Implementation of knowledge management (KM) in higher learning institutions: Key activities and success factors

Today, as the growing demand for knowledge based products and services is changing the structure of the global economy, the role of knowledge in achieving competitive advantages is becoming an important management issue in higher learning institutions. The practice of knowledge management (KM) is essential in higher learning institutions in order to sustain in this knowledge economy in Malaysia in line with the Knowledge Based Economy Master Plan 2002. The main purpose of this study is to identify the Knowledge Management (KM) activities that are implementing in higher learning Institutions in Malaysia. The key activities are knowledge identification, knowledge acquisition, knowledge application, knowledge sharing, knowledge development, knowledge creation, knowledge preservation and knowledge measurement. The second objective is to identify the relationship between the success factors of KM implementation in higher learning institutions, i.e. top management leadership and culture with the perceived benefits of KM. A total of 200 questionnaires were sent to the higher learning institutions in Klang Valley. 99 institutions responded. The result showed that the top management leadership and culture positively influenced the perceived benefits of knowledge management