“E‐discussion”: a group support system for co‐present knowledge sharing

Purpose – This paper aims to inform the design of competence development systems for project management, based on a situated learning design framework. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretive action research study of a group support system (GSS) (“e‐discussion”) for co‐present knowledge sharing, applied in a corporate context to promote the development of project management competence. Findings – An in‐depth qualitative description finds the way that “e‐discussion” supported and structured group interaction. Research limitations/implications – Broader findings pertaining to the underlying situated learning design framework are not presented. Practical implications – The paper offers a practical method to support development of project management competence and thoughts about possible modifications in its implementation. Originality/value – The paper addresses research needs for improved understanding of competence development systems; design frameworks and design concepts based on situated learning theory; approaches to improve information technology project management practices through competence development; and interpretive research about GSSs.