Knowledge Management Enablers Research Articles

Use of Modeling as an Enabler for Cross-Topic Knowledge Management and Ontologies to Support Return of Experience and Replicability of Large Nuclear Projects

Abstract Nuclear projects often produce and consume a large amount of knowledge. Capitalization on this knowledge constitutes a significant way to increase efficiency on subsequent projects for any stakeholder. In this study, modeling is used as a main approach to support this capitalization. It constitutes, through graphical layout, a more reliable and robust way to transfer information. Moreover, the use of an interconnected set of models enables organizations to break the silos between the disciplines. The approach proposed is based on the operational implementation of existing “on-the-shelf” elements to benefit from previous implementations. The presented example illustrates how, on a nuclear project, engineering processes have been modeled from knowledge of previous projects. These components are all interconnected to constitute a self-supporting set of models as a body of knowledge. The use of models as a main base for knowledge management and transfer has been initiated due to (i) increased traceability of design decisions and impact analysis required by ever-increasing safety requirements from 1980s, 1990s, and Fukushima accident for new nuclear and (ii) gradual departures of design teams and lifetime extension of existing power plants requiring efficient ways to pass down knowledge to newcomers. Additionally, transfer of knowledge from document-centric to model-centric has enabled securitization of interfaces (between organizations, between systems) due to more numerous stakeholders and reduction of rework and site works.

Enabling knowledge sharing in a production context in China

AbstractThere is limited research on the cultural influence on knowledge sharing in production contexts. In view of the gap in literature, this study draws on a multi‐criteria decision‐making approach, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), to identify and rank different enabling factors of knowledge sharing in the workplace of a Chinese electronics plant on the basis of the relative importance ascribed to them by operators, leaders, and managers. The fieldwork research was conducted in a Chinese electronic plant, considering the judgment of 121 operators (blue‐collar workers), 56 production leaders, and 9 managers selected by convenience. The findings reinforce the understanding about the importance of integrating factors related to people, process, and knowledge to enable knowledge management in different cultural contexts, which may support managers' needs for lessons learned from other organizations in the areas of knowledge management, organizational learning, and process management.

Exploring the relationships between knowledge management enablers, employee innovativeness and market development performance in A/E/C firms: a developing country perspective

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationships between knowledge management (KM) enablers, employee innovativeness (EI) and market development performance (MDP) in architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) firms. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey is conducted to collect empirical data from A/E/C practitioners in Vietnam. First, factor analysis is used to identify KM enablers in A/E/C firms. Then, a framework which shows the links between KM enablers, EI and MDP is proposed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to examine the proposed relationships. Findings This study identifies five constructs which can enable A/E/C firms to achieve effective KM implementation, including mutual trust and collaboration, organizational values and norms, information and communication systems, organizational policies and empowerment. Furthermore, the SEM results show that except for organizational policies, four remaining KM enablers significantly affect EI. It is also found that EI has a significant impact on MDP. Practical implications The findings could help A/E/C firms to know which KM enablers are critical to EI and provide a better understanding of the link between EI and MDP. Hence, they could make appropriate investments in KM practices to improve both EI and MDP. Originality/value The results of this study fill the gap in knowledge by empirically structuring the relationships between KM enablers, EI and MDP. Such results may provide A/E/C firms with useful information to enhance EI and MDP in today’s intensively competitive construction environments.

Understanding the Influence of Trust as Knowledge Management Enabler on Organizational Effectiveness Through Organizational Culture: A Mediation Analysis

The current study examines the influence of trust as knowledge management enabler on organizational effectiveness via organizational culture. The study collected quantitative data from the 487 teaching and non- teaching faculty working in public sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan. Analysing the data using structural equation modeling in Mpus (8.10), the study found that all the proposed hypotheses were supported. The study extends literature on different streams such as knowledge management enablers, organizational culture and organizational effectiveness and offers valuable practical insights for policy makers and university management to effectively create, disseminate and manage knowledge.

