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1 – 10 of over 195000
Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Jamie O'Brien

This paper aims to offer a practical lens grounded in the relatively unexplored industry setting of medical devices. The objective of this paper is to use two in-depth case…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a practical lens grounded in the relatively unexplored industry setting of medical devices. The objective of this paper is to use two in-depth case studies to highlight the key findings of an exploratory knowledge assessment framework surrounding the areas of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and reuse.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretivist paradigm was followed while using two case studies. The study was developed over a three-year period using 36 in-depth interviews, document analysis and observation.

Findings

At the case companies, these findings were concluded: Across groups, cross-functional sharing is siloed, which leads to a lack of knowledge sharing. Cultural issues, such as hoarding of knowledge, hinder knowledge management (KM) initiatives. Employees new to the organisation find it difficult to locate knowledge. Employees are dependent on their informal network. The implementation of several KM initiatives is hindered because staff do not have sufficient time. Knowledge reuse is not given attention when targets have to be met. Due to time issues and informal network dependence, there is a lack of formal systems use. There is a lack of ownership of knowledge. There are knowledge retention problems. The organisation does not know its employees’ skills.

Research limitations/implications

The usual limitations of case-study research apply surrounding generalisability; however, the author has used best practice in the application of this study using the case-study literature.

Practical implications

By exploring at firm level some of the factors associated with individual knowledge acquisition and providing empirical evidence, the study contributes to richer understanding of what should be perceived by potential knowledge recipients to enhance their acquiring knowledge from others. The research shows that for increased competitiveness, knowledge should be shared among organisational members and highlights some of the pitfalls of using KM systems to achieve this.

Originality/value

The proposed framework offers a lens to organisations with which they could gauge their knowledge base and ask the how and why questions. This would improve awareness in the areas of knowledge acquisition, sharing, learning and reuse.

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2006

Zhen Chen, Heng Li, Stephen C.W. Kong and Qian Xu

The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative multicriteria decision‐making approach to knowledge management in construction entrepreneurship education by means of an…

3371

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative multicriteria decision‐making approach to knowledge management in construction entrepreneurship education by means of an analytic knowledge network process (KANP).

Design/methodology/approach

The KANP approach in the study integrates a standard industrial classification with the analytic network process (ANP). For the construction entrepreneurship education, a decision‐making model named KANP.CEEM is built to apply the KANP method in the evaluation of teaching cases to facilitate the case method, which is widely adopted in entrepreneurship education at business schools.

Findings

The study finds that there are eight clusters and 178 nodes in the KANP.CEEM model, and experimental research on the evaluation of teaching cases discloses that the KANP method is effective in conducting knowledge management to the entrepreneurship education.

Research limitations/implications

As an experimental research, this paper ignores the concordance between a selected standard classification and others, which perhaps limits the usefulness of KANP.CEEM model elsewhere.

Practical implications

As the KANP.CEEM model is built based on the standard classification codes and the embedded ANP, it is thus expected that the model has a wide potential in evaluating knowledge‐based teaching materials for any education purpose with a background from the construction industry, and can be used by both faculty and students.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils a knowledge management need and offers a practical tool for an academic starting out on the development of knowledge‐based teaching cases and other teaching materials or for a student going through the case studies and other learning materials.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2011

Moria Levy

Knowledge retention is becoming a main challenge in many countries, as knowledge becomes a main asset of organizations. The research questions the challenge of how can

9197

Abstract

Purpose

Knowledge retention is becoming a main challenge in many countries, as knowledge becomes a main asset of organizations. The research questions the challenge of how can organizations minimize the loss of important knowledge while experiencing high levels of retiree? The research aims to suggest a framework for knowledge retention initiatives in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is multi‐case research. The unit of analysis is organization (eight organizations analyzed, overall more than 30 retiree knowledge retention mini projects). Data linkage to the propositions and method of interpretation – explanation building technique.

Findings

This research suggests that successful knowledge retention can be achieved in three primary stages: defining scope; documenting (planning and implementation); and integrating knowledge back into the organization. Special care must be dedicated throughout the process to: retaining best practices and unexpected situations; structuring the process of knowledge retention; structuring retained documentation.

Research limitations/implications

Academic implications are two‐fold. First, it suggests that assessment projects, which estimate knowledge loss risk, and described in most academic researches, should be eliminated in knowledge retention models; second, research should continue, developing more models regarding detailed planning and implementation stages, as initiated in Hofer‐Alfeis DeLong and here. Further research should be conducted in order to discover how effective the suggested methods are in retrospect (after years, and not only after months).

Practical implications

Business implications do exist. The case studies described, using the proposed framework, show that knowledge retention is not only important, but also applicable. Structuring the process and results, as described above, may provide organizations with guidelines how to conduct such projects.

