Knowledge management initiatives at a small university

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the knowledge management (KM) challenges faced by the administration of a small university which does not have a mature research culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows both technocratic as well as ecological approaches to develop a sustainable KM. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis has been used to assess the problem environment.

Findings

The paper investigates the main issues faced by a small university to enhance its research reputation and identifies key components of a KM system that can be established to achieve these objectives.

Research limitations/implications

KM is of paramount importance for most organizations and a university is no exception. Although knowledge is constantly being accumulated but it cannot be taken for granted. In the absence of a KM system to facilitate the growth and transfer of knowledge, knowledge base can easily be eroded. This is truer for universities engaged in imparting applied knowledge in business, trades, and technology‐related areas.

Originality/value

Most of the reported applications of KM in the education sector are limited to localized applications of information technology (IT). The present paper provides a comprehensive approach for institute‐wide KM by looking at the problem from both the ecological as well as the IT perspective, therefore, providing a more sustainable KM culture. There‐in lies the value of this paper.

Citation

Gill, A. (2009), "Knowledge management initiatives at a small university", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 604-616. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513540910990834