Lens Of Knowledge Management Research Articles

Appetite for risk: theoretical framework and practical application in a technology-based environment

PurposeThe research objective was twofold: first, to propose a novel framework for composing an organization’s aggregate risk appetite, and second, to demonstrate the application of this framework in a suitable organization.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework for defining an organization’s aggregate risk appetite was developed based on relevant organizational theory and research through the lens of knowledge management. The organizational appetite for risk framework was subsequently implemented at the São Paulo State Technological Research Institute (IPT) using the design science research approach. Finally, the implementation was carefully examined in order to encourage future applications and to further refine the appetite for risk framework.FindingsThe composition and application of the proposed appetite for risk framework optimally identified the aggregated risk appetite of the complete test organization. Moreover, organizational differences between bottom-up tolerance and top-down appetite were revealed.Practical implicationsOur main practical contribution is a comprehensive procedure to conduct a risk assessment and achieve an organization-wide aggregate risk appetite through the lens of knowledge management.Originality/valueUnlike past theory and research that take a strictly top-down approach to risk appetite, our framework integrates dispersed knowledge on risk-taking at various levels of the organization, thereby contributing to the underexplored role of bottom management in shaping aggregate risk appetite.

Improving innovation in construction projects: Knowledge-sharing, open-mindedness and shared leadership

In the dynamic world of construction projects, fostering innovation is paramount. This study investigates the transformative potential of shared leadership as a catalyst for team innovation. We examine knowledge-sharing density as a critical mediator through the lens of knowledge management. We adopted a mixed methods approach, collecting multi-wave and multi-source field data and using social network measures. The results demonstrate shared leadership acts as a direct driver of knowledge-sharing density, facilitating innovation in construction projects. Knowledge-sharing density emerges as a transformative force, mediating the impact of shared leadership on team innovation. This intricate relationship unveils hidden potential for innovation within construction teams. Results also show the influence of team open-mindedness norms, which moderate the direct link between knowledge-sharing density and team innovation and the indirect influence of shared leadership. This study pioneers an integrated approach to understanding leadership and knowledge management in the construction sector, with important insights for team leadership, knowledge-sharing, and project performance.

Unveiling dilemmas and countermeasures in the green transformation of China’s real estate industry through the lens of knowledge management

PurposeEffective knowledge management has played a crucial role in propelling the green transformation of organisations and industries. Nevertheless, its underutilisation in the real estate sector has impeded the progress of green transformation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to offer a theoretical and practical analysis of the green transformation of the real estate industry through the lens of knowledge management and to provide a valuable reference to facilitate the industry’s green transformation.Design/methodology/approachThis study entailed applying induction and deduction method, using China’s real estate industry as a typical case, and collecting and analysing the public data, corporate reports and literature of China’s real estate industry. On this basis, the authors conducted an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms through which the green transformation has empowered the sustainable development of China’s real estate industry, as well as the critical role of knowledge management.FindingsThe study has revealed that the primary challenges encountered by China’s real estate industry during the green transformation have stemmed from significant disparities in the knowledge base among different industry entities, the complexities related to knowledge integration and the “difficulty” of applying green knowledge across the entire life cycle. To address these issues, the authors recommend several strategic actions, including creating a dedicated green knowledge platform for the real estate industry, establishing a knowledge-sharing mechanism, enhancing knowledge acquisition on both the supply and demand sides and intensifying the focus on the application of green knowledge within the real estate industry.Research limitations/implicationsThis research holds considerable theoretical and practical significance concerning the comprehension and promotion of knowledge management’s role in the green transformation of China’s real estate industry. These insights can be applied to significantly enhance the theoretical framework of knowledge management, and the research outcomes provide substantial support for propelling the green transformation in China’s real estate industry and contributing to the sustainable development of the overall economy in China.Originality/valueFrom a knowledge management perspective, this study introduces a series of solutions and recommendations, presenting new research ideas and pathways for advancing the green transformation of the real estate industry. In addition to guiding the industry’s sustainable development, it also significantly contributes to enhancing the theoretical framework of knowledge management.

The challenges in integrating ESG factors into banks’ credit department: a knowledge management enhanced framework

