Uploaded by Celiwe Dlamini

JAN 2017 FOR JULY SUPP EXAM 2017

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SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATION
PROGRAMME
Master of Business Administration (General)
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management
MODULE
Information and Knowledge Management
YEAR
One (1)
INTAKE
January 2017
DATE
12 July 2017
TIME
14h00 – 17h00
DURATION
3 hours
TOTAL MARKS
100
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CANDIDATE
1. Questions must be attempted in the answer book provided.
2. All queries should be directed to the invigilator; do not communicate or attempt to communicate with any
other candidate.
3. You have THREE HOURS to complete this paper. You are not allowed to leave the examination room within
the first hour and in the last 15 minutes of this examination.
4. This is a CLOSED BOOK examination.
5. Read ALL instructions carefully.
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SECTION A
Read the extract below and answer ALL the questions that follow:
[40 MARKS]
Knowledge Management as Change Agent to Ensure the Sustainability of Emerging Knowledge Organizations
Rachel Barker (University of South Africa, South Africa, 2016)
Few researchers addressed the link between information technology and knowledge transfer, and even fewer the
relationships between motivational leadership and knowledge management. The author states it might be a little
problematic to implement knowledge management as a change agent during organisational change, it is argued that it
can be used by what is today referred to as knowledge leaders, to manage not only knowledge creation, storing and
codification, but also knowledge sharing to enhance the learning culture of emerging knowledge organisations.
The commonality of most recent research indicates an emphasised focus on knowledge management (technical, human
and communication components), and it is argued that knowledge leaders should implement strategic integrated
communication to ensure the sustainability of knowledge organisations. These knowledge leaders should be able to:
empower individuals to respond creatively to changing situations; adopt personal and active attitudes, individual and
organisational goals; contribute to resonant leadership practices; should be self- and socially aware of emotions and
goals; be equipped with skills such as self- and relationship management which is characterised by transparency,
adaptability, collaboration and motivation; and should be associated with a supportive organisational climate due to a
constructive organisational culture with the aim to inspire people to learn.
Where knowledge management focuses on two main theoretical perspectives, namely human capital and knowledge
based theory, the theory of strategic integrated communication emphasises that knowledge leaders should
acknowledge the premises of the strategic intent of the organization by managing information through, inter alia,
motivation, innovation and creativity.
QUESTION 1
(20 Marks)
“The author states it might be a little problematic to implement knowledge management as a change agent during
organizational change…”. Discuss the concept of change management and explain in detail the strategies an
organisation must take into consideration when implementing change.
QUESTION 2
(20 Marks)
With reference to the extract, elaborate on how organisational culture and organisational structure impacts on the
success of knowledge management.
SECTION B
Answer ANY THREE (3) questions in this section.
QUESTION 3
[60 MARKS]
(20 Marks)
Nonaka and Takeuchi introduced the SECI model (Nonaka & Takeuchi 1996) which has become the cornerstone of
knowledge creation and transfer theory. They proposed four ways that knowledge types can be combined and
converted, showing how knowledge is shared and created in the organisation. Discuss in detail the SECI model in
relation to knowledge sharing and creation.
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QUESTION 4
(20 Marks)
There is a growing interdependence between a firm’s ability to use information technology and its ability to implement
corporate strategies and achieve corporate goals. Discuss the strategic objectives you would consider when investing in
information and knowledge management to achieve your organisations strategic goals.
QUESTION 5
(20 Marks)
With the emergence of the knowledge economy, it has become increasingly important for organisations to reconsider
the value of their tangible assets. The value of the organisation can no longer be viewed as the value of the assets that
reflect on the traditional balance and value sheets. Demonstrate how organisations can measure their intellectual capital
in order to maximise the value from their intellectual capital.
QUESTION 6
(20 Marks)
Information and knowledge management systems are vulnerable to technical, organisational, and environmental threats
from internal and external sources. The weakest link in the chain is poor system management. Appraise technologies
and tools to management for protecting a firm’s information resources.
END OF PAPER
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