Knowledge Transfer Practices Research Articles

Involvement of Moscow medical personnel in the mentoring system

The article is devoted to the study of real and prospective practice of mentoring. The information base was data from the questionnaire survey of the personnel of Moscow medical organizations, carried out in 2019. The scale and character of the involvement of medical personnel in the mentoring system were studied with regards to prospective and appropriate models. The need for introduction or expansion of mentoring was compared with the available personnel potential. It turned out that doctors and nurses are involved in various types of mentoring. These are additional training in the workplace, regulated by the management, initiative assistance to youth during their adaptation, and various forms of informal transfer of practical knowledge on a wide range of issues. The demand for mentoring turned out to be higher among doctors and in hospitals. A comparison of respondents who had a mentor and who did not had one, but needed, revealed a shortage of models beyond the standard adaptation. Three groups of respondents were compared: those who were already a mentor, who would agree to become a mentor, who did not want to become a mentor. The educational and qualification level, research activities, work experience in the specialty, specifics of providing medical care with the account of complexity and responsibility were the comparison criteria. The need to introduce or expand mentoring is recognized by many respondents, and the potential composition of mentors allows us to speak about the prospects for its development.

Compliance with Building Material Specifications among Informal Skilled Construction Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Informal construction workers rarely comply with Building Material Specifications (BMSs) due to incompetence emanating from knowledge gaps, cost reduction strategies among clients, poor material use and lack of quality checks and control mechanisms. Based on logistic regression model results on the relationship between compliance and knowledge transfer on BMSs, this study has noted a mismatch between informal knowledge transfer practices and compliance with BMSs during construction. This mismatch is partly attributed to inappropriate knowledge transfer on BMSs. Compliance with BMSs is mainly driven by appropriate knowledge transfer and trainer-trainee agreement for effective knowledge transfer. The "carrots and sticks" approaches to enforcing compliance with BMSs among informal craftsmen have marginal effect on the ultimate compliance behaviour of craftsmen. The conclusion is that although social capital through social network is considered useful for knowledge transfer it does little to induce internalisation of knowledge on BMSs leading to non-compliance. That is, positive attribute of knowledge transfer may not necessary yield positive compliance levels. However, since this argument is strongly tied to compliance as measured along instrumental, normative and constraints dimension, it may slightly change in an environment where habits and routine have a major role to play in construction practices.

Multi-source transfer regression via source-target pairwise segment

Transfer learning addresses the problem of how to leverage acquired knowledge from a source domain to improve the learning efficiency and accuracy of the target domain that has insufficient labeled data. Instead of one source domain, multiple domains could be the source domains that are available for knowledge transfer in practice. However, there are large differences between the source and target domains, how to extract the useful knowledge from these different source domains remains a problem. To solve this problem, we propose a source-target pairwise segment method for multi-source transfer regression (STPS-MTR). The STPS-MTR method adaptively segments the different source domains and the target domain into different similar parts, and it extracts the most similar part in different source domains as the transfer knowledge. The STPS-MTR method can effectively extract the transfer knowledge from different source domains even when the source domain and the target domain have relatively low similarity, and it can avoid the negative influence between different source domains to ensure the transfer performance. Experimental results using synthetic datasets and real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed method has better performance than existing methods, particularly when there are significant differences between different source domains and the target domain.

Engineering Innovation Methods for Needs of Enterprise Product Development

The development of innovative engineering methods to meet the needs of the industry is a research topic of relevance in engineering science. A new incremental innovative method based on a coupled innovative model between a traditional new product development model and several inventive processes corresponding to the traditional stages was developed in this study. The challenge in the coupling process was the identification and resolution of engineering conflicts. After conducting several knowledge transfer practices, the research results and experiments were verified repeatedly. Finally, a new innovative engineering method for incremental innovation was developed.