PurposeAssuming that knowledge management is a pivotal issue in business to improve and maintain competitive advantages, this paper aims to investigate how knowledge management is useful to face challenges about the integration of environment, social and governance (ESG) factors, filling the gap in the literature regarding knowledge management and ESG in the banking world by considering a real case.Design/methodology/approachStarting from the analysis of the more relevant literature on the topic, this paper describes an illustrative real case through interviews with the credit department of an Italian bank that has adopted a specific sustainability approach. This paper discusses this case in the context of the outlined theoretical background to explore the trends and challenges of ESG integration. The case study allows us to evaluate and expand our theoretical framework, leading to a greater understanding of the complex phenomenon under investigation.FindingsBased on the analysis of the literature combined with the insights that emerged from the experience of the real case, this study shows that there are three primary factors to consider: data issues, competencies and workflow. This study outlines an enhanced knowledge management framework displaying the complexity emerging from the integration of ESG into a bank’s credit department and identify the best practices to pursue.Practical implicationsGiven the increasing pressure toward the incorporation of ESG factors into the banking sector, the practical implications of the study are relevant as they provide guidelines for action. Specifically, the practical problems highlighted by the real case, like the priority on themes such as questionnaires, the need for ad hoc commissions and workflow, drive the attention of decision-makers on key aspects to effectively adopt an advanced knowledge management approach aimed at improving the ESG integration. Considering the effect of the banking system on the economy, the best practices this study has identified can also have a positive impact on society as a whole.Originality/valueThe proposed enhanced knowledge management framework offers a guideline to orchestrate ESG integration into banks’ credit departments, considering the increasing need to frame a sustainability-oriented strategic approach that emerges from academic and practical enquiries. This research represents an initial attempt to investigate the integration of ESG factors in the banking system through the lens of knowledge management. The strategic nature of the ESG approach clearly appears in a dynamic environment where stakeholder pressures and regulatory evolutions are strong.

Approaching The Firm’s Innovation Capability through Knowledge Management Lens

Firm innovation capability has attracted attention of researchers and the term innovation has been largely explained in the strategic management literature in a variety of dimensions. In this attempt, organizational knowledge strategy, a knowledge-oriented culture and knowledge management sharing have been proposed to play a key role in determining firm’s innovation capability. This paper aims to draw together knowledge from two different scientific disciplines i.e. strategic management and knowledge management. A conceptual model emerges as we specifically recognize the core KM concepts as a prospective basis for explaining the phenomenon of firm innovation capability by drawing literature based definitions on knowledge strategy, knowledge centered culture and knowledge sharing. This study advances towards conceptualizing the domain of firm innovation capability by applying the ‘Knowledge Management Lens’ composed of knowledge strategy, knowledge oriented culture and knowledge sharing.

A comparison of low-cost housing units for varying climatic regions in South Africa: a knowledge management approach

PurposeOne of the greatest challenges faced by the 1994 post-apartheid government in South Africa is the housing problem that has persisted for almost 30 years into democracy. Innovation in research and practice is required to address this problem. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objective.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an argument for housing knowledge management as one part of a much larger system of housing provision and critically compares information variations on one hypothetical, low-cost housing unit adapted for varying climatic regions. It aims to enquire if there is an overlap in information.FindingsThe findings do confirm a noteworthy overlap in the information of the varying units. Therefore, knowledge management of the information would prove effective and may contribute in part to housing provision.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to assessing the information changes made to the contract documentation of the housing unit.Social implicationsThe paper argues that knowledge management of this overlapping information could impact housing provision by providing knowledge power to those affected by the housing problem.Originality/valueThe findings are a unique perspective presented through a knowledge management lens. In addition, the said knowledge management lens provides a platform to raise additional questions. When seeking answers to these questions, it is expected that research sub-themes would be identified focussing further research studies towards finding answers.

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) in architectural design meetings: from a case study to knowledge-to-action framework

PurposeDesign for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) challenges architects in managing diverse knowledge across different professional domains. Little research, if any, has documented DfMA as a knowledge-intensive activity happening in real-life cases. This research aims to investigate DfMA knowledge acquisition, sharing and implementation in real-life practice and develop DfMA knowledge-to-action framework for architects.Design/methodology/approachIt does so by (1) conducting observations in design meetings, documentary analysis and interviews, (2) thematic analysis through knowledge management (KM) perspectives and (3) based on this profound understanding, enriching the prior understanding of design as a double diamond process.FindingsThrough the lens of KM, DfMA is not merely a double but multiple diamond process, involving the iteration of making absenting interdisciplinary knowledge available, deciphering tacit knowledge explicit and embedding the knowledge in a design that well considers various criteria, the downstream manufacturing, logistics and assembly in particular. To execute multi-faceted knowledge acquisitions and implementations in DfMA, architects should balance their roles as humble learners, team coordinators, creative leaders and democratic negotiators.Originality/valueThis research reveals the DfMA implementation process, activities and dilemmas from real-world design meetings. The DfMA knowledge-to-action framework developed in this study, along with practice examples and lessons learned, can facilitate architects to play new roles. Future research is recommended to fine-tune the framework by having other stakeholders’ perspectives, refining it with additional cases and developing assistive tools for designers based on the framework.

Using Knowledge Management to Improve the Effectiveness of Data Fusion Centers

Data fusion centers have been around since the 9/11 terrorist attacks but have been shackled with an underperforming label. Products from fusion centers often do not support the mission of the organizations supporting the centers. This paper addresses the questions of the historical barriers to information sharing and how fusion centers can become more efficient and effective in this role. The research and experience of the authors are viewed through a knowledge management lens to propose using structured analytic technique exercises coupled with applying knowledge management tools and concepts to improve knowledge flow and the relevance and quality of the intelligence products produced.

