Integrating Knowledge Management Systems,Electronic Performance Support Systems,and Learning Technologies

The field of training and development has been increasingly affected by knowledge management, performance support, and learning technologies, yet the impact of these disciplines has typically been disjointed and uncoordinated. Projects in each of the disciplines are often implemented systematically, but not systemically. To take full advantage of their potential to improve performance, we must develop the possible synergies that exist among them. In this paper, we aim to develop a theoretical argument for integrating electronic performance support systems (EPSS), knowledge management systems (KMS), and learning technologies as well as to create a conceptual model for the integration. This understanding will guide training and development professionals in developing more systemic performance improvement interventions. We start with an overview of KMS, EPSS, and learning technologies. We then examine the intersection of these areas and present a rationale for integrating the three technologies under the framework of Human Performance Technology (HPT). Finally, we propose a conceptual model for the integration and discuss its technical and organizational implications.