Preface for the Third Edition - Read

86 B. Concepts and Theories
4.3.2 Definition
As in the case of the terms knowledge management and knowledge, knowledge
management systems can be viewed from different perspectives. Examples are:
a focus on ICT support for the KM life cycle and/or for specific organizational
instruments which are implemented as part of a KM initiative,
a focus on the proposed analogy between human and organizational information
processing, learning and memory,
a review of a set of functions that are part of KMS as offered on the market,
extensions and/or the integration of existing software tools, such as Intranet
solutions, document management systems, workflow management systems,
Groupware, AI technologies, communication systems.
The KM life cycle provides a basis for the definition of application areas from
which KMS are designed and consists of a number of KM tasks, e.g., creation, construction,
identification, capturing, acquisition, selection, valuation, organization,
linking, structuring, formalization, visualization, distribution, retention, maintenance,
refinement, evolution, accessing, search and application of knowledge155 .
The KM life cycle describes the collective development, distribution and application
of knowledge and thus can be used to extend Stein and Zwass’s definition of
organizational memory information system which is limited to the analogy of an
individual’s memory. It lacks all functions that do not bear this analogy. These
added functions are based on communication as the constituent property of social
systems. Communication also distinguishes the memory of a social system from an
individual memory. Therefore, those functions that uniquely occur in collective
memory and learning processes are added to the mnemonic functions used in Stein
and Zwass’ definition. Thus, the definition of KMS used in this book is based on
(1) the analogy between human and organizational information processing and (2)
the life cycle of KM tasks and processes (see Box B-3).
A knowledge management system (KMS) is an ICT system in the sense of an
application system or an ICT platform that combines and integrates functions for
the contextualized handling of both, explicit and tacit knowledge, throughout the
organization or that part of the organization that is targeted by a KM initiative.
A KMS offers integrated services to deploy KM instruments for networks of participants,
i.e. active knowledge workers, in knowledge-intensive business processes
along the entire knowledge life cycle.
Ultimate aim of KMS is to support the dynamics of organizational learning and
organizational effectiveness.
BOX B-3. Definition of knowledge management system
155. See also section 4.1.4 - “Definition” on page 52; for a detailed discussion of these KM
tasks see section 6.3.1 - “Knowledge management tasks” on page 207.