Knowledge Transfer Initiatives Research Articles

Are farmers’ minds really too elusive to capture? A novel evaluation framework for the knowledge transfer initiatives in agriculture

ABSTRACT Knowledge transfer initiatives aim to improve farmers’ knowledge and skills for tackling the growing economic, environmental and social challenges in agriculture. However, their evaluation is often inadequate due to institutional barriers and a lack of comprehensive methodology for assessing normative and behavioural shifts within this social group. To address this gap, we developed an extended evaluation framework for the knowledge transfer activities within the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including three indicators levels: output, result and impact. The indicators and survey instruments were based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour and piloted in a selected EU Member State for evaluating knowledge transfer measures in the programming period 2014–2022. The results indicate a promising potential of the proposed framework for capturing the multifaceted outcomes of knowledge transfer activities in agriculture. The usefulness and feasibility of the evaluation framework were further assessed through interviews with AKIS actors. They highlighted that evaluation activities at the Member State level may be hindered by inconsistent long-term data collection, insufficient response and involvement of farmers, deviations from the agreed protocols and a lack of dedicated resources. To ensure the uptake of the proposed evaluation framework, evaluation culture within the managing authorities and among stakeholders should be systematically fostered at the Member State level. This process can be enhanced by adopting a more elaborated CAP monitoring framework and methodology guidelines and by providing targeted training on evidence-driven policy-making.

Ethnomedicinal Uses of Plant Species in Panchase Protected Forests (A Case Study including the Kaski, Parbat & Syangja Districts of Nepal)

Ethnomedicinal plants, which have been utilized by indigenous communities in Nepal for centuries, hold promise for treating various ailments. Globally, medicinal plants are integral to healthcare systems, with Nepal renowned for its rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. This manuscript explores the ethno-medicinal practices within Nepal's Panchase protected forest, aiming to validate traditional remedies and contribute to healthcare improvement. Through a comprehensive study involving reconnaissance surveys, interviews, and data analysis, 103 ethno-medicinal plants from 58 families were documented, with Asteraceae being dominant. Various plant parts were utilized for treating 57 ailments, with leaves being most common. Gastrointestinal issues were prevalent, with plants such as Gheu kumari and Harro being frequently employed. Additionally, plants such as Dhursul and Ghodtapre were used for fever and migraine, while Khole Saag and Pani Amala addressed blood pressure and diabetes concerns. This study focuses on the importance of traditional medicine in rural healthcare and underscores the need for its preservation. Conservation efforts and intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives are vital to safeguarding indigenous wisdom. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies are recommended to validate traditional knowledge scientifically. The commercial cultivation of medicinal plants could alleviate pressure on natural habitats and promote sustainable healthcare practices. This research contributes to the documentation of valuable ethno-medicinal knowledge, emphasizing its potential for socioeconomic development and healthcare enhancement in Nepal's rural communities.

Factors Affecting Sericulture Groups Decision Making on Career Sustaining in The Queen Sirikit Regional Office of Sericulture3, Khon Kaen Province

