Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge-Based Resources, and Capabilities in E-Commerce Software Projects

Abstract

Together with the recognition of successful knowledge transfer as an important growth strategy for small and medium-sized software firms, questions related to the knowledge-based resources have emerged, including what and where knowledge is and how capabilities may influence knowledge transfer in e-commerce software projects. This study provides a deeper understanding of the relevance of knowledge transfer in such projects. The research findings identify the challenges of transferring this tacit knowledge across such projects and even within the user organizations as well. In addition to the technology knowledge and the absorptive capabilities perspectives, this study considers the market knowledge and the associated marketing capabilities as the alternative input to such projects. Most importantly, it offers a clear guide to project managers in their team building and recruiting. By using rigorous theoretical deductions and empirical support from the case studies, the study provides significant research contributions to the academicians and the implications for the practitioners of software projects.