Knowlegde management practices in the South African public sector 2002-2008

Date
2010-03
Authors
Mphahlele, Mafedi Yvonne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Knowledge Management (KM) have been adopted by the public sector institutions of the developed countries for a while and the rewards that of are said to be immense. For a new democracy and a developing country like South Africa, the benefits of KM in the public sector cannot be over emphasized. Among, other things, it is believed that KM can help speed up service delivery which is a top priority for the South African public sector at the moment. However, one wonders if the South African public sector is giving KM the kind of attention it deserves and if so, are there any noticeable rewards? The following study is a survey report on KM practices in the South African Public sector, specifically, National departments. It is believed that the results of this study will help identify best practices to be shared and deviations and gaps to be corrected. The study is made up of the following Chapters and topics: Chapter 1: Which cover a short history of KM in the Public Service The chapter also discusses the problem statements, objectives of the study and limitations. Chapter 2: Research Methodology The population and sample in this study are discussed. The methods used to collect data is also outlined and discussed. Chapter 3: Knowledge Management: Challenges, solutions and Technologies. This chapter is based on the book and model by Beccerra –Fernandez et al. and it discusses the three parts of the book , namely, Principles of KM, Technologies of KM, KM Systems and the epilogue which deals with the future of KM. The views of other authors in relation to the book and model are also outlined and discussed in this chapter. Chapter 4: Presentation and Discussion of results: The results of data collected in chapter 3 above are presented and discussed. Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations The conclusion of this study based on the data collected using tools and methods outlined and discussed in Chapter 2 & Chapter 3 and presented in Chapter 4 above is then drawn. The conclusion and recommendations seek to answer research questions that were posed in Chapter 1 of this study.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kennisbestuur (KM) word reeds geruime tyd toegepas in die openbare sektore van ontwikkelde lande en dit word berig dat die resultaat duidelik speurbaar is. Vir 'n nuwe demokrasie en 'n ontwikkelende land soos Suid-Afrika kan die voordele van KM in die openbare sektor nie oorskat word nie. Onder meer word geglo dat KM kan bydra tot die verbetering van dienslewering wat op die oomblik die belangrikste prioriteit is vir die openbare sektor. Nogtans moet 'n mens wonder of KM die aandag ontvang wat dit verdien, en of daar opmerklike resultate is. Hierdie studie is in wese 'n rapport van 'n opname van KM praktyke in die Suid-Afrikaanse openbare sektor, in besonder van nasionale departemente. Daar word gehoop dat die resultate van die studie sal bydra tot die identifisering van beste praktyke wat met ander gedeel kan word, en om afwykinge en gapings te identifiseer vir korreksie. Die studie is ingedeel in die volgende hoofstukke: Hoofstuk 1 – 'n kort geskiedenis van KM in die openbare sektor. Die probleemstelling word ook bespreek Hoofstuk 2: Navorsingsmetodologie Hoofstuk 3: Knowledge Management: Challenges, Solutions and Technologies. Hierdie hoofstuk is gebaseer op die boek en model van Becerra-Fernandez et al. En dit bespreek die drie afdelings van die boek, naamlik: Principles of KM, Technologies of KM, KM Systems, asook die epiloog waarin die toekoms van KM behandel word. Beskouings van ander outeurs ten opsigte van die boek en model word bygevoeg. Hoofstuk 4: Aanbieding en Bespreking van resultate Hoofstuk 5: Konklusie en Voorstelle In die konklusie word antwoorde geformuleer op die pertinente vrae wat in hoofstuk 1 gestel is.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
Keywords
Knowledge management, South African public service, Dissertations -- Information science, Theses -- Information science, Public administration -- Information resources management, Electronic government information
Citation