IS Method Design for Knowledge Management Systems

Literature on information systems (IS) method design provides little guidance for constructing and validating IS related methods based on components of existing methods. Method engineering, including method characteristics framework and super method, is a methodology for constructing holistic new methods from existing ones, based on the elicitation and adaptation of components from the existing methods. However, while these methodologies focus on how to conceptualize, develop, adapt, and assemble new methods from existing method components, we believe that the newly formed methods need to be rigorously grounded in the field and hence should be iteratively developed and inductively validated based on empirical data. This paper proposes combining several grounded theory tools with methodologies of constructing new methods, for forming a comprehensive methodology for IS method design, so the methods created with it will be grounded. The new methodology is illustrated by designing a requirements engineering method for knowledge management systems

Core Asset Repository Methodology (CARM) for Software Reuse

One of the main barriers to overcome when initiating knowledge management (KM) processes within organizations is the structuring of a knowledge repository to disseminate and reuse knowledge throughout the organization. A core asset repository methodology (CARM) is presented in this paper for developing a knowledge repository that encompasses a set of components, which represent abstract design solutions for a family of related problems. The CARM was developed and implemented as a real-time core asset repository (RTCAR) for an actual software development department of a large hightech organization. The rationale for building the knowledge repository is discussed as well as the technical, managerial and cultural aspects that should be considered when developing it. In addition, the RTCAR findings are presented with examples taken from usage scenarios. The findings show that a knowledge repository constructed according to CARM is conducive to software component reuse, a shortened development cycle and improved software quality

Personalized Knowledge Service Based on Smart Cell-Phone Usage: A Conceptual Framework

Smart cell-phones include many advanced applications and services, which allow their users to achieve various useful goals. However, many users face difficulties when upgrading their cell-phones devices to more advanced ones, partially because their applications include more complex patterns of use for achieving the users’ goals. We present a conceptual framework that aims to help overcoming usage barrier by providing smart cell-phones’ users a personalized knowledge service. The framework is based on the utilization of task models and on the tracking and analyzing the usage of the applications included in the smart cell-phone that enable to construct users’ stereotypes and suggest personalized help according to their usage patterns. It is assumed that the system monitors the usage patterns of the user, thus enabling dynamic update of his/her belonging to a stereotype. The user can override the suggestions and navigate independently in order to find the required knowledge

Enhancing Knowledge Intensive Business Processes via Knowledge Management Audit

Enhancing organizational Knowledge-Intensive Business Processes (KIBP) for gaining competitive advantages is often performed through Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives. These KM initiatives aim at developing organizational KM infrastructure of KIBP, starting from knowledge audit that is a necessary first step in any KM initiative. Current knowledge audit methods address either technological-related or social-related aspects. None of them was found to deal with the triple perspective of KM infrastructure: culture, knowledge processes and information technology, in the context of KIBP. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework and practical tools for knowledge audit that aim at enhancing KIBP by embedding KM capabilities within them. As KM infrastructure integrates social and technological disciplines, we developed a combined Socio-Engineering Knowledge Audit Methodology (SEKAM) for a systematic audit of the KM infrastructure in the context of KIBP. This methodology is illustrated through knowledge audit in a large high-tech global organization

Enhancing Software Architecture Review Process via Knowledge Management

Software architecture is considered to have a significant influence on the final software product’s quality. A critical phase in ensuring and validating the quality of a suggested architecture is architecture review, conducted by experienced architects. While many evaluation methods have been researched thus far in the context of architecture review, little attention has been given to the review process and to the knowledge-related aspects embedded within it. In this paper we explore and analyze the architecture review process based on literature as well as empirical evidence obtained in a case study conducted in a large software development firm. For the aim of enhancing the review process to a systematic and scalable process, as well as expending its value to future architecture in addition to the reviewed artifacts, this research investigates the knowledge aspects of the review process and suggests a conceptual solution for enhancing the review process and embedding knowledge management within it

Teaching MBA Students the Use of Web2.0: The Knowledge Management Perspective

The new concepts and technologies of Web 2.0 attract researches in a variety of fields including education, business and knowledge management. However, while the Web 2.0 potential in the education discipline has been widely studied, in the management discipline the Web 2.0 business value has not been fully acknowledged. This research suggests an approach for teaching Web 2.0 concepts in a Knowledge Management (KM) course for MBA students, introducing the Web 2.0 potential within business context. The paper describes MBA students’ perceptions and attitudes regarding Web 2.0 concepts and how they evolved while being engaged in Web 2.0 practices. The findings indicate that most of the students were only partly aware of the Web 2.0 environments benefits at first, especially within organizational context. Moreover, for some of them, participating in the course’s social website required overcoming personal barriers. During the course, students gained new perspectives of the Web 2.0 phenomenon beyond its technological merits. Most of them acknowledged the potential of Web 2.0 within organizational context and embedded Web 2.0 principles in their KM final projects

Knowledge Management Culture Audit: Capturing Tacit Perceptions and Barriers

A firm’s capacity to efficiently create value from knowledge held by employees and embedded in processes is a key strategic resource. Knowledge Management (KM) seeks to systematically improve that capacity. The first critical step for implementing KM in organizations is the Knowledge Audit. Current audit practices use interviews and questionnaires to understand the KM processes that the organization holds and improved KM processes it wishes to implement, and to explore the organizational culture. In this paper we introduce the concept of capturing tacit cultural perceptions to identify cultural barriers that may interfere with a KM initiative. For this purpose, an analysis instrument was developed and used during the KM audit in a large international software development organization

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) fails to improve blood flow and to promote collateralization in a diabetic mouse ischemic hindlimb model

BACKGROUND: Angiogenic therapy with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been proposed as a treatment paradigm for patients suffering from an insufficiency of collateral vessels. Diabetes is associated with increase in the production of VEGF and therefore additional VEGF may not be beneficial. Accordingly, we sought to determine the efficacy of VEGF therapy to augment collateral formation and tissue perfusion in a diabetic mouse ischemic hindlimb model. METHODS: Diabetic and non-diabetic mice were studied in parallel for the efficacy of VEGF administration. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin. Hindlimb ischemia was produced by severing the left iliac artery. An outlet tube from an osmotic infusion pump with placebo/ 500 micrograms of plasmid-DNA encoding VEGF was fenestrated and tunneled into the left quadriceps muscle. RESULTS: VEGF induced more rapid and complete restoration of blood flow in normal mice. However, in the setting of diabetes there was no difference between VEGF Vs. placebo in the rate or adequacy of flow restoration. There was a significant increase in smooth muscle actin and Factor-VIII antigen densities in diabetic animals and in animals which received VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: Angiogenic therapy with VEGF in the setting of diabetes does not appear to have the beneficial effects seen in the absence of diabetes