Week # 03 "Knowledge Management System Life Cycle"

The challenges that are faced building a knowledge management system are:

·         Changing Organization Culture

·         Knowledge Evaluation

·         Knowledge Processing

·         Knowledge Implementation

The differences between Conventional System Life Cycle (CSLC) Versus Knowledge Management System Life Cycle (KMSLC) are as follows:

Conventional System Life Cycle (CSLC)	Knowledge Management System Life Cycle (KMSLC)
It is primarily sequential.	Is incremental and interactive.
It is process driven or specifies then builds.	It is result oriented or start slow and grow.
The System testing normally at the end in CSLC.	KM system testing evolves from beginning of the cycle.

The similarities of CSLC & KMSLC are:

• They both begin with a problem and end with a solution
• They both begin with information gathering or knowledge capture
• Testing is essentially the same to make sure “the system is right” and “it is the right system”
• Both developers must choose the appropriate tool(s) for designing their respective systems

Stages of KMSLC

1. Evaluate Existing Infrastructure
2. Form the KM Team
3. Knowledge Capture
4. Design KM Blueprint
5. Verify and validate the KM System
6. Implement the KM System
7. Manage Change and Rewards Structure
8. Post System Evaluation

Stage 1- Evaluate Existing Infrastructure

The project boundary lies within financial, human resource, and operational constraints. In order to predict the benefits of the user, the project must be completed rapidly.

Knowledge developer should consider:

• Vision
• Resources
• Culture

Stage 2- Form the KM Team

Identify the key stakeholders of the prospective KM system. 

Stage 3 - Knowledge Capture

• EXPLICIT KNOWLEDGE: It is captured in repositories from various media
• TACIT KNOWLEDGE: It is captured from company experts using various tools and methodologies

Stage 4 - Design KM Blueprint

The blueprint is the physical design.

               

Stage 5 - Verify and validate the KM System

• Verification: The system has the right functions
• Validation: The system has the right output

Stage 6 - Implement the KM System          

• KM system is converted into a new actual operation
• The files or data are converted
• User training is included
• Quality assurance is essential

Stage 7 - Manage Change and Rewards Structure

Goal is to minimize resistance to change

• Experts
• Regular employees (users)
• Troublemakers

Stage 8 - Post-system evaluation

Assess system impact in terms of effects on:

• People
• Procedures
• Performance of the business

Areas of concern

• Quality of decision making
• Attitude of end users
• Costs of Knowledge processing and update