A Process-Oriented Approach to Knowledge Audit in Project-Based Organizations: A Qualitative Study

Knowledge audit can be considered the first step of knowledge management; thus, taking a process-oriented approach to knowledge audit in project-based organizations would help enrich the content related to the treasures of knowledge. In this research, the identification of components associated with knowledge audit and the design of the knowledge audit process in project-based organizations are performed based on the priorities and characteristics of such organizations. This study can be categorized as applied research. It has been carried out through a qualitative approach by employing documentary, exploratory, and thematic analysis techniques. The knowledge audit process is designed after the components of the knowledge audit have been identified. The semi-structured interview, a qualitative data collection strategy, was used throughout this research study. 13 experts involved with knowledge management in project-based organizations participated in the case study. Knowledge audit can be performed in 3 phases: the pre-audit phase, the audit phase; and, the post-audit phase. The pre-audit phase includes exploring organizational goals, vision, and mission, identifying the key processes and projects, organizing the knowledge audit team, developing the knowledge audit strategy, determining the assessment checklist and weighting the items, and designing the assessment system. In the audit phase, key projects are identified, and the assessment is carried out regarding the effective components of knowledge audit in projectbased organizations. The post-audit phase incorporates developing the knowledge audit strategy, re-auditing; and, performing constant revisions. All the models and methodologies that deal with knowledge audit consider first-level processes; thus, they are too general and cannot guide how to undertake knowledge audit activities in different types of organizations practically. The distinguishing aspect of this paper is its focus on the key projects carried out in project-based organizations and preparing the assessment checklist based on the weighted components of knowledge audit determined for the requirements and priorities of such organizations.