Knowledge-based systems: an exploratory study of new developers

It is pointed out that matching potentially strong developers with appropriate knowledge-based system (KBS) development projects can optimize an organization´s allocation of scarce human and financial resources. In a broader sense, it can contribute to supporting an organization´s effort to develop the creative computer systems necessary for competitive positioning. To test this hypothesis, the authors report the results of a study of 91 developers new to KBS technology. This group served as a test bed to explore an answer to the question ´can we learn what kind of developer creates a successful (i.e., innovative and useful) knowledge-based system?´ In other words, it there a ´successful KBS developer´ profile? The results provide tentative answers that need to be reconsidered with more rigorous further study.