A Conceptual Framework for Knowledge Management Implementation in Organizations

This study aimed to identify the processes associated with knowledge management implementation and develop a framework with different stages that combines these processes to guide the initiative for implementing knowledge management in organizations. The study was approached from a theoretical perspective. The study contributes to the knowledge management literature by developing a conceptual framework of knowledge management. A comprehensive review was conducted of recent progress and the rapidly growing number of published studies on knowledge management implementation. The review revealed ten critical processes that should be considered to ensure successful knowledge management initiatives. Based on that, a framework for knowledge management implementation is proposed. Specifically, the processes associated with implementing knowledge management are logically distributed among the PDCA framework promulgated and reflecting the four domains of the Plan–Do–Check–Act, which has consistently shown the capability to encompass all processes of effective knowledge management implementation. The framework can be used as a reference for implementing knowledge management initiatives in organizations. Finally, this study emphasizes that continuous process methods are significant in implementing knowledge management initiatives. By placing knowledge management implementation processes in the PDCA cycle, task-based knowledge can be better recognized and understood

Information Systems Integration and its Impact on Knowledge Management Processes

The aim of this research paper is to identify the impact of information systems integration on knowledge management processes (discovery, capturing, sharing and application). Due to information systems integration is becoming more important for knowledge management initiatives. Data were collected via questionnaires from 113 employees working in the Arab Bank-Jordan. The study hypotheses were analyzed using SPSS (20) statistics. The results of this study Revealed that there is a significant impact of information systems integration on knowledge management processes (discovery, capturing, sharing and application). Therefore, the empirical findings will certainly help both researchers and practitioners in future Knowledge Management process. Keywords: Information Systems Integration, ERP Systems, Knowledge Management Processes

Information and communication technologies for knowledge management processes in the public sector in Kenya : a case study of the State Department of Infrastructure

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are considered facilitators of knowledge management processes in organizations. This study investigated ICTs for knowledge management processes at the State Department of Infrastructure in Kenya. The study’s objectives were to: establish the level of knowledge management awareness, find out knowledge management processes, identify types of ICTs used for knowledge management processes, and identify challenges experienced by State Department of Infrastructure in the use of ICTs for knowledge management processes. The study findings were determined after applying a qualitative research approach and a case study research design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 21 participants who were heads of sections at the State Department of Infrastructure in Kenya. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, analyzed and interpreted thematically according to the objectives of the study. Findings of the study revealed that most participants were aware of the meanings of the concepts of knowledge and knowledge management, types of knowledge and importance of knowledge management in the department. Knowledge management processes in the State Department of Infrastructure entail knowledge creation, codification, retention, sharing and storage. ICTs mostly used for knowledge management processes in the department include: emails, mobile phones, desktop computers, computer servers, and flash disks. The department is faced with the challenges of lack of knowledge management strategies, policies and adequate staff awareness on the use of ICTs for knowledge management processes. In conclusion, the State Department of Infrastructure has a functional ICT infrastructure. However, the department is not using ICTs provided by this study’s Web 2.0 driven SECI model for knowledge management processes such as blogs, wikis, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. The study therefore proposes that the State Department of Infrastructure should increase its use of Web 2.0 technologies, collaborative content systems and e-learning technologies. The department should also digitize its records; automate its library services; set up intranet, and adopt a centralized knowledge-based system. Further, Public Service Commission of Kenya should formulate a knowledge management strategy and policy to guide on the use of ICTs for knowledge management processes. This strategy and policy can then be cascaded to public sector organizations such as the State Department of Infrastructure.Information ScienceM.A. (Information Science

Impact of knowledge management processes on organisational performance: A preliminary study

Copyright @ 2013 EMCIS.Despite the increasing number of studies relating to Knowledge Management (KM) in developed countries, few studies have explored this issue within the context of developing countries. Moreover, some industries have been affected more acutely than others in the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate KM processes and to investigate the impact on organisational performance (OP).The authors propose a conceptual model through an in-depth investigation of the previous and current studies in the area of KM and OP. It is envisaged that this model can play a role in guiding the process of KM implementation in order to maximise the beneficial effects of KM processes on OP. An inductive qualitative approach was used based on a preliminary study. A pilot study was conducted; the study involved the use of interview as a primary data collection technique. Content analysis approach was used to identify ideas relevant to the main themes. The study showed that knowledge usage is the most influential aspect of KM that impacts OP. Moreover, the study revealed that knowledge transfer is a common KM process employed by organisations. Accordingly, it was ranked as the second most influential factor of KM with respect to OP

Processes used by managers to acquire skills, knowledge and attitudes

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Management, Johannesburg (February, 1999)This research report investigates the processes used by middle managers to acquire skills, knowledge and attitudes. An understanding of the processes that best develops each of these is important since each has an impact on managerial effectiveness. The literature review revealed that very little research has been undertaken to discover how middle managers acquire these necessary abilities to become effective managers. The research methodology comprised the self-completion of questionnaires. The sample consisted of 111 respondents, all of whom had at least two years experience in middle management. The. respondents were all students currently studying at the Wits Business School. Respondents rated various training techniques and learning styles and indicated whether each best developed skills, knowledge or attitudes. Quantitative data analysis such as two variable chi square tests, frequency distributions, means, and modes were used. The results revealed that skills, knowledge and attitudes are acquired differently. Furthermore, the research revealed that sector and gender did not influence the learning methods. A list of best practices for the development of skills, knowledge and attitudes was developed.MT201

