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Purpose – Implementing knowledge management (KM) initiatives in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) is crucial, as knowledge is their single key resource. Despite evidence that it improves performance and competitive advantage, KM practices in SMEs have been problematic due to resource constraints, while existing solutions and practices fail to meet the changing requirements of growing companies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolution of the KM system of an independent SME, whose growth changed their operations’ systems and KM requirements. The necessary changes were promptly acknowledged and managed as a priority by revisiting their system and adapting it to their new needs. This KM practice and the consequent feedback loop have been identified as an essential tool for growth and change. Design/methodology/approach – In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the key issues involved in KM adoption in SMEs, the paper took an exploratory approach, applying a combination of action research methods with emphasis on participatory observation and process consultation that drew upon interviews, document analysis and observations. Findings – The result of the study is a framework evaluation of KM for SMEs which addresses the process of organisational change, ensures the availability of knowledge assets and safeguards the company's key strategic objectives. Originality/value – Previous studies in the area follow a linear process and do not re-visit the existing solution regularly to evaluate, learn and adapt. The proposed framework differs in that it employs a feedback loop and provides the means for analysis to evaluate success and activate the process of learning.

PurposeIf collaboration and knowledge sharing lie at the core of providing added‐value to either services or products can we improve this process? The purpose of this paper is to suggest that it can be improved and this lies in how we develop the systems that support collaboration and knowledge sharing. This can be achieved within the development process, focusing on the knowledge sharers and developing from within.Design/methodology/approachThe underpinning has been the examination of traditional system development methodologies, the emergence of social computing and its underlying approaches and ethos. The approach draws upon knowledge management concepts, overlaid onto the purpose and motivation for knowledge sharing.FindingsThe paper continues the premise that better systems are derived from fully engaging with the systems users. Although existing methodologies have this at their heart, the systems produced still fall short. The argument presents how developing systems from within can improve the likelihood of success through the adoption of social computing practices. It shows that the involvement of those expected to collaborate or share through the proposed system in the development process, enhances the collaborative relationships and increases the probability of sharing through engagement and empowerment.Originality/valueThis paper frames how a known problem in systems development and the greater sensitivity of knowledge management systems may be overcome. It highlights how the collaborative and inclusive nature of social computing practice can serve to bridge the sociotechnical divide through the reduction of barriers and providing alternative bridges.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to follow the planning and development of MapaWiki, a Knowledge Management System for Mapa, an independent research company that specialises in competitor benchmarking. Starting with the standard requirements to capture, store and share information and knowledge, a system was sought that would allow growth and expansion whilst supporting the quick and easy recording and maintenance of interactions between employees.Design/methodology/approachTrying to identify the optimum KM solution, the social and technical systems within the organisation cooperated in the investigation of different approaches and in the system's design and development. From the case study perspective the Yin (1994) approach was adopted as a framing and guiding schema. This was further shaped through the action research aspect, involving problem‐solving and generating new knowledge and awareness. The solution selection methodology followed was based on the framework proposed by Despres and Chauvel (1999).FindingsThe application of MapaWiki as a KM system has been very successful. It has already become the central tool for collaboration within the company as well as the central knowledge repository where users add comments and suggestions to articles related to product development, meetings minutes, conference notes etc.Originality/valueThis case study has highlighted the underlying power of the wiki concept and has shown how it can be extended substantially from its original use, typically a notice board or brainstorming tool. Our example demonstrates an interactive collaborative environment that allows for the capture, storage, and sharing of information, knowledge and knowledge sharing practice, that has improved efficiency and the adoption of good practices.

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This is an electronic, author-formatted version of an article published in VINE: the journal of information and knowledge management systems, 36 (4). pp. [406][407][408][409][410][411][412][413][414][415][416][417][418][419][420][421][422] 2006. The definitive version in VINE is available online at:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/03055720610716665The WestminsterResearch online digital archive at the University of Westminster aims to make the research output of the University available to a wider audience. Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the authors and/or copyright owners. Users are permitted to download and/or print one copy for non-commercial private study or research. Further distribution and any use of material from within this archive for profit-making enterprises or for commercial gain is strictly forbidden.Whilst further distribution of specific materials from within this archive is forbidden, you may freely distribute the URL of WestminsterResearch.(http://www.wmin.ac.uk/westminsterresearch).In case of abuse or copyright appearing without permission e-mail wattsn@wmin.ac.uk. Abstract:The web has evolved and is evolving: both its purpose and the nature of its use are changing. Two significant aspects lie in its development from a static information area to a dynamic web of latent or potential knowledge, with a further shift into a corporate environment. This latency leaves us with the question of how can we access this web of knowledge and how can we manage this knowledge better. In brief, can the web provide for the competing stakeholders, who are similarly evolving and increasingly see it as a significant part of their business or market place?This paper adopts an exploratory and reviewing approach to the emerging trends and patterns emanating from this changing use and explores the underpinning technologies and tools that facilitate this use and access. It examines the future and potential of web-based Knowledge Management and reviews the emerging web trends, tools, and enabling technologies that will provide the infrastructure of the next generation web. It investigates some of the requirements for effective web-based knowledge searching, retrieval and sharing and identifies the implications of integrating the two aspects of web-based knowledge management, namely the business-organisational-users' perspective and that of the enabling web technologies. Finally, it seeks to present a view that, whilst looking toward the leading edge of the wave, ensures that the previous waves or approaches are not being overlooked and that nothing significant is missed or has been insufficiently considered or examined.

The system described in this paper uses the technological advances in information technology in order to influence and improve healthcare practice by enabling the flexible modelling, direct representation and adaptable use of medical knowledge. It aims at resolving a number of difficulties encountered by current information repositories, such as costly customization, reusability, high maintenance and poor information modelling, by employing the architecture of the functional data model (FDM), while maintaining full interoperability with existing systems by means of XML. On the information-modelling front the system supports a variety of modelling techniques that are especially relevant to medical applications, such as complex objects, incomplete or missing information, partially structured data and multimedia content. A prototype implementation of the system has been developed which consists of a multimedia-enhanced version of the functional database language FDL, and a web-based, two-way translator interface between the application's native language and XML. This interface provides full interoperability with other, heterogeneous systems over the web, thus, significantly reducing the complexity of developing distributed healthcare systems and e-health applications.