Developing a university research web-based knowledge portal

A university represents the ultimate knowledge organisation. However, many researchers are not aware of the research activities within their own universities. This often leads to redundancy in areas of research as well as reduced innovation and productivity since they are not aware of the available expertise and resources that could greatly contribute to their own research endeavours. Knowledge management represents a systematic means of acquiring, sharing, and using knowledge effectively within an organisation. This paper explores webbased systems to connect researchers using knowledge management methodologies via a webbased portal. A team of graduate students and a professor of MIS (Management Information Systems) followed a systems analysis and design process as a learning experience for the students to understand the information and knowledge needs of university faculty. Based on these explorations, a university knowledge portal was developed to fill a perceived gap in knowledge sharing and accessibility within the university.