Past Research News and Events - Seminar Series

Seminar

Topic:

A Study to Determine the Effectiveness of Tacit Knowledge Transfer in E-learning Environment.

Presentation by:

Vijaya Gururajan

Time:

Friday 30 May 2003,11.00am - 12.30pm

Venue:

The Val Pervan meeting room at JO.2.443

Comments:

All staff are invited to attend.

Abstract:

In the recent years there is a heightened awareness about management of knowledge within organisations as knowledge is an important resource. Knowledge Management within the Information Systems field often perceives Information Technology and communication (ICT) as a knowledge solution to many organisational problems and initiatives. However in parallel to the development in ICT, is the emergence of learning or ability to learn as a new challenge in 21st century. The combination of Knowledge Management and E-learning is the focus of this research.

Knowledge can be classified into two types of knowledge, explicit and tacit. These two knowledge do not exist independently or operate independently, but are mutually dependent and work side by side reinforcing the generation of new knowledge, expansion and transfer of knowledge. Interaction between tacit and explicit gives way to four forms of knowledge conversion (Tacit to Tacit, Tacit to Explicit, Explicit to Explicit, Explicit to Tacit). Generation of new knowledge, expansion and transferring of knowledge also depends on variety of factors such as learning ability, absorption, motivation, inspiration, trust, culture, techniques or skills and technology. Effective transfer of knowledge depends on finding the balance between Information Technology, techniques and people that form the basis of knowledge management systems.

The objective of this research is to determine the transfer of knowledge in an E-learning enivronment within an university (an organisation). Knowledge is tranferred between academics (experts) and the students (novices) and the effective transfer depends on variety of factors including ICT tools such as email, chat, Internet and WebCT. The literature review indicates that no prior studies has explored how the four conversions processes impact on teaching and learning and thus the transfer of knowledge and associated issues within a university context. The outcome of this research will provide a set of guidelines and a framework to effectively transfer knowledge from an individual to an individual or to a group. The research
outcome will be able to define training programs offered to staff of an organisation (including universities) and help to define teaching and learning process using an E-learning platform within an university.