Adoption of enterprise integration modeling in the design and implementation of knowledge management system for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Abstract

Knowledge management has been recognized as one of the hottest research topics; however, the lack of theoretical understanding of knowledge and practically proven methods for efficient knowledge management is surprising (Holsapple 2003). In this project enterprise integration (EI) modeling was employed to address the knowledge management (KM) problem of the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC). The EI modeling provided a systematic process-based approach to the KM problem and allowed multi-dimensional analysis of the organization, which exactly addressed the needs of the HKSTPC. HKSTPC was established by merging the 3 previous non-governmental organizations. The new organization was looking for “knowledge competence built around the business processes to enhance efficiency”; and the essential business processes were examined and re-invented to ensure a highly integrated and effective organization. The adoption of EI model provided a comprehensive framework to study the life-cycle phases of KM solution; and allowed the use of various constructs and modeling techniques provided at the various modeling levels (CIMOSA-Association 1996) for the design and implementation purpose. KM enterprise solution was analyzed and designed following the life-cycle phase activities of the EI reference model. These activities were logically grouped into 3 conceptual integration modeling layers, namely business integration model, application integration model, and technical integration model. The three integration models provided necessary focus for each respective layer and reduce the complexity of work. Both codification and personalization approaches were taken during solution implementation. Business processes and relevant workflows were reviewed and customized as knowledge embedded processes; and information and communication technology (ICT) was used to automate the knowledge processes (say capture, store, share, distribute, etc,) as well as to computerize the routine business operations for KM realization purpose whenever applicable. The process-based KM solution with employment of ICT was implemented at HKSTPC according to the proposed design methodology. Its contribution to the KM was evaluated six months after the deployment of the KM solution. Comparing with the same measurement before the launch of the KM system, business performance was found significantly improved. The KM solution was proved to be an effective solution to improve the business performance of HKSTPC; and the proposed KM design and implementation framework was validated as an effective KM design framework.

Date of Award	15 Feb 2006
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	Hongyi SUN (Supervisor)