The Use of SAP as a Knowledge Management Tool at an Australian Research University

Abstract

This chapter explores the role of SAP (a leading enterprise resource planning [ERP] system) in enabling knowledge management (KM) practice at a research university as a KM tool. A qualitative case study approach is pursued to achieve a rich and in-depth understanding of this organizational phenomenon. KM is understood by the university as consisting of four phases: knowledge creation, knowledge storage, knowledge sharing, and knowledge application. This study finds that the use of SAP system enables the process of knowledge management within the case organization through several means including idea generation, prime repository of knowledge, sharing workflow information, and facilitating decision making. Based on empirical evidence, this case provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of SAP systems in supporting KM process, which contributes to the theoretical domains of both ERP system and KM. This study provides guidelines for practitioners to create strategies for successful KM practice in concert with to the development of IT strategy.