Information Systems Requirements in Support of the Firm's Portfolio of Knowledge-Driven Capabilities

Abstract

Organisations, whether within knowledge-intensive high technology sectors or in more traditional manufacturing and utility industries, are recognizing the significance of knowledge as a competitive weapon. All firms possess a wealth of knowledge assets which enable them to function and develop. Whilst some of this knowledge is made explicit in the form of best practice procedure manuals, meeting minutes, working papers, patents and other means, much of the knowledge within the organisation remains tacit. This tacit knowledge is held by individuals and may well be embedded in their working practices, but it includes knowledge both about the internal functioning of the operation and knowledge about the environment in which the organisation exists and which could contribute to its development. Even though this tacit knowledge is often largely unrecognized it does lie at the roots of the firm’s competitive base.