A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN JIMMA AND ADAMA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) and its practices, such as generation, codification, sharing, and utilization, are critical for academic performance. There is plenty of knowledge, but it is not examined in the education sector. The main objective of the study was to conduct a comparative study of knowledge management practices and academic performance in Jimma and Adama Science and Technology universities. A mixed method was used, including a cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire and an interview. A questionnaire was distributed to 290 respondents in both universities. Out of these, 250 were returned, and the response rate is 86%. Descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages and an inferential statistical t-test (independent sample t-test) were used. The study found that there is a significant difference between two universities in four knowledge management practices (p<.05). However, there is no significant difference in academic performance exhibited by knowledge management practices (p>.05). All four knowledge management practices were in practice in both universities. Knowledge management practices should not be done only among individuals but also between different institutions. To further advance the academic activities of staff like teaching and research, there should be a regular forum for knowledge management practices.

Keywords: Knowledge management practices, Academic performance, Research, Teaching, University

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/14-2-07

Publication date:October 30th 2024