the execution of the business activity. These activities were then measured against a set of criteria that was developed in order to evaluate the different computer-based mapping tools. It was found that the selected software applications could be clearly separated based upon their theoretical and philosophical backgrounds into concept mapping tools and mind mapping tools. It was further found that the possible business value that could be derived through the use of these tools is more dependent on the selection of the correct type of tool, than on the selection of a specific software package. Lastly it was found that concept mapping tools could be used across a broader spectrum of business activities. The research also reached the conclusion that the use of concept mapping tools will possibly add more value to a business than the use of mind mapping software. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Gedurende die afgelope dekade of wat het maatskappye al meer begin besef dat hulle mededingingsvoordeel nie net geleë is in hoe goed hulle die besigheid se waardeketting kan optimiseer nie, maar dat die kennis in die maatskappy ook beter bestuur moet word. Dit het tot gevolg gehad dat 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid kennis bestuursmodelle ontwikkel is en dat miljoene dollar gespandeer is op die implementering van kennis bestuurstelsels. Ten spyte van groot suksesse wat behaal is, was daar ook totale mislukkings. Die vermoede bestaan dat een van die redes vir die mislukkings die liniêre manier is waarop kennis vasgevang en aangebied is. Rekenaar-gebaseerde karteringspakkette is 'n nuwe generasie van persoonlike rekenaar programmatuur wat gebruikers in staat stel om kennis grafies voor te stel. Die meeste navorsing oor die gebruik van rekenaar-gebaseerde karteringspakkette het egter op die opvoedkundige aspek daarvan gefokus. In hierdie navorsing val die fokus eerder op die besigheidsgebruik van sodanige gereedskap. 'n Aantal algemeen beskikbare, van-die-rak pakkette is ge-evalueër om vas te stel of hulle waarde tot 'n besigheid kan toevoeg. Vanuit hierdie evaluering is In keuse-matriks saamgestel om kenniswerkers in staat te stel om die beste pakket vir 'n spesifieke besigheidsaktiwiteit te kies. Die primêre aktiwiteite van die kennis waardeketting model is ondersoek ten einde 'n aantal besigheidsaktiwiteite te kan selekteer wat moontlik meer waarde tot die besigheid kan toevoeg deur die gebruik van rekenaar-gebaseerde karteringspakkette. Die geselekteerde aktiwiteite is gemeet teen 'n reeks kriteria wat ontwikkel is om die verskillende rekenaar-gebaseerde karteringspakette teen mekaar op te weeg. Die navorsing het bevind dat die geselekteerde programmatuur pakkette hoofsaaklik in twee groepe val op grond van hulle teoretiese en filosofiese funderings, naamlik konsepkaarte en gedagtekaarte. Verder is vasgestel dat meer besigheidswaarde ontsluit word deur die keuse van die regte tipe programmatuur vir 'n spesifieke aanwending as deur die keuse van In spesifieke programmatuur pakket. Laastens is bevind dat konsepkaarte oor 'n wyer verspreiding van besigheidsaktiwiteite gebruik kan word. Eventueel kan afgelei word dat die gebruik van konsepkaarte meer waarde tot 'n besigheid sal toevoeg as die gebruik van gedagtekaarte.

