Discuss the Impact of the Introduction of a Knowledge Management System Within a London Based International Law Firm

MSc Computerised Applications in Accounting

Title

Discuss the impact of the introduction of a Knowledge Management System within a London Based International Law firm

Written By: Randolph Nairn

Student NÑ": M217307

Contents

Abstract

Chapter 1 - Introduction

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Confidentiality

1.2 The Firm

1.3 The firms Services

1.4 Recent Developments

1.5 Introduction Summary

Chapter 2 - Research Methodology

2.1 Research Philosophy

2.2 Research Strategy

2.2.1 Researchers Involvement

2.2.2 Sample Selection

2.2.3 Primary Data Collection

2.2.4 Secondary Data Collection

2.2.5 Theoretical Framework

2.2.6 Gaining Access

2.3 Credibility of findings

2.3.1 Reliability

2.3.2 Validity

2.3.3 Generalisability

2.4 Research Ethics

2.4.1 Access

2.4.2 Confidentiality/ Anonymity

2.4.3 Informed Consent

3.0 Summary

Chapter 3 Literature Review

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Contextual Study - What is Strategy?

3.3 IT Strategy within the legal services industry

3.4 Strategy formulation within legal IT

3.4.1 Establishing strategic positioning

3.4.2 Analysing local requirements

3.4.3 The Legal Grid

3.5 Introduction to knowledge management

3.6 What is Knowledge?

3.7 Background

3.8 Previous Research

3.9 Definition of Knowledge Management

3.10 Benefits of Knowledge Management

3.11 The Challenges of KM?

3.11.1 Allowing Technology to Dictate KM

3.11.2 KM Is Not Static

3.11.3 What technologies can support KM?

3.11.4 Knowledge Management & Corporate Culture

3.12 Three models of Knowledge Management

3.13 Knowledge Management within the legal service industry

3.13.1 The precedent bank

3.13.2 The legal storeroom

3.13.3 Work product retrieval

3.13.4 On screen prompts

3.13.5 Know Who Systems

3.14 Summary

Chapter 4 - Analysis

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Set the context - What is the firms present and future IT strategy

4.3 LEA Know-How KM System - What is it & how does it work.

4.3.1 Principal Know-How sites.

4.3.2 Secondary Know-How sites.

4.3.3 The Know-How database (Imanage)

4.3.4 The Know-How document bank (hard copy)

4.3.5 The library and external information sources.

4.3.6 CV and Experience Database

4.4 How is the know database be accessed?

4.5 How Will Know-How get into the database?

4.6 Precedents

4.7 Who Uses Know-How

4.8 What is the level of Know-How Usage within LEA?

4.9 How do fee earners view the process of knowledge management?

4.10 What are users general perceptions of the firms KM system?

4.11 What are the perceived benefits of the knowledge management system and have they/ any been realised.

4.12 Does the firm have a corporate culture conducive to knowledge transfer?

4.13 Summary

Chapter 5 - Conclusion

5.0 Introduction

5.1 Challenges Facing LEA's KM initiative

5.1.1 Corporate Culture & Staff incentives

5.1.2 Corporate Culture & Strategy

5.1.3 Know How Usage & System Optimisation

5.1.4 Know-How Contribution

5.2 Concluding Thoughts

Abstract

In recent years there has been a move towards the employment of computerised knowledge management systems within the legal services industry. This type of technology is believed