Knowledge Management as a New Strategy of Innovative Development

Theoretical framework:  The relevance of studying the growing role of knowledge management in the context of ensuring the innovative activity of enterprises is increasing. The results demonstrate a number of important conclusions that have made it possible to expand the existing theoretical and practical aspects of the knowledge management concept.   Design/methodology/approach:  The conducted study in service companies has revealed a low culture of using this concept in the Ukrainian context. In the course of the research, it has been established similar and different features of the influence of knowledge management on innovation of service companies, direct and indirect relationship between variables, complex structure and indirect impact of production, integration, application of information on the speed, quality and number of innovations in enterprises.   Findings:  The complex structure of the relationship between knowledge and innovative activity can be a consequence of insufficient level of personnel competencies, available information and data management technologies, methods and practices of production, integration and application. Therefore, the low innovativeness of the service companies under study in the context of system orientation and technological capabilities of the companies, in particular, in the practice of knowledge management, and the low impact of knowledge and information on the innovation of services and processes on the market of Ukraine have been revealed.   Research, Practical & Social implications:  This is precisely why the strategy of personalization significantly prevails in its use in knowledge management compared to the codification strategy, which is manifested in the limited practice of using systems and technologies for the generation, accumulation, storage, use, dissemination of knowledge.   Originality/value:  In addition, the use of the personalization strategy is explained by the fact that the service companies under consideration focus more on processes, the optimization of which significantly affects interaction with customers and the efficiency of operations

Culture change in a professional sports team: Shaping environmental contexts and regulating power

Although high performing cultures are crucial for the enduring success of professional sport performance teams, theoretical and practical understanding of how they are established and sustained is lacking. To develop knowledge in this area, a case study was undertaken to examine the key mechanisms and processes of a successful culture change programme at English Rugby Union’s Leeds Carnegie. Exploring the change process from a 360 degree perspective, semi-structured interviews were conducted with team management, one specialist coach, six players, and the CEO. Analysed and explained through decentred theory, results revealed that culture change was effectively facilitated by team management: a) subtly and covertly shaping the physical, structural, and psychosocial context in which support staff and players made performance-impacting choices, and b) regulating the ‘to and fro’ of power which characterises professional sport performance teams. Decentred theory is also supported as an effective framework for culture change study

A Comparative Assessment of Knowledge Management Programs across the United States Armed Services

Knowledge is a corporate resource that is required to accomplish business processes, to make decisions, and to improve efficiency and effectiveness. To completely take advantage of the benefits of knowledge, organizations must harvest and leverage the collective knowledge of the entire workforce. This can be achieved through effective knowledge management. Knowledge management involves processes to create, to store, and transfer knowledge to accomplish business objectives and to achieve a competitive advantage. The United States armed services have also recognized the benefits of knowledge management in meeting the emerging challenges of modern warfare. This study investigated knowledge management programs in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Using a case study methodology, each of the service\u27s knowledge management programs were assessed against Stankosky et al.\u27s (1999) Four Pillar Framework which outlines key elements of leadership, technology, organization/culture, and learning associated with robust knowledge management programs. Based on the evidence reviewed for this research, the results indicate each of the services are making progress albeit with slightly different approaches towards a more mature KM program with the U.S. Army having the most complete approach according to the evaluation criteria. The research also revealed that there is much collaboration and work yet to be done among the services if the concepts of knowledge management are to be used to operate and fight more effectively as a joint force

Knowledge management as a performance enhancing tool in construction project management in South Africa

Knowledge management is concerned with the development and exploitation of the knowledge assets of an organisation, with a view to furthering the organisation’s objectives. The vital role that knowledge management processes play in the performance of business organisations has been the basis of several studies - a number of companies operating in various other industries have proven the need for, and performance enhancing benefits of, adopting knowledge management processes in one form or another. Taking these accounts into consideration, this article attempted to test the hypothesis that effective knowledge management use would constitute a performance enhancing tool in construction project management enterprise in South Africa. The research survey was thus carried out among registered professional construction project managers in South Africa. The levels of awareness and use of knowledge management systems among construction project management professionals in South Africa was analysed. This revealed a mostly ‘medium to high’ level of awareness and use. However, the Project Efficiency Review (PER) approach to performance measurement showed limited correlation between knowledge management use and enhanced performance in construction project performance. Other performance measurement approaches such as Metrics, Economic and Market Value also showed limited correlation. Two causative factors for this situation are construction project scope changes and schedule delays, which are seemingly pervasive in contemporary South Africa. As such, further research is recommended to establish more appropriate ‘objective’ performance measurement approaches that would be able to accommodate these complexities. This would facilitate the making of a business case for knowledge management use in construction project management

Knowledge Management and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria

Existing studies in the knowledge management domain has shown little empirical linkages with performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector of developing economies, especially from the competency and innovation perspectives. Yet, these aspects are critical to sustaining SMEs’ competitiveness in these economies. This study, therefore, seeks to examine the link between knowledge management and performance of SMEs in Nigeria. A sample size of 286 respondents was determined for this research. The regression results revealed that knowledge management dimensions significantly influenced SMEs’ performance. Consequently, the study recommends that Mangers should ensure that the firm has a knowledge management policy and or strategy for acquiring knowledge about customers, competitors, intermediaries via reading and searching for new information on the internet/in newspapers/books. In addition, training programs and conferences should be organized for employees where qualified members and external experts are invited to speak about their beliefs, values and culture at various organizational functions which will lead to improved processes in the organization