Soft Systems Methodology - A Conceptual Model of Knowledge Management Systems Initiatives in Malaysian Public Universities

Abstract

The implementation of knowledge management systems (KMS) initiatives is recognized by its highly complex situations and difficult to manage, involving a range of interrelated and overlapping components of technology, organization and people. The objective of the study is to demonstrate how the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) approach can be applied to investigate the implementation of KMS initiatives in their natural setting. The study is carried out through four case studies within Malaysian Public Universities (MPUs) representing different characteristics of universities based on the year of their establishment. The findings reveal the process of KMS initiatives contains six different kinds of activity through the development of conceptual model. Furthermore, the analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the activities within the proposed conceptual model. In this sense, the application of SSM recommends the advantage of a comprehensive analysis by integrating both the process and the factors influencing the implementation of KMS initiatives in the higher education context, especially in the MPUs. SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGYThe SSM emerged in response to the limitations of the hard systems approach to adequately address complex real world problems that involve human issues. The emergence of a hard systems approach was influenced by systems engineering and system analysis, which use a systematic approach to problem-solving in relation to the design, development and operation of a machine to achieve 60 Md