Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Subject "Knowledge management"
Now showing items 1-4 of 4
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Jain, P. (Emerald/www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to distinguish between information management (IM) and knowledge management (KM) and present the findings of small-scale research conducted to investigate KM practices in academic libraries in East and Southern Africa, and discussing the importance of KM and suggest the way forward. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken in 20 university libraries in Africa using a questionnaire survey to investigate the current practices in university libraries in Africa to discover whether these libraries are practising KM or IM. Findings – This survey results seem to suggest that currently most participating libraries are practising IM. A majority of 65 per cent of the participants considered themselves information managers. Research limitations/ implications – This survey have had some limitations: one, all the participants were University librarians; two, due to the unavailability of contact addresses, the survey could cover only eight African countries. Future research should include a broader spectrum of participants to have an in-depth knowledge related to KM. Practical implications – This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the importance of KM, how KM can be used to gain a competitive advantage; to break financial and technological constraints; and to satisfy escalating user needs. Originality/value – Not much has been done in Africa to explore KM practices in University libraries, this paper contributes towards filling that gap and adds to KM literature in general and offers empirical support to KM concept. This paper discusses the benefits of KM and offers several recommendations to facilitate KM practices in university libraries in East and Southern Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/874 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LR_2007.pdf (1.409Mb) -
Jain, P. (Emerald, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to explore the role of information and communication technology (ICT) using a knowledge management (KM) approach. The knowledge in the context of this paper refers to indigenous knowledge. Design/methodology/ approach – The paper is based on a literature review. Findings – The discussion suggests that, in spite of various infrastructural limitations in Africa, KM applications can still play a vital role in indigenous knowledge management and consequently empowering Africa’s development. Research limitations/ implications – The major hindrance is the fact that Africa has thus far achieved little on its own; rather it has been emulating the progress made in the developed world. Because of this, there is a scarcity of in-depth knowledge related to an African context. In truth, some areas in which ICT has the potential to change, pertaining to the economy and society, have not been observed in any way. More research is required to identify specific needs of a country. Practical implications – The paper supposes that in spite of all these variations and implications KM can be adapted for indigenous knowledge. The paper contributes in terms of the literature review to showing how tacit knowledge can be managed using ICT. It can be useful for the researchers and knowledge workers. Recommendations are made concerning what needs to be done to improve ICT conditions in Africa such as: ICT policy formulation; literacy programs; legal and regulatory framework; manpower training; and empowerment of local people. Originality/value – Little has been done in Africa to explore the potential of using ICT as a mechanism with a knowledge management approach, in the thrust of Africa’s development. This paper proposes how it is possible to use ICT to manage and disseminate indigenous knowledge. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/846 Files in this item: 1
Jain_EL_2006.pdf (1.502Mb) -
Jain, P.; Mutula, S. (Emerald, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The concept of a learning organisation is relevant to all twenty-first century organisations because of increasing complexity, uncertainty and change (Malhotra, 1996). Libraries can benefit significantly as learning organisations through reducing complacency; continuous learning, improvement and innovation (Michael and Higgins, 2002); being better equipped to deal with independent and distance learning (Brophy, 2005); serving as a source of competition (Fowler, 1998); promoting inquiry and dialogue; encouraging collaboration and team learning; establishing systems to capture and share learning; empowering people toward a collective vision; and connecting the organisation to its environment (Watkins and Marsick,1993). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/751 Files in this item: 1
Jain_LHTN_2008.pdf (66.00Kb) -
Mutshewa, A. (Emerald, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to explore and propose a way of using power as a theoretical anchor to investigate the information behaviour of people in work roles. The paper reviews literature on power relevant to the information disciplines. Various models of power are described, and a more sophisticated view, which takes a relational approach to power, is used to suggest how information related behaviour could be investigated. In this paper, power is regarded as a pervasive phenomenon involved in all aspects of individual lives, including the aspects emanating from work roles performed by individuals, thus manifesting itself as part of the relationships in the organisation. The paper suggests a framework that links information behaviour to power by arguing that power relations that form part of the processes of the work roles induce the information behaviour exhibited by those people. The paper concludes by pointing to a need for information behaviour researchers to consider power as central to understanding how people seek and use information. The framework could be used as a tool for designing studies that will enable the collection of data on information behaviour. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/749 Files in this item: 1
Mutshewa_AP_2007.pdf (1.498Mb)
Now showing items 1-4 of 4