A case study approach to investigate academic perspective on knowledge and knowledge transfer issues

Abstract

[Abstract]: This research in progress study was conducted to satisfy two specific objectives. First to research the use of ICT used by academics within their work environment and second to investigate the human behaviours in the knowledge transfer process based on literature developed from theory. An appropriate research strategy had to be employed when the nature of the research is theory building and that the research propositions are seeking insights. For this purpose academics from University of Southern Queensland were considered. Focus group technique was employed to collect data from academics. The analysis of data indicated that while ICT tools are useful in disseminating knowledge to some extent, they are not that effective in creating the knowledge. A surprise factor that emerged was the lack of support for training factors as the group felt this is not important given the maturity of users in IT. Similarly, email and the Internet were considered to be knowledge collectors than knowledge transfer tools. The group also highlighted that knowledge can be categorised into administrative, procedural, organisation, personal and product knowledge.