**5. Research methodology**

272 New Research on Knowledge Management Models and Methods

incorporating this framework with the strategic management policy of the organisation is paramount for success. Besides the strategic focus particular attention needs to be paid to

The application of risk management allows for continuous improvement in decision-making processes. The objective therefore is to provide new insights, thus empowering managers to make informed decisions. One of the key issues arising from the risk management process is risk assessment. This constitutes a number of phases, which are primarily the identification, analysis and prioritisation of such risks (Yeates & Cadle, 2007; Pate-Cornell, 2001; Kliem &

Since risk investigation in KL in VREs is lacking, the focus of the chapter is on the identification and analysis of such risk factors. Thus from the stages in the risk management process only the risk identification and analysis phases is considered relevant in this discussion. Consequently, special consideration is given to risk identification techniques in IS so as to provide the underlining framework for classification. The risk identification process will focus on software risks since VREs falls under this generic heading with specific

This research was initially triggered by a company which specialises in large-scale metrology, quality engineering, and aerospace. Company 3D specialise in alignment services and CAD drawings for its customers. Since then it has grown and now provides a

One of the important areas of expertise is the creation of 3D models and 3D photographic databases of numerous artefacts which can be navigated in a PC environment using a variety of 3D viewing packages. These environments create authentic and detailed virtual models that are easily navigable and contain comprehensive and detailed information that

Central to the authoring tool is the photographic database created by using special surveying and photographic equipment. The environments produced are implemented using VRML, which the company use to produce realistic, accurate and visually matter-offact environments which are easily navigable by simple walk-through. Individual entities within the environment can also be linked to external sources using a number of interfaces such as Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML). These environments are also easily and efficiently upgraded and revised to reflect innovations, changes, new data, explore other technologies, and archive reference information. One major reason for the popularity of these 3D model databases is based on the fact that traditionally database information is composed of text and figures. This makes such databases very complex and time consuming to use, as traditional searching facilities are less intuitive than browsing through natural representations of reality. Thus, these 3D models provide a more intuitive interface for a non-expert user to explore more readily (Annansingh & Nunes, 2005). The intuitive user interface allows a broad cross-section of company personnel, from low-level maintenance, to

operational risks with continuous risk management thinking.

wide range of services in all engineering disciplines including:

Ludin, 2000).

attention given KL risks.

Measurement Services

can be easily queried by users or employees.

 Equipment Sales Systems integration.

**4. The company** 

Training

IS research traditionally adopted a positivist approach. However, since the objective of this chapter is to:


It was believed the perception and perspectives of participants would provide deeper understanding into issues surrounding the development of this software and associated risks, rather than a positivists' approach which prohibits such rich descriptions (Bharadwaj, 2004). Consequently, a constructivist rather than a positivist paradigm is adopted. The constructivist paradigm according to Denzin & Lincoln (1998: 27) "assumes a relativist ontology (there are multiple realities), a subjectivist epistemology, (knower and subject create understandings), and a naturalistic (in the natural world) set of methodological procedures". The interpretivist paradigm which falls under the general umbrella of social constructivism focuses on the understanding of the world as it is, as well as an understanding of the social world from the level of subjective experience. Burrell and Morgan (1985:28) claims that an interpretivist paradigm "seeks explanation within the realm of individual consciousness and subjectivity, within the frame of reference of the participant as opposed to the observer of the action". Based on these arguments and the need to extract the perceptions and perspectives of participants, an interpretivist stance seems appropriate.

From an ontological perspective, interpretivist researchers view the social world as extremely complex and problematic, where everyday life is an incredible achievement. The interpretivist researcher therefore seeks to interpret, understand, experience or produce the very basis and source of social reality (Burrell & Morgan, 1985; Mason 2002). Additionally this study is an exploratory case study research. The adoption of an interpretivist approach rather than positivist is selected on the basis that the validity of an extrapolation does not depend on the statistical representation of such case/s in a statistical sense but rather on the plausibility and clarity of the logical reasoning used in describing the results and drawing conclusions from the cases (Walsham, 1993).