Background and Aims: The occupation of agriculture has been closely associated with the Thai people for a long time. The cultivation of mulberry and sericulture have become alternative professions for Thai farmers. However, the number of individuals engaged in this profession is decreasing daily. This is due to the impact of borderless communication, the emergence of a new era of trade, and environmental changes, all of which affect farmers' livelihoods. The objective of this research was to study 1) The situation of mulberry cultivation and sericulture in the responsibility area of the Mulberry Cultivation Promotion Office, Region 3, which includes Khon Kaen Province. 2) The adaptation of farmers to economic, social, political, and technological changes. 3)Factors influencing the career decisions of the group of farmers. Methodology: The research methodology used is a mixed-method approach, with a sample group consisting of members engaged in mulberry and sericulture cultivation in six provinces: Chaiyaphum, Kalasin, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, and Khon Kaen, totaling 361 individuals. The research tools used include questionnaires and group interviews. Statistical analysis methods used include averages, percentages, and multiple regression analysis. Results: The study found that most mulberry and sericulture farmers primarily rely on household labor and typically own less than five rai of land. Many face challenges related to water availability for mulberry cultivation, with some areas experiencing insufficient water for adequate mulberry growth. There is a willingness among these farmers to adopt technological advancements in production and product processing with the assistance of government knowledge transfer initiatives. They also work to reduce unnecessary costs and collaborate in market negotiations. Factors influencing career decisions include personality traits, knowledge, understanding, and perception of the profession, job stability in mulberry and sericulture cultivation, quality of life, production/system management, land area used for cultivation, increasing age of farmers, succession planning, and participation in farmer groups. Conclusion: Most mulberry and sericulture farmers are the main household laborers, have an area of no more than 5 rai/household, have problems with water and dryness, and try to adapt to technology and receive assistance from the government. Factors affecting the decision to maintain a career include personality traits, knowledge, job stability, quality of life, production system, growing area, age, occupational succession, and joining groups for market bargaining.

Impact of Competitive Strategies on Market Entry and Growth in Emerging Economies in Japan

Purpose: The study sought to analyze the impact of competitive strategies on market entry and growth in emerging economies in Japan
 Materials and Methods: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
 Findings: the study on competitive strategies in emerging economies in Japan revealed that cost leadership strategies facilitated successful market entry, while differentiation strategies promoted long-term growth. Strategic alliances with local firms were crucial for overcoming barriers, and early entry provided a competitive edge. Adapting strategies to Japan's unique cultural and regulatory context was deemed essential for success in emerging markets.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends fosters a win-win scenario where foreign firms can thrive, and the host economy benefits from increased investments and job opportunities. Developing local talent and transferring knowledge to the local workforce is crucial for long-term growth. Both firms and governments should invest in skill development programs and knowledge transfer initiatives. Firms should prioritize hiring and training local talent, while governments can incentivize such efforts through grants and tax incentives. This practice-policy collaboration ensures that emerging economies can benefit not only from the capital but also from the knowledge and expertise brought by foreign firms.

Taking Stock of Knowledge Transfer Studies: Finding Ways Forward

Knowledge transfer (KT) from academia to practice is important in many fields, but comprehensive studies on identifying the most effective forms of KT are scarce. This paper aims to provide an overview of KT theory and presents a cross-disciplinary scoping review of empirically oriented peer-reviewed articles. The review offers guidance for researchers seeking to communicate effectively with practitioners. It explores the effects of research communications, delves into the understanding and measurement of these effects, attempts to identify the most effective forms of communication, and highlights important considerations when designing KT strategies. Few studies in our sample (eight of 27) systematically measured effects of KT, and merely four studies compared multiple forms of KT. Nevertheless, most studies estimated effects from KT, regardless of the chosen form (e.g., workshops or lectures). Most studies estimated knowledge change as the primary outcome. Additionally, several studies explored altered beliefs such as increased self-efficacy. A third of the studies addressed how the knowledge was applied, ranging from sharing information to developing new habits. The identified effects were, however, both small and volatile. Our findings underscore the significance of continuity and repeated interactions to enhance the impact of KT initiatives. Furthermore, researchers need to develop a comprehensive set of tools to facilitate successful KT, considering factors such as expertise, communication skills, trust-building, and participant-centered approaches. By employing these strategies, researchers can effectively bridge the gap between academia and practice, facilitating successful KT in various fields.

The resilient economic impact of CPEC and future of MNCs: Evidence from Pakistan

This article examines the developmental collaboration under CPEC to see if the stated scenario of developed-country progressive cooperation with developing countries holds true on the ground. The economic development of countries is determined by their economic relationships with other countries including megaprojects like CPEC which interlink countries geographically, socially, and economically. The present study has adopted a mixed method technique and the data for this study was gathered using questionnaires and one-on-one interviews with respondents. Furthermore, Pearson correlation, reliability, and KMO were used for analysis. The findings revealed that except for GDP growth and poverty alleviation, all dimensions of resilient economic development such as infrastructure development, investment, economic growth, employment, transportation and knowledge transfer initiatives have positive relationship with CPEC development. Our findings reveal that the GDP and welfare of both Pakistan and China will improve by a maximum of 0.3 percent as a result of transportation innovation. Moreover, the results of the study positively validate the hypothesis. These findings provide policymakers with guidelines for establishing effective policies to support the mega-plan CPEC which will boost global economic growth in the region.

