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.

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.

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.

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Artificial Intelligence Lab, Department of MIS, University of Arizona / This bookâ s purpose is to present a balanced and integrated view of what a Knowledge Management System (KMS) is. We first define Knowledge Management (KM) from various consulting and IT perspectives and then pay particular attention to new and emerging technologies that help promote this new field. In particular, we present a review of some key KMS sub-fields: search engines, data mining, and text mining. We hope to help readers better understand the emerging technologies behind knowledge management, i.e., Knowledge Management Systems. A high-level, although systematic, discussion of text mining is presented. Unlike search engines and data mining that have a longer history and are better understood, text mining is an emerging technical area that is relatively unknown to IT professionals. We therefore present several case studies and conclude with lessons learned and future research and development directions. This book is intended to provide a gentle introduction to researchers and IT professionals who are new to KMS. We hope it provides a non-technical and practical review of this fascinating field as well as a look at the potential and pitfalls of these emerging technologies.

There has been growing interest, locally, nationally, and internationally in agricultural knowledge and information systems (AKISs) stemming from their important role in facilitating learning, innovation and the sharing and exchange of knowledge and information. Despite the fact that small-scale farmers and farmers‘ groups are among the key actors in an AKIS, little attention is devoted to their needs. This study aimed to understand the AKISs of small-scale farmers (male, female and the youth) in Kirinyaga district, Kenya. The study investigated small-scale farmers, and in particular farmers‘ groups as key actors in supporting agricultural development and linkages between actors, their information behaviour, sources of information and knowledge, linkages and flows of knowledge and information including the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The study also investigated the usage of these resources, barriers to accessing knowledge and information, and existing knowledge and information management practices. The study adopted multiple paradigms and perspectives but was mainly guided by the Social constructivist paradigm and the Soft systems perspective. The theoretical framework was constructed upon an integration of the Sense-making1 theory, Social cognitive theory, Social capital concept, Communities of practice (CoPs), Wilson‘s general model of information seeking behaviour, Meyer‘s information transfer model, Knowledge management theory and the Cynefin framework. The research design was a multiple methods approach that triangulated qualitative, quantitative Sense-Making, Participatory and Soft systems methodologies. Data was collected through interviews with individual farmers belonging or not belonging to a group; key informants; research, training and education institutions; civil society organisations (CSOs); and government departments using semi-structured interview guides unique to each category of informant. Focus group discussions were conducted with farmers‘ groups while questionnaires were sent to information providers. Rapid Appraisal of Agricultural Knowledge Systems, participatory rural appraisal methods, unobtrusive observation of the activities of farmers and other actors in the community and secondary information sources were also used to collect data. The findings of the study showed that rich and deep data was collected through the multiple methods research design, and that no conflict arose from using multiple paradigms in a single multifaceted and multidisciplinary study where specific research questions were addressed. The Sense-Making methodology provided useful approaches to studying the information behaviour and decision making processes of small-scale farmers, and to investigate the feelings, emotions and dreams of farmers in Kirinyaga district. However, the experience of this study showed that using a multiple methods research design could result in a very large study. The findings show that small-scale farmers need information from diverse sources and on a wide range of topics along the production and marketing value chains, based on their enterprise(s), geographic location and the actors active on the ground. Male and female farmers expressed needs on similar topics but the needs were gender differentiated with variations in the priorities, types of information needed, the weight attached to each topic, and the information seeking behaviour. Most farmers and almost half the groups combined external information and local knowledge in their farming, and information and knowledge was shared orally along social and cultural lines. Most of the groups were legally constituted and had the status of farmers‘ groups; a few were cooperatives. Farmers‘ groups emerged as key actors in the AKIS of the district and provided platforms for learning, innovation, sharing and the exchange of ideas, information and knowledge among their members. The findings show that most groups did not share information with non-group members, which led to information asymmetries between farmers belonging or not belonging to a group. The findings of the study show variations in sources used by male only, female only, youth only and mixed groups. Male only groups relied mostly on private sector sources, while female only, youth only and mixed groups depended more on public extension services. The main sources of market information were local markets, followed by neighbours, other farmers and cooperatives and societies. Extension emerged as the most important source of advice, information and knowledge on farming in general, followed by the private sector and neighbours. Groups mainly obtained information on news, new technologies or farming methods from extension, media and private sector actors, while they obtained most answers to their farming questions from their groups, extension services, neighbours and other farmers. There were variations in the sources used by different types of groups for advice, information or knowledge in general, as well as in sources used by farmers belonging or not belonging to a group in different geographic divisions. There were more than 150 actors in the public, private and CSO sectors, and there were many AKISs in Kirinyaga district, which were location specific and depended on the enterprise(s) produced and the actors that were present on the ground. Most linkages were horizontal and were weak. Farmers‘ groups and social networks provided a unique linkage mechanism to other actors and access to services such as extension, markets and basic needs. This finding suggests the need to strengthen the capacity of farmers‘ groups and encourage farmers to join or form groups. There were variations in the importance, strength and quality of the relationships between actors in different divisions, locations and sub-locations, but the linkages with farmers were generally weak. The Kirinyaga stakeholders‘ forum and a few partnerships of actors facilitated vertical flow of information between actors but the linkages were equally weak. Farmers mainly used oral communication to access and share information and knowledge. While farmers belonging to a group generally used meetings, neighbours and radio, farmers not belonging to a group mostly used radio, neighbours and cellular phones. The findings indicate that farmers preferred to use radio, television and cellular phones for accessing agricultural information but the usage of modern ICTs was low and most of the users were male. Farmers encountered many barriers in accessing and sharing agricultural information and knowledge including insufficient sources in the community; lack of awareness of who the ―knowers‖ in the community were; limited availability of information providers; poor access to and quality of information on production, value addition and markets and prices; high cost of information services; inadequate information resources and few learning opportunities; personal, social and cultural barriers; communication barriers; and illiteracy. To address these barriers and constraints, farmers used diverse sources of external information and local knowledge for decision making, problem solving, innovation and for improving understanding. While most farmers obtained operational, technical and awareness information from major sources, there was little usage of ICT based information systems. There was no bibliographic control of agricultural information resources and there were very few resource centres in the community. Most local knowledge was tacit and was held in people‘s heads and therefore shared orally from elders to the younger generations and through CoPs in the groups. The study concludes that the AKISs in Kirinyaga district were complex, dynamic, and location specific, and although there were diverse and complementary actors, the information and knowledge within the AKIS was not sufficient to meet the needs of small-scale farmers. Public extension services emerged as the key source of information for small-scale farmers and private extension services such as those offered by horticultural exporting companies were a pillar of support for commercial farmers. There were insufficient numbers of information providers, which meant extension officers were not easily accessible. These findings suggest the need to formalise and strengthen linkages between actors, to improve access to agricultural knowledge and information, and to formulate policy and regulatory frameworks that are gender responsive. There is a need for policies that facilitate the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of external agricultural information and the capturing, documenting and sharing of local knowledge. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.