Knowledge Management Systems Generic Architectures: Enhancing Uniformity and Inter‑Operability of Technological Tools for Knowledge Management

Abstract

Abstract: Knowledge Management (KM) has come to be regarded as an important activity in todays organizations. Technology plays a crucial role in KM of facilitating knowledge flow through the knowledge life cycle. This role is mostly realized by the implementation of a Knowledge Management System. However, the development of these systems is still haphazard, as organizations implement systems that are not guaranteed to enhance knowledge processing activities, and which may not be knowledge management systems at all. Most of these systems are groups of technologies brought together, with no theoretic and/or conceptual framework to justify the way in which they are integrated. The various forms of knowledge are not handled appropriately, as there is no distinction between the processes involved in managing these knowledge forms in the systems. Hence knowledge distribution and use is not done consistently, efficiently, and effectively. There is therefore a need for a reference point from a technical perspective, emanating from a theoretic and conceptual framework that will guide in developing these systems. This reference point is best provided in the form of a generic knowledge management system architecture, which will guide all technological implementations for KM. This paper seeks to outline the need for a generic knowledge management system and what is to be taken into consideration in terms of technical as well as organizational objectives when developing it. The paper also presents some of the quality attributes to be considered in developing the architecture, and the technologies that can be incorporated.