The purpose of this research is to develop a generalised model for levels of autonomy and sophistication for autonomous systems. It begins with an introduction to the research, its aims and objectives before a detailed review of related literature is presented as it pertains to the subject matter and the methodology used in the research. The research tasks are carried out using appropriate methods including literature reviews, case studies and semi-structured interviews. Through identifying the gaps in the current work on human assistive robots, a generalised model for assessing levels of autonomy and sophistication for human assistive robots (ALFHAR) is created through logical modelling, semi-structured interview methods and case studies. A web-based tool for the ALFHAR model is also created to support the model application. The ALFHAR model evaluates levels of autonomy and sophistication with regard to the decision making, interaction, and mechanical ability aspects of human assistive robots. The verification of the model is achieved by analysing evaluation results from the web-based tool and ALFHAR model. The model is validated using a set of tests with stakeholders participation through the conduction of a case study using the web-based tool. The main finding from this research is that the ALFHAR model can be considered as a model to be used in the evaluation of levels of autonomy and sophistication for human assistive robots. It can also prove helpful as part of through life management support for autonomous systems. The thesis concludes with a critical review of the research and some recommendations for further research.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Education / Master / Master of Science in Information Technology in Education

Given that information systems researchers and practitioners often debate over the contribution of IT investment to firm performance, this study examines the impacts of adopting KMS on firm performance. Knowledge management systems are IT-based systems developed to support and enhance the organizational processes of knowledge creation, storage, retrieval, transfer, and application. Although many firms have implemented KMS, sparse empirical evidence reveals the impacts of KMS on firm performance. This research attempts to analyze the impacts of KMS on the firms that had adopted KMS with the data extracted from the COMPUSTAT. The results indicate that these firms significantly reduce administrative costs as well as operating expenses and improve productivity in the second year after adopting KMS. To control the macroeconomic effects, the study also compares the financial performance of KMS adopters and non-adopters in a pairwise design. DuPont analysis emphasizes on return on assets (ROA) decomposition, which allows us to examine the relationship of efficiency and profitability on the firm performance between KMS adopters and non-adopters. The results indicate that not only does the adoption of KMS decrease administrative cost, but it also pays off in a combination of increased profitability and efficiency. This study further examines the longitudinal impact of KMS adoption on firm performance by matching 103 firms with peer firms that have not adopted KMS. Results indicate that administrative costs, operating expense, return on assets, and return on sales (ROS) are significantly better over a 3-year period for KMS adopters, as compared to non-adopters. Furthermore, pertaining to cost and profit ratios, significant differences arise because the financial performance of non-adopters decreases over time while it holds steady for KMS adopters. The findings verify some of our hypotheses, provide new insights into the productivity paradox associated with KMS adopters, and confirm that KMS adopters indeed gain a competitive advantage over non-adopters. By examining the industry effect between manufacturing firms and service firms, this dissertation empirically confirms that manufacturing firms obtain a more viable performance than service firms. / Given that information systems researchers and practitioners often debate over the contribution of IT investment to firm performance, this study examines the impacts of adopting KMS on firm performance. Knowledge management systems are IT-based systems developed to support and enhance the organizational processes of knowledge creation, storage, retrieval, transfer, and application. Although many firms have implemented KMS, sparse empirical evidence reveals the impacts of KMS on firm performance. This research attempts to analyze the impacts of KMS on the firms that had adopted KMS with the data extracted from the COMPUSTAT. The results indicate that these firms significantly reduce administrative costs as well as operating expenses and improve productivity in the second year after adopting KMS. To control the macroeconomic effects, the study also compares the financial performance of KMS adopters and non-adopters in a pairwise design. DuPont analysis emphasizes on return on assets (ROA) decomposition, which allows us to examine the relationship of efficiency and profitability on the firm performance between KMS adopters and non-adopters. The results indicate that not only does the adoption of KMS decrease administrative cost, but it also pays off in a combination of increased profitability and efficiency. This study further examines the longitudinal impact of KMS adoption on firm performance by matching 103 firms with peer firms that have not adopted KMS. Results indicate that administrative costs, operating expense, return on assets, and return on sales (ROS) are significantly better over a 3-year period for KMS adopters, as compared to non-adopters. Furthermore, pertaining to cost and profit ratios, significant differences arise because the financial performance of non-adopters decreases over time while it holds steady for KMS adopters. The findings verify some of our hypotheses, provide new insights into the productivity paradox associated with KMS adopters, and confirm that KMS adopters indeed gain a competitive advantage over non-adopters. By examining the industry effect between manufacturing firms and service firms, this dissertation empirically confirms that manufacturing firms obtain a more viable performance than service firms.