identification and ranking of factors affecting the implementation of knowledge management based on topsis approach: a case study

introduction: knowledge management is one of the most interesting and challenging issues of management in the new millennium. educational and research institutions such as libraries and information centers are the most suitable places for the implementation of knowledge management programs. this study aimed to identify and rank the factors affecting the implementation of knowledge management in libraries of shiraz university of medical sciences (iran) based on the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (topsis) approach. methods: in a descriptive survey during 2010-11, librarians of libraries of shiraz university of medical sciences (88 persons) were assessed. due to the limited size of population, sampling was not performed. a researcher-made questionnaire on the basis of bukowitz and williams's model was used to collect data. face validity was confirmed by experienced professors and the reliability was estimated to be 0.80 using cronbach's alpha. the data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in spss. results: all factors of bukowitz and williams's model (finding, using, learning, sharing, evaluation, development/maintenance, and removal of knowledge) were effective on the implementation of knowledge management in the studied libraries. except learning and removal of knowledge, other factors were in good conditions. based on topsis approach, knowledge sharing was the most important factor while removal of knowledge had the least impact on the implementation of knowledge management. conclusion: implementing these programs in health environments, where knowledge sharing is important, would provide better services and facilitate learning, teaching, and research. therefore, understanding effective factors and ranking them is very important. according to the obtained results, the model suggested by bukowitz and williams is a comprehensive model for successful implementation of knowledge management in academic libraries of shiraz university of medical sciences.