Designing an Exploratory Indigenous Knowledge Management Framework for Soil Conservation Mechanism in the Konso Community

Today, Indigenous knowledge (IK) has a lot of contribution all over the world which it is the traditional knowledge that didn’t codified and not supported by technology. Furthermore, in Ethiopia there are different Indigenous knowledge Management (IKM) in different regions and ethnicities. In addition, Konso people also have different indigenous knowledge that used for various purposes like for forecasting weather, traditional medicine, soil conservation for protecting their environment and productivity. The main goal of this research study is to explore and design the Indigenous knowledge management framework for soil conservation mechanism in Konso People. As far as the knowledge of the researchers, this very power full knowledge is not explored and also not supported by emerging technology for making easy knowledge management processes like sharing, transferring, utilization and preservation. Therefore, it is very import to explore and design the IKM framework and develop the prototype to make enabled knowledge management process easy. The exploratory research method and design science research design were used to explore the knowledge from sources. Hence, both qualitative and quantitative research approach used data were collected from the sources using data collection tool like interview (questions), survey (questionnaires), technical observation (check list) and existing documents analysis. From the collected data new knowledge was revealed and the newly proposed IKM framework for soil conservation were design and developed using SWI Prolog tool for implementation. In addition, the designed and developed IKM framework for soil conservation were evaluated and validated by using ISO-1826 I standards. As per this study revealed, this study is significantly very import for sharing, transferring utilization and preserving Knowledge and for police development that used to protect the soil erosion and land degradation in Ethiopia and in Konso people specifically. Accordingly, this research, user and expert evaluation was assessed and its result as 70% respondents were responded that knowledge deliverability, 87.5% respondents were assented with attractively, 75% of respondents were agreed with accessibility and 62.5% of respondents were responded with suitability of proposed IKM framework and prototype. Furthermore, the obtained result significantly shows that, the proposed IKM framework for Soil conservation in Konso People have the ability to share, transfer and preserve Indigenous knowledge for the next generation.
 Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge, Soil conservation, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Preservation.

Knowledge Management in the Public Sector: A Critical Examination of a Case Study

Knowledge is an important tool that companies use worldwide to improve their efficiency. Managing knowledge has received considerable interest among researchers as it increases the performance of the organization. Since our time is recognized as the era of the knowledge economy, it is important, not only for private but also for public organizations, to understand the importance of Knowledge Management (KM) and to focus on implementing KM practices to achieve better efficiency and to improve the quality of the services provided. The employees of the Prefecture were chosen as case study. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether Knowledge Management (KM) activities are used in the Prefecture. This paper assesses whether specific characteristics of the employees affect their responses. This study also investigates how employees understand KM, its importance, its benefits and difficulties. A quantitative survey was selected to investigate KM in the Prefecture. The link of the questionnaire was emailed and completed online from 153 employees. The results show that employees’ responses are affected by particular characteristics such as position of responsibility and years of service in the Prefecture. The findings also reveal that the majority of respondents ignore the existence of a KM Strategy in the Prefecture and associate KM with benefits such as improvement of efficiency and response to customers’ needs. The study, which is the first in the Greek public sector, also provides valuable information about KM in the Prefecture as it presents a framework for the assessment of KM enablers.

Knowledge Management Practices and Firm Performance: The Moderating Role of Resource Commitment

Knowledge management has become crucial for the firm’s sustainable and long-term performance. Knowledge management practices in the firm make such exchange, transfer, and reuse of knowledge increase the efficiency of firm performance. Therefore, this study tries to investigate the relationship between knowledge management practices and firm performance in the IT sector of Saudi Arabia and to inspect resource commitment as a moderator for developing the relationship between knowledge management practices and firm performance. For analysis, this study collected data from 356 participants from the IT sector of Saudi Arabia and measured the model using SmartPLS. In the data analysis, this study found that knowledge management practices have a positive and significant relationship with firm performance, whereas resource commitment plays a vital role as a moderator for strengthening this relationship between knowledge management practices and firm performance. Further, this study also linked RBV (resource-based view) theory and KB (knowledge-based) theory, with the study’s conceptual framework to make strong theoretical and practical implications of results. In the end, this study concluded that knowledge management practices are important to firm long-term existence in the market by using accessible resources. The results of the study urge the policymakers and administrators to give more consideration to the IT sector and enable knowledge management practices to enhance the performance of the organization, as well as attain innovation in this sector within the limit of available resources.

