Knowledge Management Systems as a Feedback Mechanism in Software Development Processes: A Search for Success Criteria

Knowledge management is a major feedback mechanism in many companies that develop software. Here we look at success criteria for introducing knowledge management systems in such organisations. We present our work with four different companies in Norway, and find that important criteria for success are: Getting a culture for sharing knowledge, having a stable focus on knowledge management, develop systems incrementally, and couple the efforts well to the business goals of the company. We compare our success factors to more general studies of knowledge management, and find that having multiple channels for knowledge transfer, and a good technical and organisational infrastructure, as well as involving employees in knowledge management programs are also considered important.