Records management myopia: a case study

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide some important lessons learned from the introduction of a new records management system in a tertiary educational institution and its relation to records management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a case study using after action review.

Findings

The key findings build on the extant literature that is largely case study based. The findings were that: it is easy to lose sight of key systems issues and knowledge management in a busy world; knowledge and records management are strategic issues; records management is essential to organizational effectiveness; records and knowledge management is not just another task; implementation needs to be driven from the top and built from the bottom; training and support are essential; development is ongoing; and external expertise should be used when necessary.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by being a single case study.

Practical implications

The case study provides practical advice about implementing effective records keeping systems for those overseeing such a process.

Originality/value

The case study contributes to the understanding of records management as a component of knowledge management and provides some new insights into implementation of new systems. It also provides evidence that after action review is a valuable tool in being a good knowledge management citizen.

Citation

Hase, S. and Galt, J. (2011), "Records management myopia: a case study", Records Management Journal, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 36-45. https://doi.org/10.1108/09565691111125099