Originality/value

Its value is in changing the suggested known frameworks for knowledge retention, enabling more effective and efficient knowledge retention, and therefore less knowledge loss in organizations.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2011

Marcel Bogers

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal…

12530

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the paradox that arises when firms simultaneously share and protect their knowledge in an alliance with other organizations. The goal of this paper therefore is to explore this tension field in such a coupled open innovation process and to identify which strategies can be developed to cope with this tension.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was initially guided by a literature review and exploratory interviews, and it ultimately develops an inductive framework based on a multiple case study approach. The paper presents eight cases of a focal firm involved in a particular R&D collaboration. The case studies are based on a variety of data sources, including a number of semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

This paper unravels the tension field of knowledge sharing and protection in R&D collaborations, with the knowledge characteristics at the core and with the knowledge embodiment and relational dimension as mediating factors. These forces are in turn influenced by the collaboration characteristics and environment. Moreover, the case studies show different ways to cope with the tension between knowledge sharing and protection, such as an open knowledge exchange strategy and a layered collaboration scheme with inner and outer members. Licensing is moreover presented as a concrete way to implement such coping strategies.

Originality/value

This paper provides an holistic perspective on the knowledge paradox in R&D collaborations as a coupled process of open innovation. Moreover, it describes two concrete strategies to cope with the tension field as well as the role and implications of licensing as a particular mechanism to overcome the open innovation paradox.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2012

José Duarte Moleiro Martins

The purpose of this research is to provide useful insights for multinational corporations (MNCs) that intend to transfer knowledge to their subsidiaries situated in Mozambique…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide useful insights for multinational corporations (MNCs) that intend to transfer knowledge to their subsidiaries situated in Mozambique. The local operating conditions particular to that country are influenced by three analytic dimensions: the source's ability to transfer knowledge, the climate of cooperation between source and recipient and the recipient's absorptive capacity.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study deals with four MNCs with subsidiaries in Mozambique which have developed activities in the industrial sector. The analysis is applied to those companies in order to answer the research questions.

Findings

The results obtained reveal that the recipient should not be made to feel that the transferred knowledge is imposed by the source, so that it can be used as an asset in the production of new products, but without reproducing the business model of the source. This process of adaptation to the specific local context is crucial.

Research limitations/implications

The case study method does not permit the generalization of the results, but it does make it possible to study a combination of problems related to the phenomenon that contribute to a better understanding.

Originality/value

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the process of knowledge transfer to subsidiary companies based in Mozambique, and greater efficiency in that process, taking into consideration the specific characteristics of the local market and the local absorptive capacity.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2015

Ibrahim Motawa and Abdulkareem Almarshad

The next generation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) seeks to establish the concept of Building Knowledge Modelling (BKM). The current BIM applications in construction…

1457

Abstract

Purpose

The next generation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) seeks to establish the concept of Building Knowledge Modelling (BKM). The current BIM applications in construction, including those for asset management, have been mainly used to ensure consistent information exchange among the stakeholders. However, BKM needs to utilise knowledge management (KM) techniques into building models to advance the use of these systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated system to capture, retrieve, and manage information/knowledge for one of the key operations of asset management: building maintenance (BM).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed system consists of two modules; BIM module to capture relevant information and case-based reasoning (CBR) module to capture the operational knowledge of maintenance activities. The structure of the CBR module was based on analysis of a number of interviews and case studies conducted with professionals working in public BM departments. This paper discusses the development of the CBR module and its integration with the BIM module. The case retaining function of the developed system identifies the information/knowledge relevant to maintenance cases and pursues the related affected building elements by these cases.

Findings

The paper concludes that CBR as a tool for KM can improve the performance of BIM models.

Originality/value

As the research in BKM is still relatively immature, this research takes an advanced step by incorporating the intelligent functions of knowledge systems into BIM-based systems which helps the transformation from the conventional BIM to BKM.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2016

Deborah Elizabeth Swain and James Earl Lightfoot

The purpose of this paper is to show how Tai Chi (or T’ai Chi ch’uan) philosophy might be used in global project development. Collected case studies support a Tai Chi-based…

1002

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how Tai Chi (or T’ai Chi ch’uan) philosophy might be used in global project development. Collected case studies support a Tai Chi-based framework for global project teams to reduce stress and improve decision making through exercises, storytelling, and martial arts practices. The authors first proposed a model or procedural framework based on experiential knowledge from practicing Tai Chi while managing projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Analyzing case studies from knowledge managers, project managers, and executive leaders, the researchers collected data on applying the framework from a retrospective case study and from two observational case studies during project development. Tai Chi-based communications and exercises were shown to support critical thinking, knowledge sharing, and problem solving. The proposed framework and four-step procedure build on a global perspective to cultural awareness, creativity, and motivation as well as specific Tai Chi-based tactics, techniques, and operations for knowledge management. This preliminary study looks at improving collaboration in a competitive environment while supporting health, wellness, and work-life enjoyment.

Findings

Early research results suggest that teams and individuals working on projects and practicing Tai Chi might develop more cohesive strategies and improve soft skills during their integration of Eastern and Western philosophies.

