A CUSTOM INTEGRATED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FRAMEWORK OVER CLOUD FOR AMU STAFF

Abstract

Effective knowledge management is crucial for universities like Arba Minch University (AMU) to maintain a competitive edge. However, the efficient management and dissemination of knowledge within university communities pose significant challenges. As one of Ethiopia's eight research universities, AMU must establish robust knowledge management (KM) conditions to facilitate staff knowledge-sharing practices, making existing knowledge accessible, and generating new knowledge. AMU lacks adequate mechanisms for staff to share knowledge and collaborate on various tasks virtually. In response to this, our research introduces a custom integrated KM system deployed over the cloud to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing among AMU staff. Utilizing a design science approach and a mixed research methodology, we investigated collaboration and knowledge sharing among AMU staff. The analysis revealed that 81% of respondents were dissatisfied with the current environment regarding the accessibility of knowledge sharing, indicating that knowledge within the institution is not easily accessible at any time and from any location. Additionally, 73% of respondents acknowledged the importance of Knowledge Management Systems. Based on these findings and the needs of the staff, we developed a cloud-based integrative KM framework designed to capture, represent, and share knowledge among AMU staff. The study concludes that the implementation of the developed KM framework in the institution can significantly improve the accessibility, sharing, and preservation of knowledge among AMU staff, ultimately enhancing the university's competitiveness and knowledge-sharing capabilities.

Keywords: Cloud-based, Integrative Knowledge Management System, Knowledge Sharing, Collaboration, Explicit knowledge, Tacit knowledge