Use Of Knowledge Management Systems Research Articles

Knowledge management tools for instructional design

Advances in computer technology typically find their way into education after a short generation of success in other settings. This is an elaboration of one such technology—knowledge management systems (KMS)—and its application to instructional design. An examination of the development of KMS from information systems. computer-supported collaborative work environments and object-oriented systems, leads to a discussion of reusability. The focus is on the use of KMS by instructional designers. A conceptual framework for distributed instructional design is provided along with examples of support tools. These tools and the associated design framework are in use, and anecdotal evidence of effects and impact is provided. As such tools become more widely used to support the planning, implementation and management of instructional systems and learning environments, it is reasonable to expect the nature of instructional design practice to change.

Barriers and facilitators to the use of knowledge management systems

This paper reports a post-implementation review of usage and user experiences of an electronic information management system (EIM) in a multinational company. The implementation of this system was the first step in the company's programme to achieve effective knowledge management leading to innovative and integrated business solutions. In the context of low levels of usage, users were asked to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of EIM. The resultant list relates to a considerable array of human and organizational issues that the current implementation methodology has failed to address. This failure impedes progress towards effective knowledge management and realization of the associated business advantages. The findings suggest that a 'technology push' approach to knowledge management has serious limitations. The identification of the critical success factors for EIM provides the basis for a change management process that includes development of the knowledge sharing culture needed to enable effective knowledge management.