Ronel Davel

Social network analysis (SNA) is being increasingly deployed as an instrument to plot knowledge and expertise as well as to confirm the character of connections in informal networks within organisations. This study investigated how the integration of networking into KM can produce significant advantages for organisations. The aim of the research was to examine how the interactions between SNA, Communities of Practice (CoPs) and knowledge maps could potentially influence knowledge networks. The researchers endeavour to illustrate via this question that cultivating synergies between SNA, CoPs and knowledge maps will enable organisations to produce stronger knowledge networks and ultimately increase their social capital. This article intends to present a process map that can be useful when an organisation wants to positively increase its social capital by examining influencing interactions between SNA, CoPs and knowledge maps, thereby enhancing the manner in which they share and create...

Recently, judge Norman Davis ruled that companies licensed as value-added network service (VANs) providers could build their own networks in competition with licensed operators such as Telkom, Neotel and the mobile operators. This move effectively brought an end to the so called 'managed liberalisation' of the South African telecommunication sector. With the expected increase in competition and opportunities for niche and under serviced areas, massive changes are expected in the South African telecommunication landscape. It has been widely reported that the broadband penetration levels in South Africa are very low. Pretorius and Dyer (2008) accentuate the inherent dilemma facing the country by pointing out that while it is essential to expand access to basic telecommunication services, it is also vital to ensure that the rather sophisticated and developed sectors of the South African economy can benefit from developed telecommunication services, e.g. broadband, which are t...