An Extended Model of Knowledge-Flow Dynamics

The modern enterprise depends upon timely and effective flows of knowledge through its organizations for success. But knowledge is not evenly distributed through the enterprise, and a dearth of information systems is available to enable such timely and effective flows. Further, the few theoretical knowledge-flow models available have not yet been developed to a point where they can effectively inform the design of information systems and business processes to support knowledge flow in the enterprise. A survey of current practice shows that such system and process design is accomplished principally by trial and error, one of the least effective approaches known. The research described in this article builds upon and extends current theory about knowledge flow. It focuses in particular on investigating flow dynamics to inform the design of information systems and business processes to enhance the flow of knowledge through the enterprise. Leveraging the good understanding of flows in other domains, we strive to extend theory that can lead to devices of considerable utility in the enterprise knowledge domain. The result is a four-dimensional, dynamic model that can be used to classify and visualize a diversity of knowledge-flow patterns through the enterprise. These patterns can, in turn, be analyzed to inform the design of useful information systems and business processes. The implications of this dynamic model are explored and a number of hypotheses are generated to motivate and guide future research into the phenomenology of knowledge flow

Knowledge Management Architecture - Principles and Tendencies

Algorithmic research is an established knowledge engineering process that has allowed researchers to identify new or significant problems, to better understand existing approaches and experimental results, and to obtain new, effective and efficient solutions. While algorithmic researchers regularly contribute to this knowledge base by proposing new problems and novel solutions, the processes currently used to share this knowledge are inefficient, resulting in unproductive overhead. Most of these publication-centered processes lack explicit high-level knowledge structures to support efficient knowledge management. The authors describe a problem-centered collaborative knowledge management architecture associated with Computational Problem Solving (CPS).Knowledge Management Architecture, algorithmic research, ontology, Knowledge-Based Systems

Exploring the evidence base : an overview of the literature on the economic impact of knowledge transfer

This paper presents a policy-focused overview of relevant extant and ongoing research relating to the economic impact of knowledge transfer from higher education institutions. It highlights gaps in the current higher education research policy agenda on knowledge transfer as well as making suggestions where further research could most usefully inform policy. Consideration is also given within this paper to the development and use of metrics related to knowledge transfer activities of higher education institutions

Enhancing cognition by understanding knowledge flow characteristics during design collaboration

Organization researchers cannot fit the complex property development workflow processes with Galbraith’s information processing design theory, hence undermining attempts to ensure knowledge flow in complex multidisciplinary design collaborations. This survey paper summarizes recently completed studies at Stanford University on knowledge flows that affect organizational performance. The studies found that knowledge flows in functional knowledge areas differ from those in tacit knowledge areas. Future research will lead to the development of a knowledge management system for sustainable property development that considers the different dominant knowledge types during different design phases

A conceptual model of pair programming knowledge-based sharing for improving programming skills

One of eXtream Programming practices is Pair Programming (PP) (the pair consists of a driver and a navigator), which is used for promoting knowledge sharing among students. This practice encourages students to think creatively of programming solutions, and simplify learning, especially for difficult course such as Java. By applying PP, students are enforced to improve their social skills as they communicate with each others. Despite the numerous benefits of PP (discussed by previous studies), statistics show lack of demonstrating the extent at which the knowledge sharing, communication and transfer between the driver and the navigator can improve the code quality. Therefore this study aims propose a conceptual model of a PP knowledge-based sharing for improving programming skills. In order to achieve the stated objective, PP laboratory assignments were conducted and compared to evaluate the impact of PP on code quality with and without adopting the conceptual model. The conceptual model was validated by analyzing the collected data from the participants of PP laboratory assignment using Partial Least Square form of Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings of the study show that socialization, combination, and internalization are the determinant factors for achieving better code quality in PP environment. The findings of this study would be benefited to academic environment especially the agile programmers in the pair programming domain

Measuring Knowledge Transfer Success by D&M

DeLone & McLean\u27s success model has been actively used since its first introduction in 1992. In this article the model is extended to describe the success of knowledge sharing in an information system that included a part of the knowledge base of a private educational institute. As the supply of private education is increased it is vital to be aware if the offered educational services support the use of the knowledge base and if the service is perceived satisfactory by the customers. In our descriptive qualitative case study we discuss how the D&M model can be used in assessing educational services from the customer’s point of view. In the assessment we focus on issues that interested the target organisation

SimKnowledge - Multi agent-based simulation of knowledge sharing

Even though there is abundant literature on successful cases of organizations applying knowledge management (KM) instruments, many KM initiatives have failed to achieve their knowledge and business goals. In order to foster decisions about the design of such initiatives, information is required on success factors and barriers when selecting KM instruments. Multi-agent based simulation (MABS) is suggested as an instrument to investigate potential effects of KM instruments on dependent variables such as knowledge goals, e.g., sharing of knowledge in organizations, or business goals, e.g., business performance. For such a simulation, the concept of knowledge sharing, influencing factors and their impact on business and knowledge goals have to be operationalized. This paper presents such a model which is based on an extensive multidisciplinary literature survey. The model is implemented in a MABS tool used for a series of experiments contrasting results with/without KM instruments. Finally, the paper discusses results, limitations, further enhancements and practical implications of the simulation

Control vs Freedom: How Companies Manage Knowledge Sharing with Open Source Software Communities

Knowledge sharing is essential for successful collaboration between companies and external communities. We lack knowledge regarding the micro-processes companies deliberately introduce to manage knowledge sharing with such outside parties. We research these processes in the context of collaboration between companies and open source software (OSS) communities by posing the question: How do companies design explicit mechanisms to manage knowledge exchange with OSS communities? We conduct an explorative case study at Siemens AG. Siemens introduced a formal template process which can be adapted by the organizational units according to their demands. Results show that the extent to which the process is implemented depends on the level of closeness to core intellectual property of the organizational unit and the intensity of the involvement in OSS communities. Developers use several methods to shortcut the process. Our study contributes to the literature on organizational knowledge sharing, company-involved OSS development, and open innovation of firms