Mapping knowledge management and organizational learning in support of organizational memory

The normative literature within the field of Knowledge Management has concentrated on techniques and methodologies for allowing knowledge to be codified and made available to individuals and groups within organizations. The literature on Organizational Learning however, has tended to focus on aspects of knowledge that are pertinent at the macro-organizational level (i.e. the overall business). The authors attempt in this paper to address a relative void in the literature, aiming to demonstrate the inter-locking factors within an enterprise information system that relate knowledge management and organizational learning, via a model that highlights key factors within such an inter-relationship. This is achieved by extrapolating data from a manufacturing organization using a case study, with these data then modeled using a cognitive mapping technique (Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping, FCM). The empirical enquiry explores an interpretivist view of knowledge, within an Information Systems Evaluation (ISE) process, through the associated classification of structural, interpretive and evaluative knowledge. This is achieved by visualizng inter-relationships within the ISE decision-making approach in the case organization. A number of decision paths within the cognitive map are then identified such that a greater understanding of ISE can be sought. The authors therefore present a model that defines a relationship between Knowledge Management (KM) and Organisational Learning (OL), and highlights factors that can lead a firm to develop itself towards a learning organization

The Benefits of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Implementation in Dry Food Packaging Industry

AbstractThe corporate competitive environment is being liberalized and globalized, therefore the organizations, especially dry food packaging industry, need greater interaction between their stakeholders. One of the problems organizations face to is the segregation of the business functions in an organization. Thus, the business experienced to implement ERP systems for solving this problem. In contrast, the ERP projects have not been effective enough and hence have been unable to achieve all the results envisaged. Therefore, an in depth understanding about the benefits of ERP implementation is needed to ensure the successful system implementation. This study seeks to determine and classify the benefits of ERP system implementation in dry food packaging industry. The methodology of this research comprised of three phases: define the benefits of ERP system implementation from the current literatures, categorize them into strategic, tactical and operational benefits in each business functions in an organization. These ERP benefits are summarized in this paper as a research finding to assist the managers in implementing ERP system successfully

Extending the IS-Impact model into the higher education sector

The study addresses known limitations of what may be the most important dependent variable in Information Systems (IS) research; IS-Success or IS-Impact. The study is expected to force a deeper understanding of the broad notions of IS success and impact. The aims of the research are to: (1) enhance the robustness and minimize limitations of the IS-Impact model, and (2) introduce and operationalise a more rigorously validated IS Impact measurement model to Universities, as a reliable model for evaluating different Administrative Systems. In extending and further generalizing the IS-Impact model, the study will address contemporary validation issues

Innovative Logistics Management under Uncertainty using Markov Model

This paper proposes an innovative uncertainty management using a stochastic model to formulate logistics network starting from order processing, purchasing, inventory management, transportation, and reverse logistics activities. As this activity chain fits well with Markov process, we exploit the very principle to represent not only the transition among various activities, but also the inherent uncertainty that has plagued logistics activities across the board. The logistics network model is thus designed to support logistics management by retrieving and analyzing logistics performance in a timely and cost effective manner. The application of information technology entails this network to become a Markovian information model that is stochastically predictable and flexibly manageable. A case study is presented to highlight the significance of the model. Keywords: Logistics network; Markov process; Risk management; Uncertainty management

Critical Failure Factors in ERP Implementation

Conference Theme: I.T. and Value CreationThis study firstly examines the current literature concerning ERP implementation problems during implementation phases and causes of ERP implementation failure. A multiple case study research methodology was adopted to understand "why" and "how" these ERP systems could not be implemented successfully. Different stakeholders (including top management, project manager, project team members and ERP consultants) from these case studies were interviewed, and ERP implementation documents were reviewed for triangulation. An ERP life cycle framework was applied to study the ERP implementation process and the associated problems in each phase of ERP implementation. Fourteen critical failure factors were identified and analyzed, and three common critical failure factors (poor consultant effectiveness, project management effectiveness and poo555îr quality of business process re-engineering) were examined and discussed. Future research on ERP implementation and critical failure factors is discussed. It is hoped that this research will help to bridge the current literature gap and provide practical advice for both academics and practitioners.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

The impact of integrated information systems on management accounting: Case of Croatia

The main aim of this study is to analyze how implementation of integrated information systems (IIS) effects management accounting. Findings based on data collected from 108 Croatian firms confirmed that IIS implementation caused significant management accounting changes. Estimated regression models revealed that the most important IIS characteristic were the analytical capabilities since it positively influenced management accounting changes in four dimensions: internal reporting, budgeting, application of modern accounting techniques and management accounting employees’ jobs. The quality of IIS implementation statistically significantly and positively influenced changes related to data collection and internal reporting. In the segment of budgeting, the quality of implementation of specialized budgeting software had significant and positive influence. The only negative correlation found was the one between the uncertainty of business environment and adoption of modern accounting techniques. Findings from this study provide unique insight into effects of IIS implementation in Croatian firms and can be used by different stakeholders. Firms and IIS vendors should put special focus on implementation of business analytics modules in order to achieve comprehensive benefits in management accounting practices. Providers of accountant’s education should consider the fact that contemporary IIS systems’ environment calls for development of additional skills in the area of information technology, business processes and business communication

