| Abstract: | Knowledge Management (KM) is a process that deals with the development, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information and expertise within an organization to support and improve its business performance. Organizations are realizing that knowledge is a crucial resource for organizations and it should be managed judiciously. Organizations need to harness knowledge not only to stay competitive, but also to become innovative. Knowledge Management requires a major shift in organizational culture and a commitment at all levels of a firm to make it work. Through a supportive organizational climate, ideally, through effective Knowledge Management, an organization can bring its entire organizational learning and knowledge to bear upon any problem, anywhere in the world, at any time.
The main objective of this research is to assess the knowledge Management practices in Addis Ababa LRT which can be utilized to ensure the proper usage of its knowledge resources. In order to meet this objective, the research adopted a mixed method approach for data collection and analysis. Therefore, review of literature on knowledge, knowledge management and transfer and knowledge management frameworks is undertaken with the aim to assess the current practice in LRT and identify commonalities and shortcomings for suggestion. Primary data is gathered through survey questionnaire. These two efforts are combined to assess the current Knowledge Management practice in Addis Ababa LRT.
The major findings of the research show that Addis Ababa LRT has put in place a KM system that is partially implemented; this will not help the corporation to benefit from its knowledge resource fully. The corporation knowledge management structure doesn‟t extend to all levels down in hierarchy which creates gap in implementation of KM. Tacit knowledge from the Chinese isn‟t being transferred efficiently: Tacit knowledge is the main source of knowledge. Lastly, to ensure effective KM in the LRT, extending the KM structure to all level, the expansion of knowledge management technology and infrastructure, the formulation of knowledge management policy and Strategy in context of Ethiopia, and the provision of continuous training on knowledge and KM are recommended. |