Research limitations/implications

Used case studies methodology, which provided examples of using Tai Chi during projects. Qualitative data used to develop the proposed framework. Also, interviews and discussion reviews conducted for additional validation collected on framework.

Practical implications

It is a pioneering, preliminary study. Future research with outcomes-based data from project managers using Tai Chi recommended.

Originality/value

The integration of Eastern and Western philosophies into a framework for team project and knowledge management was shown to support cohesive strategies, improve soft skills, and strengthen decision making.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2008

Chengbo Wang, Craig Fergusson, Daniel Perry and Jiju Antony

A successful supply chain should ensure that all participating members benefit from the marketplace. To achieve this goal, the supply chain members need to improve their…

2583

Abstract

Purpose

A successful supply chain should ensure that all participating members benefit from the marketplace. To achieve this goal, the supply chain members need to improve their competences all the time, which requires a continuous learning process. Thus, mutual learning, through knowledge sharing between the different members, is a necessary approach to increase the competence of supply chain partners. To realise efficient and effective knowledge sharing in a supply chain, this paper aims to explore and formulate a model that supports an enterprise with its management of the supply chain members' knowledge resource sharing (herein referred to as “advanced practice” and includes two levels of knowledge – strategic and operational). The model is based on the theories of supply chain management (SCM) and case‐based reasoning (CBR).

Design/methodology/approach

This research follows a conductive and inductive cycle. Firstly, based on the learning expounded through an extensive literature survey regarding SCM and CBR, as well as available empirical applications, the conceptual model is designed. Then the primary stage evaluation will be discussed regarding the feasibility and refinement of the model towards its maturity.

Findings

To share knowledge along the supply chain is theoretically sound, but a difficult task to realise in practice, due to the complexity of knowledge sharing between the different organizations.

Research limitations/implications

This research explores one of the important topics in SCM – knowledge sharing within a supply chain, and the model also extends and explores a new tool for this knowledge‐sharing process by applying CBR methodology.

Practical implications

The designed model in this research will provide a practice‐oriented vehicle allowing the supply chain members to share and apply their knowledge.

Originality/value

This research applies CBR in the domain of SCM, it both enriches the available approaches to supply chain performance enhancement and enlarges the application domains of CBR methodology.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Fadia Bahri Korbi and Mourad Chouki

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the issue of knowledge transfer in the context of international asymmetric alliances. The objective is mainly to identify the barriers that…

1145

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the issue of knowledge transfer in the context of international asymmetric alliances. The objective is mainly to identify the barriers that can impede the knowledge transfer between asymmetric partners and to analyze the solutions adopted to overcome these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a qualitative study involving six cases of asymmetric alliances between Tunisian small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and European multinational corporations (MNCs).

Findings

The results of this research highlight a set of obstacles related to the context of asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The study emphasizes the importance of translation using artefacts by both partners and proximity with its geographical, organizational and technological dimensions to overcome these obstacles.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation of knowledge transfer in asymmetric alliances was based on the role played by only three proximity dimensions (geographical, organizational and technological), while other factors, such as institutional, social and cultural issues, were not considered. Indeed, future research may take these variables into account in studying solutions to overcome knowledge-transfer barriers in asymmetric alliances.

Practical implications

The paper calls the attention of asymmetric alliance managers to the importance of translation to perform work processes, facilitate knowledge transfer and overcome linguistic barriers. Managers should use virtual artefacts to reduce the constraints resulting from their geographical remoteness and to strengthen cooperation. Further, reinforcing geographical, organizational and technological proximity between partners involved in an international alliance is essential to facilitate knowledge transfer, essentially of tacit knowledge, and to accelerate innovation.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the importance of the simultaneous role of artefacts, translation and proximity in overcoming obstacles related to the asymmetric alliance itself and the nature of knowledge transferred by partners. The results shed light on the issue of knowledge generation in asymmetric alliances.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Farag Edghiem and Yusra Mouzughi

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and implications of knowledge advanced through service employees’ innovative behaviour and leading to initiating innovation…

1374

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and implications of knowledge advanced through service employees’ innovative behaviour and leading to initiating innovation within the hotel service subsector.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study research method was applied to achieve the research objectives, which investigated two hotel properties resembling two personal–interactive service systems. In total, 52 semi-structured interviews were conducted along with other qualitative research methods, including the direct observation of employees, review of management archives/literature and the assessment of “micro cases”.

Findings

The research outcome highlights the role of knowledge as supplementary to the interlinked process of idea generation and development. A novel classification of two types of knowledge is revealed as pre-encounter and encounter-dependent knowledge, implicating four patterns of service employees’ innovative behaviour.

Practical implications

This paper recommends practical measures to nurture service employees’ innovative behaviour, leading to innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to service innovation research by providing an in-depth assessment at the micro level, overlooked to date, of the nature of knowledge and the service employees’ role in initiating innovation within the hotel service subsector.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

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