Knowledge management in web communication technologies : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Information Science in Information Systems at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

In the tertiary educational area, the web communication technologies have been used for a long time for communication among students and teachers. The discussion forum system is one important type of web communication tools. This thesis suggests an advanced category of web-based discussion forum system to enhance the ability of knowledge management in the tertiary educational area. In this project, a prototype web-based discussion forum system is developed that not only contains the benefits of the traditional web communication tools, but also overcomes various shortcomings of current discussion systems by using various technologies such as keyword search methodology, concept-based search methodology, interactive query expansion technology, and concept map methodology. This project provides a solution which students can effectively and efficiently capture, retrieve, and share useful knowledge and relevant information in a web-based discussion forum.