Factors that influence knowledge management systems to improve knowledge transfer in local government: A case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Orientation: The demand for improved service delivery requires new approaches and attitudes from local governments. The lack of knowledge management (KM) and, therefore, a low level of information and knowledge transfer in the public services were identified as two of the main contributors to poor service delivery.Research purpose: The purpose of this research study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that impact on KM systems to improve the knowledge transfer at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM).Motivation for the study: A lack of institutional capacity in local government is one of the primary reasons why service delivery is still an issue in almost all of South Africa’s provinces. A Knowledge management system (KMS) would enable BCMM to build up organisational knowledge through the systematic capture and organisation of the wealth of knowledge and experience of staff, stakeholders, clients, partners and beneficiaries. A KMS leverage knowledge that already exists within and outside BCMM and can make this knowledge readily accessible to the Municipality employees.Research approach/design and method: Qualitative data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and a convenience sampling technique from five participants. The qualitative interviews were analysed by means of thematic analysis to analyse the data.Main findings: The study found that the KM culture within the municipality is not supportive as the hierarchical and bureaucratic management supresses any attempts at openness and support. At the human resources level, information is not seamlessly transferred between managers and their subordinates. There seems to be a culture of knowledge hoarding in an attempt to augment personal importance or worth.Practical/managerial implications: To solve the knowledge transfer problems, KM must be aligned with the organisational strategy. Official KM strategies must be developed and aligned to organisational strategies to ensure that the top management makes and shares a plan for a vision of continuous knowledge transfer.Contribution/value-add: The study therefore recommends that BCMM must ensure that knowledge transfer practices and initiatives are fully supported and promoted by the top management. This will ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to support knowledge transfer.

Advancing Early Childhood Development and Prevention Programs: A Pan‐Canadian Knowledge Transfer Initiative for Better Beginnings, Better Futures

Better Beginnings, Better Futures is an evidence‐based early childhood initiative that promotes the healthy development of children and families in economically disadvantaged communities. The Better Beginnings model involves the development of community‐driven programs through resident involvement that are integrated with existing services, universally accessible to all children and families in a community, focused on prevention, and ecological in nature. In this paper, we describe a pan‐Canadian knowledge transfer strategy involving attendance at workshops designed to build the capacity of participants to develop Better Beginnings initiatives in their own communities, and the impacts of the workshops on participants. Process evaluation data were obtained from participants in each Canadian province and territory immediately following the workshops (k = 12, N = 271). In addition, a smaller sample (n = 54) completed a follow‐up telephone interview 3 months later. All components of the knowledge transfer strategy were well‐received and rated highly by participants. Workshop participants indicated increased knowledge of the Better Beginnings model and high levels of satisfaction with the workshop. In the follow‐up evaluation, participants indicated strong intentions to use the information they had learned about Better Beginnings to advance the well‐being of children and families in their community. We discuss the lessons learned from the knowledge transfer initiative and provide recommendations for advancing knowledge transfer of programs for children and families in context.

