Toward More Effective Knowledge Management: An Investigation Of Problems In Knowledge Identification

One of the first knowledge management (KM) processes, on which subsequent processes depend, has been largely under-researched. A review of the literature shows that in contrast to other processes, the process of Knowledge Identification (KI) has been less researched. More specifically, what problems face KM stakeholders with respect to KI is yet to be understood. Despite this lack of understanding, a number of KI methods exist and new ones are emerging. This paper has identified and critiqued some of the KI methods. However, whether these KI methods are perceived as effective by KM stakeholders, what other KI methods are currently being used, and what factors influence the effectiveness of KI methods, remain unclear. These constitute research gaps which this research will contribute to fill. This research project will consist of three phases. To collect data, surveys, interviews, and case studies will be used. A mix of quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods will be carried out on data collected. The results of the data analysis will provide deeper understanding of the problems surrounding KI, and will be used to develop a model of factors influencing the effectiveness of KI methods.