http://www.sajim.co.za/editorial.main.11nr2.asp?print=1


   
  Editorial Vol.11(2) June 2009

Much has been written on the potential impact of Web 2.0 on business, teaching and 
learning, and on society in general. In the first article of this issue authors Rudman and 
Steenkamp report on the empirical results of research into practices that online users 
currently employ when using Web 2.0 sites. As part of the study, the popularity of Web 2.0 
technologies and sites among online users was investigated to determine the extent of the 
potential threat to corporate security when using Web 2.0. The results of this study indicate 
that the use of Web 2.0 sites is very popular among students and that these users are not 
necessarily aware of the risks associated with these sites. The respondents indicated that they 
regularly visit Web 2.0 sites, that they post personal information on these sites, which in turn 
impact on the privacy of these (mainly younger) users. In Potential influence of Web 2.0 
usage and security practices of online users on information management, the authors 
indicate that privacy refers to the individual's ability to control the way by which personal 
information is acquired and used. As far as the Internet is concerned, privacy is influencing 
aspects such as the obtaining, distribution or non-authorised use of personal 
information. Making decisions in a business intelligence (BI) environment can become 
extremely challenging and sometimes even impossible if the data on which the decisions are 
based are of poor quality. It is only possible to utilise data effectively when it is accurate, up-
to-date, complete and available when needed. In their article (Decision-making in the context 
of business intelligence and data quality), authors Marshall and De la Harpe is of the view 
that BI decision makers are in the best position to determine the quality of the data available 
to them. The purpose of this article is to identify the underlying factors that prevent 
information from being easily and effectively utilised, and understanding how these factors 
can influence the decision-making process, particularly within a BI environment. An 
exploratory investigation was conducted at a large retail organisation in South Africa to 
collect empirical data from BI users through unstructured interviews. The findings indicate 
specific causes that impact the decisions of BI users and include, for example, accuracy, 
inconsistency and availability of information. The importance of documentation is 
highlighted as an important issue that requires further investigation. 

Strategies for knowledge management in law firms in Botswana by Fombad, Boon and 
Bothma is the title of the third article in this issue. This article succeeds in formulating a 
route map on how law firms in Botswana may utilise knowledge management to enhance 
their competitive edge. Multiple definitions and perspectives of knowledge management are 
being discussed, as well as several frameworks and a model. With this, together with the 
empirical findings, a strategy for knowledge management in law firms in Botswana is 
recommended. It underscores the fact that knowledge management is becoming an 
imperative for the survival of law firms. It is recommended that lawyers should be proactive, 
adaptive, innovative, effective and competitive in the provision of outstanding, cost efficient 
and effective services to clients.  

Pieter van Brakel 
Editor 

  

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Articles published in SAJIM are the opinions of the authors and do not 

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ISSN 1560-683X

Published by InterWord Communications for Department of Information and Knowledge Management, 
University of Johannesburg

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