Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed Oct. 10, 2007). PDF text: v, 110 p. : ill. (some col.) UMI publication number: AAT 3258768. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Study Supervisor: . Completed: 2008 / Purpose – To investigate the utilisation of intranet as a knowledge management (KM) tool in South African organisations Findings – The intranet is under utilised in many South African organisations, only 25 percent of the organisations represented in the survey has indicated to have been using the intranet as a tool to facilitate knowledge management. Most respondents indicated that emails and meetings were most effectively utilised as knowledge management tools in their respective organisations. The study also reveals that the content on the intranet is mainly focused on policies, employee contacts and communication bulletins. Employees do not contribute directly to the intranet content, hence the content on the intranet is mainly generic in nature; Information Technology (IT) teams, management and Human Resource (HR) teams are the main contributors of the intranet content. Research limitations/implications – Further research is needed to compare and deduce the benefits of utilising the intranet as a knowledge management tool with regard to business performance indexes such as, competitive advantage, market share, profits, long term growth, bottom line, sales, turnover, cost savings, etc.

The aim of the study was to obtain new insight into the phenomenon of knowledge management (KM) in modern-day organisations and the role Human Resources (HR) plays in facilitating access to knowledge via knowledge holders (employees). The study aims to contribute to both theoretical and practical use of KM and HR in the South African context. A qualitative methodological approach, modern qualitative research, and more specifically the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin was used to carry out the research. The study’s unit of analysis was individuals, viz knowledge managers in organisations or individuals knowledgeable about the topic within organisations in South Africa’s Gauteng Province. The particular qualitative selection procedure used was theoretical sampling with snowball or chain sampling employed as sampling method. Although multimethods of data collection were used, the principal method consisted of unstructured in-depth interviews supported by participant observation. Three preliminary interviews were conducted during the feasibility study and followed by seven focussed interviews. The unstructured data was systematically analysed utilising the grounded theory methodology aimed at the development of a substantive theory. Three themes, namely Organisation, Human Resources and Knowledge Management were found to be particularly prominent in influencing the role HR plays in relation to and in support of KM in organisations. Three categories developed from the data analyses were the importance of organisational knowledge, management of knowledge and linking people to share knowledge. This triad formed the cornerstones of the theory. After conclusion of the data analysis a literature review was conducted to establish what the current literature reveals on the topics of KM and HR. To further substantiate the theory, it was compared with prominent concepts from the relevant theoretical and empirical research. From this it became clear that the role of HR in the knowledge organisation had changed and the prime focal point of HR would be the facilitation of knowledge sharing by linking people with one another and creating opportunities during which they could request and discuss specific knowledge. These linking processes may entail structural and paradigm adjustments, and initiating and encouraging informal shared learning opportunities. This resulted in changes in the role of HR and human resource management (HRM) practices, philosophies, and principles. As key holders of knowledge assets, employees have to be approached and managed differently, and at the same time understand their roles and responsibilities in the knowledge organisation. Essentially, optimal knowledge creation and use need to take place in a trusting environment and culture that supports, motivates and acknowledges knowledge sharing amongst employees. This study stresses the importance of the relationship between and the dependence of KM on HR and human resources in knowledge organisations. This would however require changes in the HR field and recommendations in this regard were made. / Dr. Willem Schurink

M.A. / This research paper sets out to explore the possibility that a knowledge audit methodology could be successfully implemented within a professional services enterprise in order to establish what core knowledge content requirements exist. By identifying this core knowledge, the researcher asserts that sales and professional staff should be enabled to enhance their ability to win business and improve the process of client service delivery. Using the knowledge economy as a backdrop, the researcher examines the impact this has had on the knowledge and information needs of the enterprise. The value of purely technology-based solutions to resolve the knowledge deficit within an enterprise is examined following on from which, the process of implementing a knowledge audit is discussed. Thereafter, the proposed knowledge audit methodology is developed and subsequently applied at an enterprise-wide level for a large professional services enterprise. The researcher explores the business case for implementing a knowledge management initiative. An analysis is then made of the results gathered from the knowledge audit. The existing infrastructure and resources are evaluated against any resultant knowledge management requirements. This is followed by an assessment of the current status of knowledge management within the enterprise. The researcher then provides a framework for the management of content that was identified during the knowledge audit. The importance of processes and policies in supporting the management of identified content is emphasised. This is followed by an assessment of any suitable opportunities for “quick win” projects. The researcher then examines whether the key research objectives were achieved. In closing, some additional suggestions are made regarding the future of the initiative and potential steps that might be taken to further entrench KM within the enterprise.