Lost in Transfer? Exploring the Influence of Culture on the Transfer of Knowledge Categories

ABSTRACT Supported by an extensive review of four-domains of literature (knowledge management, organizational learning, culture, and retail), this study examines the influence of national culture on transfer of knowledge categories in top supermarkets in Africa and the United Kingdom (UK). Data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with 40 store managers (SMs) were used to examine how the SMs transfer the five sales performance drivers – selling-related knowledge, the degree-of-adaptiveness, role-clarity, cognitive-aptitude, and work-engagement – to their subordinates. The study finds these UK supermarkets’ knowledge transfer (KT) practices as embedded in problem-based learning (PBL) and project-based learning. SMs from African supermarkets exploit various opportunities to build interpersonal relationships and trust with knowledge-holders, thereby facilitating learning and KT. This study links such behaviors to “Ubuntu” – a well-established African philosophy/ethic. The study finds socialization, externalization, and internalization as common knowledge assets in African supermarkets, in contrast to socialization and externalization in their UK counterparts. This study found that, despite these variations in their strategic priorities regarding knowledge assets, these five sales performance drivers are transferred successfully in supermarkets in both continents that participated in the research. This offers a new insight that challenges the extant theorizing that KT praxis varies among diverse cultures.

Barriers of Effective Knowledge Transfer: A Case of Quetta District

In all probability, the paramount importance of knowledge transfer for higher learning institutions (HLIs) is incontestable. That said, the workforce serving these institutions draws one's attention to a range of glitches vis-a-vis knowledge transfer activities. This study looks upon social interactions, training and ICT as the possible barriers responsible for impeding the KT activities. The study is based on the premise that poor management of the barriers underscored above would lay an adverse impact on EKT. The drawn sample size from the given population is 315 subjects. The employed research technique is cross-sectional research, and, in this setting, the cross-sectional explanatory sequential design was considered relevant. The data analysis was carried out using Correlation and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings of quantitative and qualitative result manifest that the selected variables do not stymie the knowledge transfer practices, which is in conflict with the speculation of the study in question.

Knowledge transfer mechanisms in franchise network

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of knowledge transfer (KT) mechanisms in a franchise network.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative and grounded theory techniques to collect and analyze data from a franchise network based in Africa. This approach enables the triangulation of data from different sources including field visits, observation, interviews and company reports.FindingsThe findings suggest that training is the most preferred mechanisms for transferring localized knowledge. The results highlight the importance of identifying franchisees’ training needs for transferring relevant knowledge according to experience and market profile of franchisees. Additionally, a collaborative environment within the network facilitates the sharing of best practices.Research limitations/implicationsData/insight from Africa in this study provides both theoretical and practical implications. Propositions presented can help advance KT and franchise research.Originality/valueFranchising and knowledge management research in emerging markets especially in Africa is rare. This paper provides valuable insights for understanding KT practices in the African franchise market.

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.

Knowledge transfer for frugal innovation: where do entrepreneurial universities stand?

Purpose Frugal innovation has gained prominence based on its potential contribution to sustainable development and the new opportunities that it offers to low-income customers. This paper aims to analyse the strategic knowledge transfer practices implemented by an entrepreneurial university for fostering frugal innovations within an emerging economy. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a case study methodological approach. The selected case was the University of Campinas (Unicamp), one of the leading universities in Brazil in terms of research quality and technology transfer. The study built upon 14 interviews with key informants and secondary sources of data (official and public documents). Findings The findings highlight the multidimensional dynamics of frugal innovations arising from university–industry relationships. Key dimensions considered include the internal capabilities of universities to foster frugal innovations and connect them to markets, the surrounding innovation ecosystems in which the university is embedded and the overarching institutional framework. Research limitations/implications The analysis of strategic management practices for frugal innovation requires an evolutionary perspective, but the findings lacked sufficient longitudinal information for a formal evaluation. Also, as our empirical analysis is based on an in-depth case study of one university, further validation in other contexts would be necessary. Practical implications This study offers new insights regarding the effectiveness of university-business collaboration partnerships for developing frugal innovations in emerging economies. Policymakers should promote societal programs enhancing the active participation of all agents involved in the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. University managers should understand the challenges and the opportunities behind the adoption of an inclusive and societal orientation. Social implications By adopting frugal innovation practices, universities can enhance their contribution of meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Originality/value The literature on frugal innovation has emphasized the importance of networking between different types of firms, NGOs and governments, but the role of universities in frugal innovation remains mostly unexplored. This study addresses this gap by exploring how entrepreneurial universities participate in frugal innovations to meet societal challenges.

