The knowledge network: knowledge generation during implementation of application software packages

Under increasing pressure, many industrial enterprises are seeking means to improve their performance. Years of rationalizations led to the conclusion that no one‐time improvement will enable continuing success. Thus companies realize that their edge lies in the transformation of knowledge to action. The field of knowledge management addresses a broad range of aspects but still is rooted in a rather technical methodology. Establishing knowledge management is a process of organizational innovation. As the implementation of application software packages is now considered the major driving force of organizational innovation, a close look at IT implementation projects as a means to establish integrated knowledge management at operational business levels seems promising. The paper will present the knowledge network concept as a means of establishing an integrated approach to knowledge management and will highlight it using observations made during system implementation in SMEs.