Influence of knowledge management enablers and processes on a sustainable manufacturing performance in Nigeria

The research objective is to investigate the impact of knowledge management (KM) enablers and processes on the performance of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. The poor performance in Nigeria’s public and private sectors has been linked to insufficient or non-existent KM implementation methods. Survey questionnaires were distributed to the members of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria. Of the 500 survey questionnaires distributed, 424 were returned correctly completed representing about 84% response rate. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multi-regression analysis. The results show that KM enablers variables (management leadership, information technology, infrastructure, and organizational culture) and KM process variables significantly contribute to manufacturing performance except for knowledge application. The research adds to the general knowledge by shedding more light on the impact of KM enablers and processes<i> </i>for<i> </i>sustainable manufacturing from an African perspective<b>.</b> Also, it provides academic support for investing more resources in sustainable KM-based manufacturing in Nigeria.

Exploring knowledge management enablers for blockchain-enabled food supply chain implementations

PurposeWith the advent of new technologies, the integration of blockchain-enabled food supply chain (FSC) implementations is on the rise. Considering the multilateral, comprehensive and complex nature of the whole blockchain-enabled FSC implementation process, understanding knowledge management (KM) practices will add value. Prior literature shows that only a few studies have focused on this topic. As such, this study aims to identify and establish key KM enablers for blockchain-enabled FSC implementations.Design/methodology/approachThis study conducted a qualitative research approach. By conducting 22 in-depth interviews with experienced blockchain implementation experts in FSC contexts, this study provides interesting insights for academics and practitioners.FindingsThe results of the analysis highlighted eight critical KM enablers that directly influence blockchain-enabled FSC implementations. They include external enablers (i.e. regulation and market competition) as well as internal enablers (i.e. people – organizational learning, strategy and leadership, culture, information technology, organizational infrastructure, processes and activities).Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies that identify KM enablers for blockchain-enabled FSC implementations. Considering the novelty of decentralized blockchain implementations in FSC and its importance in transforming silo-based knowledge exchange to a decentralized operational structure, this study attempts to identify factors that increase the efficiency of blockchain implementations in FSC contexts.

Knowledge management processes toward organizational performance – a knowledge-based view perspective: an analogy of emerging and developing economies

PurposeConstructed upon knowledge-based view theory, this study investigates the influence of internal marketing (IM) on knowledge management (KM) processes in higher educational institutes (HEIs) in China and Pakistan. The study investigates the direct link between KM processes and organizational performance and indirect links via knowledge workers' productivity (KWP).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from HEIs in China and Pakistan, and 784 survey responses were reported from academic and administrative staff (HEIs).FindingsThe result revealed that IM has a significant impact on KM processes, and KM processes impact organizational performance via the partial mediating effect of KWP in China, Pakistan and the overall sample. The multi-group analysis confirmed the substantial differential effect of KM processes on KWP in culturally different HEIs.Originality/valueA lack of research establishes the inter-relationship between KM enabler (IM), KM processes, KWP and organizational performance in culturally diverse environments. This is one of the initial studies that examine the relationship between IM, KM processes, KWP and organizational performance in HEIs. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by conducting an in-depth empirical examination of IM, KM processes, KWP and OP in culturally diverse environments (i.e. China and Pakistan).Key PointsThis research examines the influence of internal marketing (IM) on knowledge management (KM) processes by using knowledge workers' productivity (KWP) as a mediator between knowledge management (KM) and organizational performance.Through the partly mediating effect of KWP, it was discovered that IM considerably influenced knowledge management processes and organizational performance in China, Pakistan and throughout the sample.The multi-group analysis indicates that KMPs have a statistically significant influence on KWP.

Knowledge Management and Academic Service Quality on Organization Performance

Knowledge management (KM) in education is considered an approach that enables people to collect information, share and use knowledge to improve organizational performance through educational programs, student outcomes, and effective decision-making of work processes. Organizational performance in the university includes student satisfaction, research productivity, curriculum, academic staff responsiveness, and research rankings. KM through the adoption of advanced technology enables organizations to implement better processes, strong and good collaborative structures, knowledge and information sharing, and problem-solving tools. However, limited studies examine the determinants of the KM process and their relationship to university performance through academic service quality from an educator's perspective. In this study, we proposed a theoretical research model to investigate the determinants of the KM process and examine its relationship to university performance through academic service quality. Data collected from 71 academic staff in universities were used to test the hypotheses with structural equation modelling – Partial Least Square. The results showed information technology and culture have a positive impact on the KM process. Quality of academic services partially mediates knowledge management and university performance. KM process and quality of academic services determine and influence organizational performance substantially (f-square=77.6 %). Finally, among the KM processes, knowledge discovery was found to have the highest effect size on organizational performance. However, KM enablers consisting of rewards & incentives, and organizational support were not proven to influence the KM process. Both culture and IT capabilities must be considered by universities in supporting the KM process and building a culture that supports sharing and utilizing knowledge in every task. Additionally, this capability can help improve the quality of academic services which leads to increased organizational performance.