This study is on the concept of knowledge management and how it can be applied in the organisation as a management tool. Although various organisations are implementing the concept, many managers are very uncertain what the concept entails. The research problem is the misconception that exists about the term knowledge management and how knowledge management can be used as a management tool in the organisation. The research problem is further divided into three sub-problems: what does the concept knowledge management entail, various misconceptions that exist between the concepts information management and knowledge management and what is the contribution of knowledge management to managing a business. The overall research objective that forms the basis of the study is whether knowledge management is a beneficial tool for management in an organisation. The research objective is divided into four objectives. The first objective is to distinguish between related concepts, namely data, information, knowledge and wisdom. The second research objective is to explore the essence of knowledge management. The third research objective is to examine the role, essential character traits and skills of a chief knowledge officer. The fourth research objective is to evaluate knowledge management. The research methodology that was utilised for this research was literature from books and academic journals. The Internet was utilised as major source to obtain papers written by researchers and theorists on the subject of knowledge and knowledge management. Interviews were obtained online from consultants who interviewed managers from around the world on knowledge management and their view were incorporated into the research. The research was able to meet the overall objective that knowledge management can be a beneficial tool for management. However, it has to be utilised following a certain strategy to be successful in an organisation. This strategy will vary for each organisation as each organisation has different goals and objectives and a different manner in which it utilises knowledge. / Prof. N. Lessing

M.Comm. (Business Management) / Research and Development (R&D) facilities have been used to develop new or better products and services for a long time. Organisations utilise knowledge gained from their R&D facilities to gain access to new markets and to improve the organisation’s competitiveness in the market. R&D facilities are referred to as learning organisations that employ people who specialise in specific technologies. These employees are referred to as ‘knowledge employees’. Sasol R&D was formed in 1955 to assist the organisation to develop and improve the Fischer-Tropch (F-T) technology that was adopted by the organisation to produce synthetic fuels from coal. At the time the technology had not been sufficiently proven on a commercial scale and this necessitated that research be conducted to ensure that the processes related to (F-T) technology are efficiently operated. The use of the knowledge generated by Sasol R&D has resulted in Sasol being recognised as the world leader in F-T technology and has led to joint ventures with other organisations around the world. The management of acquired knowledge has been critical in the development of Sasol and the successes that the organisation has enjoyed. It is therefore important that the employees of Sasol and those of Sasol R&D are well equipped to utilise the knowledge that was generated by previous employees to continuously improve and develop technologies. The objective of this study was to establish the perception that knowledge employees have of Knowledge Management (KM) and what Sasol R&D can improve on in this regard, i.e. business performance and individual employees’ career development. Respondents generally agree with the importance of KM in Sasol R&D and also indicated that a successful KM strategy can help improve individuals’ careers. The respondents also indicated that they were familiar with the concept of KM and the advantages for the organisation in the successful implementation of such a KM strategy. The main recommendations from the study are: 1. Employees should be involved in current the future KM strategies that the management of Sasol R&D wants to implement. 2. The adopted KM strategy’s objectives and benefits should be made clear and understandable to all employees. In addition, all relevant documentation should be made available to the employees.

