Kebede, Gashaw (PhD)Belhu, Almaz2020-12-192023-11-182020-12-192023-11-182020-01-01http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/12345678/24196This research was set out to propose a generic knowledge management strategy for private universities in Addis Ababa. Knowledge management (KM) strategy is an operating framework or plan that describes how an organization will effectively operate KM. Private Universities in Addis Ababa have not been able to implement KM due to a lack of good KM strategic planning. This study is aimed at proposing a generic KM strategy using four private universities as a case study. The research approach is case study and the research design of the study is guided by a combination of two research frameworks: (1) the KM framework (figure 2) which is composed of four stages to guide the entire research process of the research and (2) knowledge management strategic development process shown at figure 3 to guide the development of the KM strategy for the studied universities under stage 3 of the research process. Purposive random sampling technique is used to select respondents. A knowledge audit questionnaire was used to collect data from the full-time academic staff of private universities and analyzed using SPSS (static package for social science). The result indicates that KM was relatively new for most staff in private universities. Those universities lacked the ability to storage, organize, capture and codify knowledge. Collaboration culture is very weak in sharing knowledge among staff. Therefore private universities have many initial problems developing a KM program.KM processes that should be immediately implemented in order to enhance the effectiveness of KM at those universities are knowledge storage, organization, and capture processes. The research proposes a generic KM strategy for private universities should be a hybrid/Integrated strategy which focuses on both a personalization strategy and a codification strategy with defined KM mission and KM goal. In addition, the KM strategy should incorporate emerging strategic issues and decisions once the KM strategy is rolled out in each university. A personalization strategy should be in the leading role and codification should be in the supporting role. These strategies, however, still need more factors to bring about a successful application; including commitment of the culture, information technology, staff, organization management, leadership, KM team, KM process, and useful measurements.enKnowledgeKnowledge ManagementKnowledge AuditingKnowledge Management StrategyKnowledge Management Strategy in UniversitiesKnowledge Management Strategy in Higher EducationThesis