The Most Important Functional and Non-Functional Requirements of Knowledge Sharing System at Public Academic Institutions: A Case Study

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to explore and describe the most important functional requirements (FR) and non-functional requirements (NFR) of knowledge sharing system (KSS) used at a Malaysian public academic institution. The strategy used is a single case study which aims to gather deeper insights on the requirements of the KSS. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. A total of fifteen renowned academicians were interviewed. Content analysis method was used to extract the requirements from the qualitative data. The study identified twelve FR and NFR that academicians as an end users believe should be included in the KSS. The FR include alert user about new added; be able to categorize contents, have an efficient search process; offer information about experts; offer a consultation service; and provide interconnections among disciplines. The NFR include support multi-media, ensure accessibility; provide interactivity; be reliable; easy to use; and multi-level. The research comprehensive analysis and findings would expand an area of systems FR and NFR being used for knowledge sharing in academic institutions which may still theoretically and empirically not sufficiently covered. Index Terms-Academicians, functional requirement, non-functional requirement, knowledge sharing system.