The KM discipline approach to defining KM success has been in first identifying critical success factors (CSF), bundling them into success models, and then finally defining success. CSFs are those factors that have been found to be determinants of KM success. These success criteria were identified through a number of studies using a variety of research methods and overall looking at over 200 KM/KMS projects. Success factors are ranked by the number of studies that identified the success factor. Note that all are critical success factors
A Knowledge Strategy that identifies users, sources, processes, storage strategy, knowledge and links to knowledge for the KMS. Motivation and Commitment of users including incentives and training. Integrated Technical Infrastructure including networks, databases/ repositories, computers, software, KMS experts. An organizational culture that supports learning and the sharing and use of knowledge. A common enterprise wide knowledge structure that is clearly articulated and easily understood (an ontology)
Senior Management support including allocation of resources, leadership, and providing training. In Learning Organization, there is a clear goal and purpose for the KMS, measures are established to assess impact of the KMS/knowledge use and to verify that the right knowledge is captured, search, retrieval, & visualization functions of the KMS support easy knowledge use, work processes are designed that incorporate knowledge capture and use, and security/protection of knowledge.
