Exploring the use of computer-mediated communication for knowledge management in project environments

Abstract

The concept of utilising computer-mediated communication and social media applications as knowledge transfer agents within project environments is explored and a conceptual model for rapid dissemination of knowledge between resources across the various project phases is proposed. The model takes into account the use of tacit and explicit knowledge transfer between different project resources working within the same project phase. Five research questions were posed and, in order to answer these, interviews were conducted with respondents within a number of large organisations that utilise computer-mediated communication. Barriers to knowledge transfer mentioned in literature were found to exist in these South African organisations in 2013. A number of problems relating to the use of social media or computer-mediated communication for knowledge management in project environments were identified. Suggestions are made for improving the use of social media for project knowledge management. Specific applications that organisations use for transferring knowledge were identified and these findings are incorporated into the conceptual model.