Evaluation of Knowledge Management in the Project-Oriented Information Technology Services Sector

Abstract

Rationale of Study – The purpose of this study was to explore how knowledge management (KM) in information technology (IT) companies that install,  configure, develop, deploy and support IT software for mid- to large- size corporates, plays a key role in sustaining their businesses in an ever-evolving IT  market. The study identifies five commonly researched knowledge management processes; knowledge creation, knowledge acquisition, knowledge  sharing, knowledge storing and protection as well as knowledge utilisation and studies how these processes contribute to the success of software  implementation projects.

Methodology – Information was gathered by both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and  interviews. Analysis of the collected data was done using data analysis methods in SPSS.

Findings – The findings revealed that all the five knowledge  management processes studied show a positive linear relationship to the success of projects implemented, as well as a positive linear relationship to the  overall success of organisations that participated in this study.

Implications – The findings of this research will be of benefit to researchers as it adds to  the body of knowledge of KM research specific to project-oriented companies in the IT in the utilities space. Corporates may also benefit from the insights  generated by this research.

Originality – The study was an original research conducted on software implementation partners for large software  corporations with well established brands and a global geographic spread.