Abstract

 
 
 This article describes the construction of a Knowledge Management System (KMS) by applying fundamental concepts and principles of Software Engineering, such as process, models, methodology, technology and architectures, among others. They are applied to the field of Knowledge Management as a means of improving the process of developing applications in this domain, in an endeavor to increase its effectiveness.
 This paper’s main contribution is a methodological approach progressing from knowledge processes to a set of appropriate systems. The use of modeling techniques and technologies that may prove helpful to the Software Engineer are suggested as part of this approach, while the technological, social and organizational aspects to be considered are highlighted. This proposal was evaluated through the development of a Knowledge Management System for a Venezuelan organization – a research center.
 The evaluation proved the effectiveness of the methodological aspects proposed. These may be of use as inputs for some Learning Software Organizations dedicated to the development of this type of system.
 
 
Highlights
Knowledge Management (KM) deals with the critical problems of organizational adaptation, survival and competence in the face of increasingly frequent changes in the environment
It was proposed that the three aspects be managed holistically in order to guarantee the success of KM; a multi-layer approach can be used, which starts with managing the humanorganizational-management layers in order to foster a sufficiently favorable climate for it to be able to be supported by technology later on
Once the results of applying the methodological approach to the case study were analyzed, the following lessons on the process itself were obtained: As a central aspect, the Knowledge Management System (KMS) development process must take into account the existing KM processes in order for them to be consistent with the idea that there is a natural KM in the organization, while the support of information technologies (IT) is fostered through the development of a KMS and a portfolio of related projects that can be integrated
Summary
Knowledge Management (KM) deals with the critical problems of organizational adaptation, survival and competence in the face of increasingly frequent changes in the environment. KM enables an organization to increase its ability to create and exchange knowledge both within itself (internal learning) and with other organizations (external learning) by using information and communication technologies (Internet, intranets, extranets, among others) [4] This is an effective way of consciously designing and developing a Knowledge Management System (KMS) that supports the integration of all. Gold et al say that emphasis in vision statement and value systems should be placed on the components of the organization that encourage effective KM process to occur [8] These considerations mean that development methodologies for KMS should not focus on product alone but must take into account process variables as critical management factors for ensuring success. This article presents a brief definition and characterization of KMS, underlines the main aspects of the methodological proposal for KM, presents the application of this proposal to a case study, as well as the analysis of the results obtained from that application, and ends with the conclusions and recommendations derived from this research
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