Does Size Matter in Knowledge Management: A Comparison between Large Organizations and SMEs

This research intends to identify the differences and similarities of knowledge management in Large organizations and Small and Medium size enterprises (SMEs). Primary data were collected by interviewing five large businesses and ten SMEs. Besides the academic contribution to the field of knowledge management, this research will be able to provide applicable and practicable suggestions on the knowledge management practices to businesses in Australia

Systems Engineering as an Essential Organizational Competence for Knowing and Innovating

Systems Engineering is described as a transdisciplinary approach that integrates all disciplines and specialty groups into a team effort, developing an innovation from concept to fully operational system. However, its procedural nature has been viewed by some as inhibiting innovation. By considering the whole of the innovation cycle, we demonstrate that Systems Engineering is actually essential to overcome the so-called valley of death in terms of technology readiness. Drawing on two case studies of knowledge management in large organizations (one government and one private industry), we show the benefits of a perspective in which the organization is viewed as a system through which dispersed explicit and tacit knowledge may be integrated to support innovation. However, this relies on appreciations of the full range of different knowledge types and the importance of organizational culture in the knowing and action cycle. The importance of organizations and the individuals within them adopting systemic thinking and systematic effectiveness are essential attributes of innovation: these are embodied in the discipline of Systems Engineering

Knowledge management in small and medium enterprises: An Australian study

This research aims to examine the factors influencing the knowledge management practices in Australian SMEs. Primary data was collected by studying companies in Tweed and Gold Coast areas. Besides the academic contribution to the field of knowledge management, this research will be able to provide applicable and practicable suggestions on the knowledge management practices to SMEs in Australia

Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises: An Australian Study

This research aims to examine the factors influencing the knowledge management practices in Australian SMEs. Primary data was collected by studying companies in Tweed and Gold Coast areas. Besides the academic contribution to the field of knowledge management, this research will be able to provide applicable and practicable suggestions on the knowledge management practices to SMEs in Australia

Does Size Matter in Knowledge Management? A Qualitative/Quantitative Enquiry

Literature in knowledge management is rich with studies of successful factors and case studies of large organizations. But question still remains: does size matter? Are there any differences in the use and practice of knowledge management between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large organizations? This paper reports a recent study investigating this fundamental question. A two phase research approach is undertaken in this study. First a qualitative filed study is undertaken by collecting data via interviews of five large organizations and ten SMEs. Content analysis of the interview data indicate “Competitive Pressure”, “Customer Demand and Expectation”, “Top Management Support/Leadership”, “Organizational Structure”, “Organizational culture”, and “Benefits to individuals” being the significant factors of knowledge management. The qualitative study reveals that there are no significant differences between the SMEs and large organizations on KM factors. A quantitative analysis is then undertaken on a recently collected dataset and the qualitative results are reconfirmed. This is contrary to the traditional literature on Information Systems which generally reports that size does matter in IS adoption. The implications of the study are highlighted

LEVERAGING INTELLIGENCE AND BIG DATA IN THE MEXICAN NAVY’S PUBLIC SECURITY MISSION

When Mexican President López Obrador took office in 2018, he vowed to save the country from violence and corruption. His strategy involves creating a National Guard to fight violence and gradually withdrawing military forces from the cities. However, during its first five years, this force will be formed and trained by the military police of the Mexican Army and Navy. As other countries have leveraged technology and big data in their intelligence-led policing efforts, these tools have the potential to help the Mexican Navy in its mission to restore public security in the country and fight drug-trafficking networks. This thesis poses the question of how the Mexican Navy can implement intelligence-led security methodologies to increase the effectiveness of operations against organized crime and reduce levels of violence in the country. In applying the concepts of action research and contextual analysis of the essential issues manifest in Mexico’s security policy, this thesis examines the existing legal frameworks, policies, and decision-making processes to propose a new methodology to capitalize on the Navy’s strengths and opportunities while mitigating its threats and weaknesses. The thesis concludes with recommendations for Mexico to improve its intelligence-sharing platform using technological solutions and big data.Teniente de Fragata, Mexican NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

A knowledge management performance measurement system for small and medium enterprises

An important step after the implementation of knowledge management (KM) is to evaluate its effectiveness and performance. Knowledge management performance measurement (KMPM) is necessary in order to achieve effective and successful KM. Comprehensive set of constructs and metrics for KMPM have yet to be developed. In addition, a KMPM system that applies these constructs and metrics is found lacking. It is more apparent in the case of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as most of the studies have focused on large organizations. Furthermore, as KM is characterized by an environment subject to uncertainties and fuzziness, there is a need to adopt a specific approach to address this issue. In this research, the focus is on the development of a KMPM system for the SMEs. A novel conceptual framework that categorized KM into three main aspects; knowledge resources, KM processes, and KM factors was used as a foundation for developing the system. New set of KMPM constructs and metrics were developed and tailored for the SMEs. Investigation of the developed constructs and metrics in terms of their applicability was carried out through a questionnaire survey. The constructs and metrics were validated through statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, where reliability analysis was conducted followed by validity analysis in terms of content, construct, convergent, discriminant, and criterion validities. The analysis results indicated that the developed constructs and metrics were applicable, reliable, and valid. Following this, a fuzzy logic methodology was utilized as the evaluation mechanism for the KMPM system. MATLAB software was used to develop the fuzzy inference system and Simulink was used to design and develop the system’s layout and interface. Case studies were conducted in three small and medium sized consultancy companies to evaluate the developed system. From the evaluation, the evaluators commented that the system was comprehensive, userfriendly, and suitable for SMEs application. In essence, this research has developed new set of constructs and metrics as well as a KMPM system specifically designed for SMEs

Geospatial Semantics: Why, of What, and How?

Abstract. Why are notions like semantics and ontologies suddenly getting so much attention, within and outside geospatial information communities? The main reason lies in the componentization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) into services, which are supposed to interoperate within and across these communities. Consequently, I look at geospatial semantics in the context of semantic interoperability. The paper clarifies the relevant notion of semantics and shows what parts of geospatial information need to receive semantic speci-fications in order to achieve interoperability. No attempt at a survey of ap-proaches to provide semantics is made, but a framework for solving interopera-bility problems is proposed in the form of semantic reference systems. Particular emphasis is put on the need and possible ways to ground geospatial semantics in physical processes and measurements. 1. Introduction: Wh

Harnessing Knowledge, Innovation and Competence in Engineering of Mission Critical Systems

This book explores the critical role of acquisition, application, enhancement, and management of knowledge and human competence in the context of the largely digital and data/information dominated modern world. Whilst humanity owes much of its achievements to the distinct capability to learn from observation, analyse data, gain insights, and perceive beyond original realities, the systematic treatment of knowledge as a core capability and driver of success has largely remained the forte of pedagogy. In an increasingly intertwined global community faced with existential challenges and risks, the significance of knowledge creation, innovation, and systematic understanding and treatment of human competence is likely to be humanity's greatest weapon against adversity. This book was conceived to inform the decision makers and practitioners about the best practice pertinent to many disciplines and sectors. The chapters fall into three broad categories to guide the readers to gain insight from generic fundamentals to discipline-specific case studies and of the latest practice in knowledge and competence management