Professional Tacit Knowledge Transfer among Librarians at Kampala International University (KIU) Uganda

The way knowledge is transferred determined the rate in which an institution achieve its objectives. Few studies have been done on tacit knowledge transfer in higher institutions in Uganda. Scholars are concern that there is no clear knowledge transfer procedures in universities. It was in this context the researchers were interested to study Kampala International University library. The study aims at identifying professional tacit transfer practices at Kampala International University Library and their benefits to the library. The study employed an online self-administered questionnaire on 34 librarians and registered (25) 76% response. Content analysis and observation techniques were also used. The results are: mentorship, workshops, seminars, meetings, job rotation, consortia engagements are the professional tacit knowledge transfer practices exploited by librarians at KIU. Among the practices 76% of the respondents ranked workshops, seminars and meetings as the best professional tacit knowledge transfer practices. Meanwhile motivation was a very important aspect that influenced librarians to participate in professional tacit knowledge transfer practices. Majority of librarians (68%) said tacit knowledge transfer practices benefited the library by improving performance and maintaining the library competitiveness. Lack of adequate tacit knowledge transfer infrastructure was among the challenges mentioned. The paper provides a broad overview of professional tacit knowledge transfer in the university library especially Kampala International University (KIU). The study conclude that universities have clear knowledge transfer practices though not documented and widely studied. This study is a veritable resource to any university library that is still struggling with knowledge management and transfer.

Knowledge transfer strategies and practices for higher education institutions

PurposeThis study aims to identify effective strategies and practices for higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance their knowledge recipients’ knowledge absorptive capacity.Design/methodology/approachQuestionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted to examine the effectiveness of a knowledge transfer (KT) project and these were administered by HEIs in Hong Kong. Pre- and post-test questionnaire surveys with t-tests were used to evaluate changes in the knowledge absorptive capacity of 1,014 participants from 20 schools. Qualitative interviews were conducted to investigate school leaders’ perception of the effectiveness of the KT strategies.FindingsResults revealed significant differences between the pre- and post-tests in all the elements of absorptive capacity. The processes of knowledge acquisition, contextualisation, internalisation and externalisation in a closed-loop mechanism were identified as effective KT strategies. Conducting training programmes, workshops, consultations, work-based studies and presentation seminars were found to be effective KT practices to support the recipients in acquiring, contextualising, internalising and externalising knowledge.Practical implicationsHEIs should provide consultative support to recipients by conducting work-based studies and presentations to enhance their knowledge absorptive capacities.Originality/valueThis study contributes empirical evidence to validate the application of Liyanage et al.’s (2009) KT model to HEIs’ KT model for the purpose of designing KT activities and enhancing the absorption capacities of the recipients. This research contributes an empirical closed-loop KT model, effective KT strategies and practices for HEIs to support their knowledge recipients so that they can internalise the acquired knowledge.

Organizational learning through projects: a case of a German university

PurposeWhile projects can generate highly relevant knowledge to inform operations and improve performance, organizations face the difficulty of retaining knowledge once a project ceases to exist. This study aims to examine how project work can lead to organizational learning and, in particular, how knowledge transfer and social learning practices shape project-to-organization learning in a setting where projects complement a traditional functional form of organization.Design/methodology/approachThis case study examined a project for inclusive teacher training at a German university. Data were collected and analyzed following an ethnographic approach, including participatory observation, a focus group discussion and 14 interviews with project participants.FindingsThe findings support the idea that much of the learning that occurs within projects is tacit. In this study, tacit knowledge from the project was shared with the organization through social learning practices. These social learning practices had a larger impact on project-to-organization learning than knowledge transfer practices such as codification. Additionally, the findings suggest that when knowledge transfer and social learning practices are in conflict, project-to-organization learning will likely suffer.Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing literature by examining the relative importance of technical and social dimensions of project-to-organization learning and by focusing on universities as an example of organizations where projects operate alongside a traditional functional form. Practical implications suggest that to facilitate project-to-organization learning, universities may need to enact a combination of new practices, some designed to codify and transfer knowledge and others created to generate new interpretations and build common knowledge across organizational boundaries.

