The potential of competitive intelligence tools for knowledge management: A study of a Brazilian database

Abstract

In this era of rapid changes, it is important that managers understand “knowledge management” as a driving force of competitive advantages and innovation. Thus, several methodologies are being developed, aimed at increasing the capacity to change and to evaluate strategic actions in real time. Technologies for Information and Communication (TIC) have led to advances in the dissemination of codified knowledge, increasing the great mass of data to be acknowledged and absorbed by the individual. This results in ample growth of the computer science field with respect to the development of “robots,” intelligent agents, and tools for the automatic (or automated) treatment of information. The search for desired and necessary information in order to create and maintain competitive advantages amid the abundance of information now available requires that the specialist not only mine the information, but also re-elaborate it, adding greater value. This paper presents the potentialities of the use of competitive intelligence tools for the automatic treatment of information extracted from databases to assist knowledge management. Also submitted are some tools based on bibliometrics and algorithms, which allow for the generation of knowledge mapping as well as high value-added information, along with examples of their application. It concludes by presenting a case study exploring a database of Brazilian theses. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.