Special Issue: Community, Psychology and Family Therapy

Special Issue: Community, Psychology and Family Therapy

Understanding and managing knowledge transfer for customers in IT adoption

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance information technology (IT) adoption research and practice by investigating the process of knowledge transfer (KT) undertaken by suppliers of IT innovations. The authors expound the intricacies of formal and informal mechanisms of the KT initiative that aims at augmenting the absorptive capacity (ACAP) of potential IT adopters with the objective of increasing the likelihood of adoption of new IT products or services.Design/methodology/approachThe authors draw on case studies of ten IT suppliers to build on the limited research on KT for customers in IT adoption. The authors focus on the for customer type of KT from the standpoint of the IT supplier firm.FindingsThe authors’ results show that complexity of the IT product or service increases the reliance on formal and systematic KT initiatives. This paper also shows that there is a required minimum threshold level of initial customers’ ACAP in order for the KT initiative to be worthwhile for the supplier, especially for those offering complex IT products and services. However, IT suppliers were found to limit their reliance on KT when they believed that customers that became too knowledgeable might threaten the innovation’s diffusion.Research limitations/implicationsSince the authors’ case firms represented innovation suppliers, future studies should investigate customer-supplier dyads to explore and integrate the customer’s perspective in the analysis of the KT process. To this end, longitudinal studies would also provide immense insights into the KT process and how it evolves over time.Originality/valueThe main contribution of this paper consists of illuminating the workings of KT initiatives aimed at existing and potential customers from the standpoint of the IT innovation supplier. By focusing on the for customers aspect of KT, this paper advances the authors’ understanding of why and how IT suppliers should resort to formal vs informal KT mechanisms. The authors’ proposed framework also integrates and shows the roles of customers’ ACAP, complexity of the IT innovation, and tacitness of the knowledge transferred to the customers.

The impact of knowledge transfer on the detection of venous invasion in colorectal cancer

Venous invasion (VI) is an independent predictor of hematogenous metastasis and mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) yet remains widely underreported. Its detection may require recognition of subtle morphologic clues, which at times are only unmasked with an elastin stain. This study evaluates the impact of a knowledge transfer initiative (KTI) on VI detection in a "real-world" pathology practice setting. Following participation in an interobserver variability study of VI detection (Kirsch et al, 2013), 12 participants received educational materials highlighting key issues in VI detection. Eighteen months later, participants were invited to submit pathology reports from all CRC resections signed out 18 months prior to and 18 months following the KTI (n = 266 and n = 244, respectively). Nine pathologists participated. Reports were reviewed for VI and other established prognostic factors. Numbers of elastin stains and tumor-containing blocks were also recorded. Comparative analyses were adjusted for baseline differences in tumor, lymph node, and metastasis stage; tumor location; use of neoadjuvant therapy; and number of tumor-containing blocks. VI detection increased significantly post-KTI versus pre-KTI (39.3% versus 18.4%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.86 [1.91-4.28], P < .001). Increased VI detection post-KTI was observed in both stage II (31.8% versus 12.5%, adjusted OR 3.27 [1.45-7.42], P = .004) and stage III CRC (62.4% versus 28.2%, adjusted OR 4.23 [2.37-7.55], P < .001). All pathologists demonstrated increased VI detection post-KTI. Use of elastin stains was significantly higher post-KTI versus pre-KTI (61.5% versus 5.3% of cases respectively, P < .001). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of knowledge transfer in increasing VI detection in routine pathology practice.

A Review on Community-Based Knowledge Transfer and Exchange (KTE) Initiatives for Promoting Well-Being in Older Adults

ABSTRACTKnowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) processes can facilitate evidence-informed community-based care for seniors, but understanding effective KTE in gerontology is limited. A scoping review was conducted to evaluate the current state of KTE in the community-based sector for seniors. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria, which addressed a broad variety of topics including caregiving, elder abuse, falls prevention, home-rehabilitation, hospice and dementia care. Studies evaluated KTE practices (n = 8), developed a KTE intervention (n = 3), or explored research uptake (n = 1). Community-based initiatives for seniors informed by KTE processes are scarce, requiring further efforts at the research, practice and policy levels.