Demand and willingness for knowledge transfer in springboard subsidiaries of Chinese multinationals

It is often assumed that Chinese multinationals invest overseas to obtain knowledge. Acknowledging political ties as an important aspect of Chinese multinationals, we investigate the respective interests of headquarters and subsidiaries to support knowledge transfer from host countries to China. Based on data from 177 headquarters-subsidiary relationships, our findings indicate that political ties of Chinese headquarters increase the organizational distance between headquarters and subsidiaries. This distance has a positive impact on headquarters’ demand for subsidiary knowledge transfer, but a negative effect on the subsidiaries’ willingness to actually transfer knowledge. This suggests that Chinese multinationals with strong political ties have to spend efforts in aligning the motives of headquarters and subsidiaries concerning knowledge transfer practices. This study contributes to the research on Chinese multinationals, cross-border knowledge acquisition, and the springboard perspective by shedding light on post-internationalization managerial challenges related to a knowledge-seeking strategy.

Using retrospective process analysis to identify lessons learned from a community health initiative

Abstract As the WHO-Health-in-all-Policies-concept suggests many of the health-related aspects of the social, physical and economic environments can be modified within the community setting. In reality, developing and implementing population-based health initiatives is often challenging for both communities and researchers. To guide future efforts of community health initiatives, we systematically analyzed challenges we encountered and the lessons learned. We systematically reviewed daily logbooks, meeting minutes and press releases about the initiative to identify successes, unexpected challenges and barriers in its implementation. Comments from two reflective workshops held in the partner community identified additional areas of knowledge. Retrospective content analysis of these sources uncovered emerging process-related themes. Success was evident in a high degree of citizen participation in initiative-related forums. Challenges included a greater need to a) develop a common vision before starting initiative activities, b) establish an effective collaboration between community residents and our team, c) create more transparent lines of communication, foster trust and better manage community expectations. Establishing a project office in the community for regular updates, trust building and partnering with a professional communication agency were key steps that helped turn some challenges into successes. Barriers identified were missing resources both within the community and our team, a limited time period and limited possibilities of reach into all systems within the community (e.g. kindergartens). The use of the method of retrospective process analysis helped to uncover detailed insights into the operational implementation process of a community health initiative. These insights serve as a transfer of practical knowledge, which intends to enable researchers and practioneers within communities to plan and conduct their community health initiatives to large success. Key messages Analyzing the process of health initiatives retrospectively uncovers detailed insights into implementation processes and helps to understand successes, challenges and barriers of the initiative. Insights into the implementation process of health initiatives function as guidance to other researchers and practioneers to support future efforts in the field of community health.

Knowledge Management Practices and Innovation Outcomes: The Moderating Role of Risk-Taking and Proactiveness

This study, by the application of a linear regression by ordinary least squares (OLS), aimed to explore the relationships between knowledge management practices (KMP) and innovation outcomes (product, process, organizational, and commercial), and how they can be moderated by two dimensions of the entrepreneurial orientation (proactiveness and risk taking). This empirical study used survey data from a sample of 288 Spanish family small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The results revealed a positive effect of all the KMPs studied for at least one of the innovation variables studied. Regarding the moderating effect of proactiveness and risk taking on the KMP-innovation outcomes relationship, proactiveness negatively moderated the relationship between knowledge creation and product/process innovation. Moreover, a positive moderating effect was found for the case of knowledge application and process innovation. With regard to risk taking, the evidence found was mixed, and confirmed for some KMPs and all the innovation measures, with the exception of process innovation. The only positive moderating effect found was for knowledge storage and product innovation, whereas, contrary to expected, a negative moderating effect was found for knowledge creation, transfer, and application practices and commercial, product, and organizational innovations, respectively.

