ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF IT-BASED KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES: STEPS TOWARDS A BEHAVIOURAL EMPHASIS

摘要

The evaluation of information technology (IS/IT) investments and the appraisal of knowledge assets are notoriously difficult areas. The assessment of new knowledge management (KM) systems projects represents a mix of these two dilemmas. This theoretical paper is aimed at enhancing understanding of the ex-ante appraisal process which occurs at the feasibility study stage of a new KM systems project. It presents some useful ideas and approaches to aid decision-makers make appropriate assessments of the feasibility of proposed KM systems in a balanced, holistic way i.e. involving not only consideration of economic but also social and functional aspects. Three key dimensions are discussed: (i) Contextual Feasibility i.e. fit with features such as strategic aims, corporate culture, user motivation; (ii) Functional Feasibility i.e. fit with sociotechnical capabilities and constraints of human and technology actors; (iii) Economic Feasibility i.e. assessing the contribution of the KM system with the balanced scorecard approach. A heightened assessment may be achieved of behavioural considerations that significantly affect the outcomes of KM projects.