Knowledge-based Management Information Systems for the effective business performance of SMEs

This study attempts to advance current thinking around Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and Management Information Systems (MIS) by proposing integration into a holistic information system - Knowledge-based Management Information System (KBMIS). The aim of launching this KBMIS is to build an effective, time-saving and change adapting management information system for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This KBMIS is relevant in the current business environment as knowledge and information management has become a key issue in the business practice of SMEs. It is argued that information and knowledge flows must be effectively managed in all their business activities. In particular, this research focuses on organisational management and customer knowledge management for SMEs. This is because many SMEs lack resources and knowledge of strategic thinking, prerequisites for information and knowledge management. Therefore, this study proposes a dynamic model to evaluate the degree to which SMEs current MIS and KMS correspond with their organisational management and customer management needs. To develop this model, the critical characteristics of MIS, KMS, and SMEs are integrated. This model shows how information and knowledge may flow; and how these may be stored and managed in the SMEs' business process. A pilot study of two case studies is done to test this new model and the test result shows that this model gives systemical solutions for SMEs to redesign their information and knowledge management system