The core assets of reinsurance organisations lie in the knowledge, skills and experience of knowledge workers. The source of competitive advantage within the reinsurance industry lies in managers’ ability to harness and foster discipline, willingness and innovation amongst knowledge workers. Innovation is a key challenge in knowledge intensive firms and it is therefore critical that executives find ways of encouraging an environment that is conducive to sharing ideas, building trust and motivating superior performance. The loyalty and retention of knowledge workers have become key managerial challenges.This research is intended to provide an insight into the development and implications of the psychological contract amongst knowledge workers within the reinsurance industry in South Africa. In understanding the nature of the psychological contract, it is intended that employers will be able to identify how and when psychological violations take place, the extent to which they impact productivity and the implications for knowledge workers’ propensity for departure. The research will provide an insight into the alignment of knowledge worker values and perceived organisational and industry values. Furthermore, this research will provide the basis for establishing a model for remedial and restorative contracting with a view to redefining new psychological contracts in order to achieve optimal performance from knowledge workers within our industry. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Globalisation has produced the knowledge economy, which is characterised by a world of work that requires and is dependent on intellectual capital or knowledge workers. Knowledge workers differ from their predecessors who populated the world of work during the industrialisation era. Knowledge workers are highly educated, flexible, technology literate individuals who contribute to increased productivity through life-long learning and innovation, teamwork and the establishment of strong inter-personal networks.South Africa’s economy is increasingly becoming knowledge-oriented and therefore dependent on skilled labour and knowledge workers. However, a skills shortage is said to exist in many sectors, impeding stronger and more sustainable economic growth. Therefore, this research sought to determine whether the future knowledge economy labour market entrants, that is, South African undergraduates possess the characteristics required of knowledge workers, specifically with regard to soft skills.The research was conducted with the aid of a survey administered to undergraduate students in the relevant faculties. The results derived from the research show that South African undergraduates possess many of the soft skills required of knowledge workers. However, they have some shortcomings that are related to past socialisation structures. These can, in some instances be overcome through adequate education systems, particularly at tertiary level. Nonetheless, the root of the problem still lies at the primary and secondary education levels, which is where the overhaul is required. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

For a company operating in a knowledge industry, the management of tacit knowledge is a critical factor for sustainable success. The objectives of this research were to establish the level of management understanding of and focus on the sharing of tacit knowledge within one South African organisation in a knowledge industry, the extent to which tacit knowledge was being shared in the organisation, the levels of motivation to share that existed among the people at the organisation, and the impact of the internal structures within the organisation on the sharing of its tacit knowledge. The research involved a case study with Glenrand MIB Limited as the subject, using a triangulation method to reduce perceived researcher bias.The research findings indicated an intuitive understanding of the importance of sharing the tacit knowledge held by the people within the organisation, but very little focus on making it happen effectively. Tacit knowledge was only being shared in pockets within the organisation, and this was largely attributable to a lack of internal structures aimed at fostering motivation to share, and fostering the sharing of tacit knowledge. The physical structure housing the organisation’s head office was also found to act to inhibit the sharing of tacit knowledge within it. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Engineering is believed to be one of the oldest professions and it is estimated that engineering existed 10 000 centuries B.C (Before Christ). Engineering plays an important role in making the environment safer, making daily lives more convenient and also contributes to countries’ economic developments. Engineering has advanced in such a way that it is difficult to survive without some kind of engineering these days. The same as engineering, knowledge management also dates back to biblical times just after creation. Knowledge management is not only applied in organisations, but also within communities, societies, and families. Engineering organisations rely the most on past discoveries and product information (knowledge) in order to solve engineering related problems. Due to globalisation of markets and products, shortage of skills and technological advancement, knowledge has become one of the main competitive factors of many organisations. Therefore engineering organisations need to have knowledge management strategies if they are to stay competitive. Different engineering organisations might have similar knowledge management strategies or different knowledge management strategies depending on organisational size, structure and culture and service offered or product offered. Against this background, this study sought to discover what knowledge management strategies are currently implemented in engineering organisations and recommend on strategies that can be implemented and how they can be implemented. The study is based on a review of literature on engineering, engineering organisations, knowledge and knowledge management and a structured questionnaire on knowledge management in engineering organisations. The population for the study was all engineering organisation employees and the engineering organisations in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were sampled for the survey.