Implementation of an enterprise knowledge portal for the the facilitation of organization-wide knowledge sharing

Abstract

Abstract by author:

A project was embarked upon to develop an Enterprise Knowledge Portal (EKP) for the Multidisciplinary Research and Consultancy Centre (MRCC), a research organ within the University of Namibia. The EKP was to help bring into being a communication framework in which MRCC staff could collaborate on work related activities. This portal was also to help introduce the staff and management of the Centre to the concepts of knowledge management and the tradition of sharing information and best practices (knowledge) across the organization so that the whole organization could realize/ attain a competitive advantage in the business environment. The Spiral Model was followed in developing this EKP, the methodology chosen was Rapid Prototyping. A Functional Prototype was piloted, re-engineered from an Open Source application program downloaded from the World Wide Web (www). This application was taken apart, reconfigured, and customized to fit the requirements of the MRCC. This prototype was then tested in a computer lab where a temporary intranet had been configured. Initial test results, prior to deployment were very satisfactory