Application of Knowledge Management and Decision Support Systems in Lafarge Africa Plc

Abstract

The twenty-first-century economy has been termed as the Knowledge economy that is driven by people, information, and technology. Knowledge management has also been proven to enhance strategic advantage and improve organizational performance. Decision making and Decision support systems are enhanced with knowledge management. It is, therefore, critical for organizations to focus on knowledge management that derives effective and well- informed decision making with decision making as a tool. The purpose of this research was to examine and establish a knowledge management strategy and decision support systems in Lafarge Africa Plc. The study focused on the following research questions: What is the current level of knowledge management in Lafarge Africa Plc? What are the gaps in knowledge management in Lafarge Africa Plc? What are the impacts of Knowledge management on decision making in Lafarge Africa Plc? How can knowledge management strategy enable decision support systems in Lafarge Africa Plc? A mixed research method was adopted using a survey design by administering a questionnaire and conducting an interview for data collection. The population universe 1532 was used to calculate the sample size of 307 comprises 7 Top Management staff and 300 employees, using sample size calculator. Stratified Random sampling was utilized to arrive at the final respondents. The researcher used a questionnaire administered through email and semi-structured interview as the primary source of data collection instruments. Data was analysed using quantitative measures and was presented using percentages and tables. The study revealed that the level of knowledge Management practices in the organisation is low as several employees (Operational Staff) are not even aware of it. Even though, the Results confirmed that knowledge management enhances effective decision making, however, there was no significant impacts of knowledge management (KM) on decision-making at Lafarge Africa Plc  It was recommended for a systemic shift encompassing technology upgrades, cultural transformation, and governance frameworks that make knowledge visible, accessible, and actionable across all levels of the enterprise, It also recommended that the management should Select and appoint experts internally to analyse, design and implement integrated KM framework.