Moderator Effects of Proactive Knowledge Transfer Among Knowledge Transfer Usefulness, Management, and Innovation

The purpose of this study was trying to explore the influence and relationship between knowledge transfer usefulness, management, initiative, and innovation. The instrument was constructed through literature review and related research scales. Total 26 items were retrieved from related study and modified dependent on exports' recommendations. Total 1,012 valid data were collected based on judgment sampling. The Cronbach's a of instrument was ranged from .878 to .948. The construction validity test was passed. The analysis result shows that knowledge management play strong partial mediator role between knowledge transfer usefulness and knowledge innovation, meanwhile, knowledge transfer usefulness was also the important predictor to knowledge innovation. Hence, the proactive knowledge transfer has moderation effects between knowledge management and knowledge innovation. The research model was established and some conclusions and suggestions were discussed base on the research findings.

Expert consensus on best evaluative practices in community-based rehabilitation

Purpose: The objective of this study was to generate expert consensus on best evaluative practices for community-based rehabilitation (CBR). This consensus includes key features of the evaluation process and methods, and discussion of whether a shared framework should be used to report findings and, if so, which framework should play this role. Method: A Delphi study with two predefined rounds was conducted. Experts in CBR from a wide range of geographical areas and disciplinary backgrounds were recruited to complete the questionnaires. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to generate the recommendations for best practices in CBR evaluation. Results: A panel of 42 experts reached consensus on 13 recommendations for best evaluative practices in CBR. In regard to the critical qualities of sound CBR evaluation processes, panellists emphasized that these processes should be inclusive, participatory, empowering and respectful of local cultures and languages. The group agreed that evaluators should consider the use of mixed methods and participatory tools, and should combine indicators from a universal list of CBR indicators with locally generated ones. The group also agreed that a common framework should guide CBR evaluations, and that this framework should be a flexible combination between the CBR Matrix and the CBR Principles. Conclusions: An expert panel reached consensus on key features of best evaluative practices in CBR. Knowledge transfer initiatives are now required to develop guidelines, tools and training opportunities to facilitate CBR program evaluations.Implications for RehabilitationCBR evaluation processes should strive to be inclusive, participatory, empowering and respectful of local cultures and languages.CBR evaluators should strongly consider using mixed methods, participatory tools, a combination of indicators generated with the local community and with others from a bank of CBR indicators.CBR evaluations should be situated within a shared, but flexible, framework. This shared framework could combine the CBR Matrix and the CBR Principles.

A six minute video clip to ponder the values fostered by health technology

As part of our research team's knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) initiatives, we developed a six-minute video-clip to enable productive deliberations among technology developers, clinicians and patient representatives. This video-clip summarises in plain language the valuable goals and features that are embedded in health technology and raises questions regarding the direction that should be taken by health care innovations. The use of such video-clips creates unique opportunities for face-to-face deliberations by enabling participants to interact and debate policy issues that are pivotal to the sustainability of health care systems. In our experience, we found that audiovisual-elicitation-based KTE initiatives can fill an important communication gap among key stakeholders: pondering, from a health care system perspective, why and how certain kinds of medical technologies bring a more valuable response to health care needs when compared to others.

A six-minute video-clip to ponder the values fostered by health technology.

As part of our research team's knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) initiatives, we developed a six-minute video-clip to enable productive deliberations among technology developers, clinicians and patient representatives. This video-clip summarises in plain language the valuable goals and features that are embedded in health technology and raises questions regarding the direction that should be taken by health care innovations. The use of such video-clips creates unique opportunities for face-to-face deliberations by enabling participants to interact and debate policy issues that are pivotal to the sustainability of health care systems. In our experience, we found that audiovisual-elicitation-based KTE initiatives can fill an important communication gap among key stakeholders: pondering, from a health care system perspective, why and how certain kinds of medical technologies bring a more valuable response to health care needs when compared to others.