Art-based rehabilitation program training: a transfer of knowledge

To evaluate the implementation, processes and perceived efficacy of a pilot project of knowledge transfer in public health, which involves the training/supervision of new practitioners in an art-based rehabilitation program. This innovative evidence-based intervention seeks to promote the well-being of youth with mental disorders through circus and theater workshops. The purpose of this study is to provide a formative evaluation of this pilot project in order to improve the intervention and the knowledge transfer practices in public health. This research is based on a participatory and mixed approach, with a ?triangulation-convergence? design, integrating a thematic analysis of qualitative data (semi-structured interviews and Focus Groups), a descriptive analysis of quantitative data (questionnaire of reaction) and a documentary compliance analysis (grid of activity monitoring). The results show that the knowledge transfer strategy has resulted in the training of practitioners who feel ready to take charge of the project, despite implementation gaps. The main barrier was the prolonged and unforeseen absence of project leaders, for reasons out of their control. Nevertheless, the motivation and commitment of the team members acted as a catalyst in this pilot project, which became a setting for discussion and experimentation of the knowledge transfer strategy. This study demonstrates the benefits of adopting a participatory approach and mixed method in the evaluation of knowledge transfer in public health, which would better capture the inherent complexity of social interventions.

Formal-informal channels of university-industry knowledge transfer: the case of Australian business schools

ABSTRACTThe transfer of knowledge between university and industry is a significant activity that is facilitated by government policy and incentives. Australian universities have a global reputation for excellence in research and training. However, the country’s low score in innovation ranking has prompted the government and industry bodies to emphasise the importance of and provide support to high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We study the knowledge transfer practices of 10 Australian universities and provide insights into how these universities, and in particular the Business Schools, respond to the funding cuts faced by the university sector. We find that the universities use both formal (research centres, incubators, and contract-research and commercialisation) and informal channels (internships, mentoring, industry talks, transdisciplinary research platforms, collaborative Ph.D. programs, and industry training programs) to transfer knowledge with industry partners.

International R&D alliances and innovation for emerging market multinationals: roles of environmental turbulence and knowledge transfer

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between environment turbulence, knowledge transfer and innovation performance for emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) in an asymmetric international R&D alliance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a survey of high-tech firms in Zhejiang Province of China from 2013 to 2015.FindingsInnovation performance of EMNEs is positively influenced by knowledge transfer activities (knowledge replication and knowledge adaption), technological and market turbulence, while negatively influenced by institutional turbulence. In addition, different aspects of environmental turbulence moderate the relationship between knowledge transfer practices and innovation performance of EMNEs differently.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies could use a longitudinal design to capture the dynamism driving innovation performance of EMNEs through R&D alliances.Practical implicationsPractical guidelines are provided particularly for EMNE managers on how to develop an innovation strategy by leveraging external knowledge, adaptive innovation and environmental turbulence.Originality/valueThis study deepens the knowledge of how EMNEs enhance their innovation by building the linkage between environmental turbulence and absorptive capacity through knowledge transfer activities in an asymmetric international R&D alliance.

Employee Training and its Effectiveness among IT and ITES Employees of Bengaluru City

Information technology is the key sector of modern and digitalized India. The sector is considerably contributing towards the GDP of the nation. The IT sector offers numerous job offerings to the young and talented professionals. Teamwork and diversified work environment is predestined in any work environment. In this era IT industry is facing lots of changes and succession planning becomes most important. Knowledge transfer practices will help the employees in tactical decision-making, leadership and in technical expertise. Attrition rate need to be brought down in the industry. Training is the only solution for achieving productivity and improving employee performance. For this purpose, the author identified 6 important constructs of training based on existing literature and tried to explore the interrelationship and impact on effectiveness of training. Among all the assets, human asset is very important and precious too. Those companies who invest in human capital will alone survive in this dynamic and competitive business scenario. Improved training will reduce the staff attrition, trim down the miscommunication, cut down the redundant costs. Improved employee performance will be an empowered employee who needs less supervision and guidance. Findings of the study proved that there exists interrelationship between professional technical expertise, diversity, relationship building, leadership, teamwork and coaching. When an organization optimally executes these constructs, undoubtedly there will be enhanced performance and greater productivity.

Exploring the meaning of growing food in community gardens to South African township residents: A photovoice study.

The purpose of this research is to explore the motivation for, and potential effects of, participation in a township community garden. The authors conducted a photovoice study with 18 South African township residents who grew their own food as part of a community gardening program in the Western Cape. The results show that informants are motivated by better food access, increases in knowledge, financial savings, and independence. Informants perceive various positive effects from their involvement: they share knowledge, experience psychological and social effects, and engage in knowledge transfer practices for resource integration and value creation when they participate in the program. The study thus extends prior research on community gardening, particularly in relation to helping low-income populations decrease food insecurity.