Knowledge Management supporting the development of small and medium enterprises: a case study

In this paper we investigate, through a single case study, how it is possible to implement successfully KM projects in a small-medium enterprise. An analysis is conducted on the key aspects that constitute the basis of a company’s KM project and especially the managerial practices, organisational aspects and ICT instruments adopted by the company to further its project. A discussion is then carried out on the major barriers and facilitating factors experienced by the company and which impact on the effectiveness of the company’s KM project. The empirical analysis suggested an interesting result showing that the adoption and especially the design of a KM system is able to identify organisational inefficiencies and therefore stimulate organisational learning and radical organisational improvements as well. In conclusion, organisational, managerial and technological competencies are needed in order to be able to develop a KM project.