Managing organizational memory with intergenerational knowledge transfer

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide the systematic analysis of an innovative, intergenerational knowledge transfer strategy in a knowledge‐intensive organization.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method was adopted to study the intergenerational knowledge transfer activities. A triangulated approach was employed in respect of the data collection, which included non‐participatory observation, focus groups, documentary analysis, and semi‐structured interviews. A pattern analysis of data account was undertaken.FindingsTwo models for intergenerational knowledge transfer are presented: the source‐recipient model and the model of mutual exchange. This research also shows how a context conducive to knowledge transfer was developed, and concludes that this context allowed both explicit and tacit knowledge to be transferred.Research limitations/implicationsOften ignored or underestimated this study highlights the need for motivation, inspiration, and empowerment in knowledge transfer. The main limitation of this study is the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe two models for intergenerational knowledge transfer provide a rubric against which both old and new intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives can be assessed to determine whether they are capable of encouraging the transfer of both explicit and tacit knowledge.Originality/valueThere is little empirical work on the design and implementation of strategies for managing organizational memory. The integrated models and empirical results of this study can serve as guides in that process.

Knowledge transfer initiatives as a doorstep formula to open innovation

The development of cars and car components has become a more and more complex affair, requiring more and more inputs from a wide range of actors and technology domains. Hence, automotive firms must look increasingly beyond the intramural setting and reach out to external partners and sources to master innovation processes. The sensitisation of firms towards so-called open innovation practises can be facilitated by means of innovation support schemes run by public actors. The present paper evaluates the additionalities of several of such schemes from the UK and the Netherlands. It concludes that the schemes succeed in getting SMEs warm for sourcing external knowledge, skills and facilities for innovation purposes and in getting them into the open innovation mode. Notably the higher equity schemes demonstrate relevant and sustainable effects in this regard. Nonetheless, opening up automotive SMEs for cooperative and multiparty innovation practises appears is for many cases a question of long breath, and will require sustained action to really institutionalise multi-party innovation practises into their behavioural patterns. © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

University‐industry collaboration: a CoPs approach to KTPs

PurposeThis article seeks to explore the micro‐dimensions of knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university‐industry collaborations.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical evidence concerning the operation of three KTPs, collected through interviews with the key partners and the review of relevant documentary material, is analysed through the lens of the communities of practice approach to situated learning.FindingsThe analysis of three case studies provides evidence to support the value of conceptualising the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry as one of learning taking place within communities in which the development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoires play important roles facilitating successful collaborations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of the boundary spanning roles of the KTP partners in facilitating the knowledge transfer process through engagement in both the university and industry communities.Research limitations/implicationsBy illuminating the dimensions of the inter‐personal interactions involved in the knowledge transfer process the CoPs analysis provides the foundations for recommendations to improve university‐industry KTPs, in particular, and, inter‐organisational knowledge transfer initiatives in general. A limitation of this research is its focus on the UK context. Moreover, given the exploratory nature of this study further research is required to verify the findings reported here.Originality/valueThe article makes an original empirical and conceptual contribution to understandings of university‐industry knowledge transfer collaborations.

Evaluation of CT and MRI scanning among cancer patientsin Ontario

Background Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization in Ontario increased drastically since the early 1990s. The effect of an increased number of cancer diagnoses, and an increase in indications for scans has not been assessed. This study was conducted to determine trends in utilization of CT and MRI in cancer patients in Ontario over a period of 9 years. Methods Using Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing data linked to the Ontario Cancer Registry, rates of CT and MRI were analyzed by region, year, scan type and socioeconomic status. Results CT in cancer patients increased 2.3-fold and accounted for approximately 24% of these scans. MRI in cancer patients increased by 4.2-fold and accounted for approximately 10% of these scans. Imaging rates for cancer patients increased more gradually than that of the general population. Substantial variation in the rate of both scans by region of patient residence existed. Even greater variation by the location of the scanner was demonstrated, indicating that many cancer patients traveled outside their region for imaging. There was little evidence of variation in scanning rates by socioeconomic status. Conclusion A minority of CT and MRI performed in Ontario are for cancer care. Regional variation in imaging rates suggest that utilization guidelines be developed or knowledge transfer initiatives improve compliance to existing guidelines are needed. A significant number of cancer patients travel outside their region for diagnostic imaging; this should influence decisions about the location of new scanners.