Exploring empowerment as an enabler of effective knowledge management

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the degree to which trust influences job satisfaction and job performance by building on research in the organizational sciences about the relationships between interpersonal trust relationships, cognitive empowerment, job performance and job satisfaction. This study's primary research question is: What factors contribute to job satisfaction and job performance?Design/methodology/approachData are collected through a field survey. The data set has 738 responses from employees who work in the financial sector in Turkey. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the hypotheses.FindingsThis study's main findings are that when considering job satisfaction and job performance, cognition-based trust (CBT) has a strong influence on both constructs, whereas affect-based faith has a medium effect on job satisfaction and no significant effect on job performance.Originality/valueIn an organization where trust is established, knowledge exchange will be facilitated and knowledge management will be done correctly. Therefore, trust is a critical factor for knowledge management. On the other hand, knowledge is an important key factor for job performance. Trust has two parts: affect-based trust and CBT. Psychological empowerment has four variables: impact, competence, meaningfulness and self-determination. This study aims to investigate the relationships between psychological empowerment, trust, job satisfaction and job performance.

Knowledge management in museums: enhancing organizational performance and public value

PurposeThis study examines the enabling factors and practices that foster knowledge management in museums and the impact of those factors and practices on museums' performance and public value.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted an exploratory survey of senior leaders of 191 small and mid-sized museums in the United States. The survey tested a novel conceptual model that integrates the constructs of knowledge management enablers, knowledge management orientation and organizational performance. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of survey data were conducted to identify both the presence and dimensions of these constructs as well as the nature of the relationships among them.FindingsThe results of this study identified strong and significant predictive relationships between the constructs of its novel conceptual model. However, findings also identified key gaps in how museums create, manage and share organizational knowledge. These gaps limit their organizational performance and their ability to create public value. The authors identify specific factors and practices that enable museums to improve their organizational performance and increase their public value.Originality/valueAs the first empirical study of knowledge management enablers and knowledge management orientation in museums, this research not only adapts the study of these constructs to the museum sector, but it develops a novel conceptual model that links these constructs to multiple dimensions of a museum's organizational performance and public value. This research sets the stage for new study of knowledge management in museums; it also provides valuable insights for museum leaders.

Understanding the Relationship between Knowledge Management and Pharmaceutical Innovation Empirical Study

Purpose: This research aims to understand the role of knowledge management (KM) approaches in pharmaceutical innovation; a comprehensive investigation using a multidisciplinary approach toward the integrative concepts of KM has been carried out. Consequently, this research recognizes to what extent pharmaceutical organizations in the UK successfully apply the KM. Design/methodology/approach The questionnaire survey method was deployed to collect data from pharmaceutical organizations in the UK. Many statistical procedures have been undertaken—exploratory factor analysis (EFA). One sample - T-test analysis and AMOS. Multiple regression analysis, path analysis, and SPSS were used. Findings – Two Proposed models were examined. The empirical assessment's overall result was significant, reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed model. All the constructs revealed a high level of internal consistency reliability. A good model fit was found for the measurement model using several fit indicators such as GFI, AGFI, and RMR. The findings also reveal that Knowledge management has a signifificant and positive impact on all innovation dimensions. It is also found that KM processes have a mediate effect on the relationship between knowledge management enablers and pharmaceutical innovation, Originality/value – This study is probably one of the critical studies that propose and examine the fit model as an integrative perspective for implementing KM in pharmaceutical organizations in the UK. It gives a guide for organizations to accomplish innovation through KM.

Role of IT enabled knowledge management in strategic decision making: An empirical study

Role of IT enabled knowledge management in strategic decision making: An empirical study

ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN WORKER’S PRODUCTIVITY AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

This study exploited effect of knowledge management in knowledge worker productivity and empirically measured via cross-sectional study and data was collected from banks in south-Punjab Pakistan. There is lack of literature that deliberate interplay of knowledge management-enablers, knowledge worker’s productivity, knowledge management process as well as the organizational performance. Thus, the findings as obtained through the statistical procedures provide significant information that helps in reaching the desired conclusion. The finding reveals positive significant effect of the knowledge management (KM) enablers on the knowledge management (KM) practices and process and subsequently, knowledge management practices and process has positive impact upon workers’ productivity and organizational performance. Likewise, the knowledge workers productivity also significantly enhancing the firms’ performance.