Critical factors for diffusion of web technologies for supply chain management functions: Malaysian perspective

Good supply chain management is essential for a successful company. Supply chain management can reach beyond the boundaries of a single company to share that information between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. This is where the information technologies play an important role. Information technology (IT) facilitates companies to share of large amounts of information along the supply chain, and is often referred to as vital facilitator of supply chain management (SCM) functions. As a new medium of communication, the Internet has conquered the world with break taking speed, and it’s the worldwide penetration and high level of standardization contributes to increase globalization. With new web technologies, Internet based systems can deliver functionality and information to user a standard web browser, thereby eliminating requirement for traditional Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or client based software and reducing information technology implementation and maintenance costs, cycles and burdens. The Internet offers the supply chain immense potential and entirely new ways for streamlining coordination between business partners and customers. Therefore, this study explores the use of use technologies for organizational SCM. Based on an extensive survey of Malaysian organizations, it investigates the diffusion of web technologies into supply chain functions. The findings suggested that top management support and Trialability play crucial role for diffusing web technologies in supply chain. This study provides a greater understanding of managers’ perception of web technologies diffusion in their organizations. Those interested in adopting web technologies in their supply chain activates may find these results helpful in guiding their effort

THE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND INFORMATION SHARING AS ANTECEDENTS OF OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF SMEs

Purpose: The basic purpose of this research is to analyze the interactive impact of IS and SCM practices factors which enable and inhibit SCM-IS on the OPER of SMEs in EC. Methodology: The key dimensions of IS and SCM practices are attempted to be identified by this research study along with the inhibiting and enabling factors related to SCM-IS. Moreover, the study is based on a set of research hypothesis, which are tested and the findings are comparatively discussed specifically to the SMEs working in Indonesia. Results: The role of practices related to IS and SCM as well as inhibitors and enablers of SCM-IS in OPER of SMEs in Emerging Countries has been examined timely relying on data obtained from executives of SMEs. The research contributes to the identified research gap on IS and SCM practices in a comparative aspect. Therefore, the study is among the pioneering studies on the issues. So, the current study has used SEM-PLS as a statistical tool to answer the research questions raised in this study and research objectives envisaged in the current study

Understanding Entrepreneurship Process and Growth in Emerging Business Ventures under Market Socialism in China

Objectives: This paper aims to provide an insightful view of the entrepreneurial process and growth in different types of Chinese entrepreneurial enterprises under market socialism in China. This issue is explored by examining the organisational characteristics of three emerging business ventures under market reforms and institutional changes. It addresses the interactive effect of key contingency factors in entrepreneurship process and explains its impact on growth or failure outcomes in a particular ‘China type’ of market economy. Prior work: China’s hybrid economic system represents a mixed political economy with both socialist and capitalist characteristics (Lichtenstein, 1992; Morphy et al, 1992; Opper, 2001). Despite a growing body of research on Chinese small business practices alongside the economic reforms (Shen, 1994; Child, 1994; Naughton, 1994; Schlevogt, 2001; Warner, 2004; Yang, 2007; Kshetri, 2007; Yang and Li, 2008), more empirical studies are required to provide a critical insight into the emerging business practices. This research adopts a contingency model of entrepreneurship(Wickham, 2006) to examine entrepreneurship process and growth in different types of business venture. It reveals the interactive relationships among key variables such as strategy, ownership, culture and management process. Approaches: This research is undertaken through the empirical analysis of three case study companies in the textile industry. This fieldwork was conducted in 2006 and 2009 respectively. Multiple sources of data were collected including 21 open-ended interviews of owners and key managers in three case study companies. Results: The study offers an explanation on how entrepreneurship takes different forms and features in different organisational contexts. Empirical evidence supports four hypotheses: (1) The type of ownership is a key contingent factor that moderates particular entrepreneurial outcomes. (2) Leadership and knowledge accumulation capability are critical factors in learning process, significantly affecting the strategic choices in either high value or low value added products strategy. (3) The broadening of product portfolios and increased production capacity will improve survival chances and increase the likelihood of firm growth. (4) Management capability and consistency have greater impact on the outcome of entrepreneurship process than the resource and strategy factors. Implications: The findings have significant implications for a conceptual understanding of Chinese entrepreneurship dynamics. It addresses important considerations on government policy making and promotion strategies for entrepreneurship development in different forms of business venture. Value: The textile sector has pioneered the government reforms in restructuring and creating entrepreneurial enterprises. It offers a perfect case for assessing the entrepreneurship processes in a rapidly changing market environment. It emphasizes the important ownership effect on entrepreneurial outcomes. Drawing upon Wickham’s contingency model of entrepreneurship, it provides an improved understanding of this concept under particular circumstance and different contexts