Knowledge management practices at an institution of higher learning

Abstract

Background: This article underscores the fact that society is becoming more and more knowledge-based, and that the organisations that can identify, value, create and evolve their knowledge assets are likely to be more successful than those that do not. Knowledge management (KM) is about enhancing the use of organisational knowledge through sound practices of KM and organisational learning. KM practices encompass the capture and/or acquisition of knowledge, its retention and organisation, its dissemination and re-use, and lastly responsiveness to the new knowledge.Objective: The focus of this study was on KM principles and practices that may be in place in the Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). The argument is that KM and its survival principles and tools may help the College to improve performance. However, there is uncertainty about whether the use of KM principles and tools can partly solve the College’s approach to improving the quality of education it provides.Methods: A mixed methods research methodology encompassing a questionnaire, observation, interviews, and use of institutional documents was used in the investigation.Results: The findings of the study indicate that KM concepts were not universally understood at MCNY.Conclusion: There is a need to create a knowledge inventory at MCNY. This may help the College to develop appropriate institution-wide policies and practices for proper and well organised methods of integrating work processes, collaborating and sharing (including the efficient use of social media), and developing an enabling institutional culture.

La gestión del conocimiento: Una alternativa para la solución de problemas educacionales

“…Las bibliotecas representan centros para compartir conocimiento con calidad, que impulsan el sector educativo, ya que ayudan a las IES a completar las brechas de información existentes, con conocimiento valioso, a través del empleo de herramientas exitosas, con el fin de ser más eficientes y de mejorar la cadena de valor organizacional como un todo (Mavodza y Ngulube, 2012;Shafique, 2015;Schopflin, 2015).…”

The Impact of Knowledge Management on Sustainable Activities of Higher Education Institution

“…Such type of research has been conducted in Pakistan [18], in Malaysia [19,20] in Thailand [21], and in United States [22]. The research have shown, that employees in the implementation of KM are most likely to appreciate the prevailing favorable organizational culture.…”

Embedded librarianship and Blackboard usage to manage knowledge and support blended learning at a South African university of technology

“…A local example of knowledge management practices in higher education was identified by Mavodza and Ngulube (2012). Individuals are being encouraged to reuse knowledge developed by others within an organisation (Maponya 2005: 902).…”

“…There is, however, some uncertainty, pointed out by Mavodza and Ngulube (2012: 498), about how they actually improve the quality of services offered to users. Mavodza and Ngulube (2012) argue that KM has mainly been used in businesses for competitive advantage and profit making. However, libraries have been innovative by incorporating KM practices in creating new spaces for their users that are "inviting, dynamic and exciting", improving library staff performance through training and embracing emerging technologies.…”