Information Systems Effect on Enabling Knowledge Management


 
 
 
 Purpose: This research aims to neutralize the impact of information systems on enabling knowledge management in the banking sector in Syria.
 
 Theoretical framework: IT resources positively affect knowledge management capability. As studies (Watson 2007; O'Brien & Marakas 2011; Mao et al., 2016) and. We document a relationship between information systems enabling knowledge management in Syrian banks
 
 Design/methodology/approach: This study of measuring this effect was based on the design of a questionnaire distributed to 369 individuals working in Syrian government banks in 2022.
 
 Findings: This study concluded that there is a direct impact of information systems on enabling knowledge management, and the technological requirements of information systems have a greater impact than the organizational requirements. The study also showed that there were differences between the answers of the sample members in all the research axes, as it showed the lack of information systems or enabling knowledge management in banks for most workers from the second and third job categories, as opposed to workers from the first job category with great job experience, whose answers were positive towards the two research variables.
 
 Research, Practical & Social implications: This article offers empirical support for theory-based claims and helps create a empirical framework for the success of knowledge management activities.
 
 Originality/value: Very few research on management level employees' opinions of knowledge sharing in banks have been done in Syria.
 
 
 

HYBRID MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION MAKING MODEL FOR CUSTOMER KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN SOFTWARE INDUSTRY

In this study, the enablers of Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) software companies are investigated. Consequently, the conceptual CKM enabler model is developed by extracting “organizational”, “technological” and “human” factors from the literature. Then, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach is applied to identify the dependence relationships of factors by using the Analytic Network Processes (ANP) and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) techniques. The inter-dependencies significance among the factors is evaluated by DEMATEL. ANP technique is used in order to clarify the relative significance of the factors and identify the weight and priority. The results show that the “organization” dimension is the most considerable aspect of enhancing CKM in software development. The “organization” aspect has more interaction with other aspects and activates the “technology” and “human” factors. In addition, “technology” is the second dimension that influences “human” and “organization”. Due to the importance of CKM for organizations, this research provides a significant contribution in the context of CKM by extracting and ranking the CKM antecedent factors for enterprise software development context.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ENABLED BUSINESS PROCESS RE-ENGINEERING: THE RIGHT STARTUP FOR EFFECTIVE KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Increased realization of better knowledge management will inevitably create value to a firm, by which other partners of the value chain and the ultimate customers will be benefit. A first mover firm or value-chain with the capability of creating unique value is being considered as a core competence of maintaining continual sustainability against market challenges. Believing the fact, many firms are using IT enabled Knowledge Management (KM) for shearing information with the customers and suppliers. Although some firms are experiencing benefit from introducing need focused information system (IS), a considerable number of business units suffered huge financial investment without desired result or no result at all. As a consequence of these bitter experiences, advantages of IT enabled KM are being ignored and firm or firm’s value chain are being deprived from In-Time value delivery. So rightly spirited company must tailor it’s IT enabled KM system in order to achieving desired result as expected before start.

Knowledge management enablers and barriers: exploring the moderating effect of communication barriers

PurposeThis study aims to explore the moderating effect of communication barriers (CBs) on the relationship between knowledge sharing barriers (KSBs) and knowledge management (KM), considering the two enablers, technology and organizational culture, in the project context.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopted survey-based research approach. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), applying the SmartPLS 3.0 software.FindingsThe results show the significant and positive effect of both enablers (culture and technology) on KM. Furthermore, the authors identify significant relationship between KSBs and communications barriers. Finally, it elucidated the moderate effect of CBs.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are cross-sectional rather than longitudinal, which limits temporal interpretations of the associations between exploitative and exploratory learning and innovative strategies.Practical implicationsThe results can guide organization toward cultural and technological issues supporting KM. Moreover, for project managers and practitioners it shows the importance to avoid communications barriers, driving efforts and resources to manage the flow of information efficiently, developing communication processes that integrate the project team and reducing CBs.Originality/valueThe study reveals complex paths that organizations take toward KM. The research findings show how CBs play a critical moderating role in the relationship between KSBs and KM.