Identification of Loopholes in the Existing Knowledge Management Systems: Case study of Information Technology Companies in the United Kingdom

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

1.1. Background of the Study1

1.2. Research Problem2

1.3. Research Questions2

1.4. Aims and Objectives3

1.5. Significance of the Study4

1.6. Methods4

1.7. Limitations5

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW6

2.1. Introduction6

2.2. Knowledge in the Field of Organisation6

2.3. Concept of Knowledge Management7

2.4. Critical Analysis8

CHAPTER 03: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY11

3.1. Introduction11

3.3. Overview of the Qualitative Research Method12

3.4. Rationale for Employing a Qualitative Study13

3.5. Research Method and Design Appropriateness13

3.6. Type of Interviews14

3.7. Benefits and disadvantages of Interviews14

3.7.1. Pros14

3.7.2. Cons15

3.8. Data Analysis16

3.9. Justification of Research Tools16

3.10. Population and Sampling17

3.10.1. Population17

3.10.2. Access to Participants17

3.11. INFORMED CONSENT18

3.12. Confidentiality18

3.13. Ethical Concerns19

CHAPTER 04: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS20

REFERENCES22

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

Knowledge is known as a new wealth for the organisations through which they can perform superior business and can achieve a competitive advantage. Knowledge management system is a widely discussed topic in the literature of management and information technology. Knowledge management is becoming one of the crucial ways through which businesses are able to achieve more value from the knowledge that they already possess. For example, organisations can find a better way to assimilate, apply and value knowledge in order to create new and better knowledge (Markusen, 2006, pp. 293). Therefore, it is not easy for the organisations to maintain and implement an effective program of knowledge management. Organisations have been investing billions of dollars in information technology and are hoping that they will be able to meet their promises of successfully managing knowledge, but, unfortunately, the investments have only yielded marginal results for the organisations (Hislop, 2004, pp. 145).

Different scholars and analysts have pointed out the major issues that need attention in knowledge management which has been conceptualized as the strategies, frameworks and policies and processes to consider in the implementation and adoption of a functional knowledge management system (David, 1999, pp. 45).

Although new to most organisations, knowledge management has found massive applicability in organisations that have sought to ensure that their members are up-to-date with the competition in the market. Organisations that have embraced workable knowledge management systems have not only enlightened their employees and staff in general, but they have ensured that policies are in place to enhance good business operations and profitability in general. Learning from competitors and major threats in the past, organisations have contracted external agents to equip their staff in business processes by ensuring there is the satisfaction of customers (Dyer and Singh, 2008, pp. 680).

Organisations spend an enormous amount of money to train newly hired employees and to solve problems. The organisations may have solved the problems previously in the same department or another department. Knowledge management tools are available today that can aid organisations in lessening these costs. These tools are Knowledge Management enablers. Many organisations do not use these enablers correctly (Markusen, 2006, pp. 293).

1.2. Research Problem

The problem that has been identified for this research study is that although the knowledge management systems are effective in achieving the goals and objectives of an ...