Rethinking companies’ culture through knowledge management lens during Industry 5.0 transition

Purpose Through the human resources (HR) and knowledge management (KM) perspective as human-centric processes, the aim of this study is to explore how companies’ engagement in diversity (DIV), inclusion (INC) and people empowerment (PEMP) policies influences companies’ organizational performance, to support organizations in the shift to the Industry 5.0 framework. Design/methodology/approach Combining the HR management and the KM-driven organizational culture, a conceptual model is proposed for explaining companies’ higher organizational performance. Proposed hypotheses are tested with reference to a set of listed international companies traced by Refinitiv on a five-year time horizon (2016–2020) through 24,196 firm-year observations. Findings This research shows that companies engaged in DIV policies, INC practices and PEMP through education have higher profitability and are more valued by capital markets’ investors. Originality/value This paper draws attention to the need to overcome the reductionist view of HR and rethink KM architecture to cope with the growing challenge of HR integration according to the Industry 5.0 paradigm.

Romanian family business internationalization: knowledge management and dynamic capabilities

Abstract The key aspects of today’s economic climate are intensified competitiveness and fast-changing global markets. In order to stay competitive, family companies need to respond to these developments and more frequently seek foreign expansion themselves. To understand how organisations should respond to changes in the market to retain a competitive edge, the idea of knowledge management and dynamic capabilities has indeed been developed. Such an environmental transition could be the internationalisation of a family business. The purpose of this research is to examine, through the lens of knowledge management and dynamic capabilities, the internationalisation of family companies. A qualitative single case study model of a family business that has been through an international expansion has been considered, collecting evidence through semi-structured qualitative interviews with three of the company’s key individuals. The study reveals that in the internationalisation process, there are many skills that assist family companies. Sensing technologies include screening capabilities for networks and industries and helping family companies identify new prospects in international markets. Seizing skills provide decision-making and management capabilities and change the capital base to take advantage of the possibilities previously sensed. Finally, family businesses should constantly reconfigure their tools with transforming skills, which consist of entrepreneurial knowledge capabilities, to optimise processes and frameworks in the current international setting. Different facets of family life influence the development of these complex skills.

Knowledge management in turbulent times: time-based scenario analysis of vaccinations against COVID-19

Purpose This paper aims to estimate the delay or timely effects of the national vaccination strategy for COVID-19 on Italian gross domestic product (GDP). By adopting a knowledge management lens, the study highlights the importance of “time” for Italian recovery. Indeed, recovering an adequate growth rate is crucial for the future of employment, well-being and management of Italian public debt. Design/methodology/approach This study applies an epidemiological model of a universal access vaccination programme against COVID-19. The economic model is based on the time-shift of available quarterly projections deriving from the expected delay or acceleration of the national vaccination plan against COVID-19. Findings The basic concept underlying the scenario analysis is that the sustainability of the expected recovery of the Italian economy due to the COVID-19 shock, and consequently the growth of the GDP, is time-dependent on the rollout of the national vaccination plan. Research limitations/implications A delay in the vaccination campaign could have a twofold negative impact on the growth of the Italian gross product: it reduces the quarterly growth over the previous year in the short term and it delays the quarterly upwards trend over the next two years. Policymakers and practitioners are called to promptly face new dynamic scenarios due to public and economic policies to fight the COVID-19 crisis. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt of research that focuses attention on the synchrony between the economic time necessary for recovery and the real-time necessary to achieve vaccination coverage for the restart of production activities.

Big Data Based Knowledge Management vs. Traditional Knowledge Management: A People, Process and Technology Perspective

Value creation is one of the core aspects of Big Data. This concept of value creation can be linked to the efficient knowledge management within the organizations, in terms of knowledge creation, sharing and application, through which organizations can enhance their organizational performance. Little work has been done on the linkage of value creation from big data and the knowledge management capability of the organizations in terms of people, processes and technology which play a crucial role in effective knowledge management. This study contributes towards the existing body of knowledge by exploring this linkage of people, process and technology in relation to big data through the lens of knowledge management, by conducting a qualitative study in the oil and gas industry. The findings reveal that the KM capability of the organizations through big data can be explained through the Complex domain of Cynefin framework which involves probing, sensing and responding in which there are no right answers and instructive patterns (predictive knowledge) emerging from big data could be right or wrong depending upon the complexity of the situation. The useful and tested predictive knowledge by experts (people) can then emerge as good or best practice falling into complicated and simple domains of Cynefin framework.

Knowledge management infrastructure to support quality improvement: A qualitative study of maternity services in four European hospitals

The influence of multilevel healthcare system interactions on clinical quality improvement (QI) is still largely unexplored. Through the lens of knowledge management (KM) theory, this study explores how hospital managers can enhance the conditions for clinical QI given the specific multilevel and professional interactions in various healthcare systems.The research used an in-depth multilevel analysis in maternity departments in four purposively sampled European hospitals (Portugal, England, Norway and Sweden). The study combines analysis of macro-level policy documents and regulations with semi-structured interviews (96) and non-participant observations (193 hours) of hospital and clinical managers and clinical staff in maternity departments.There are four main conclusions: First, the unique multilevel configuration of national healthcare policy, hospital management and clinical professionals influence the development of clinical QI efforts. Second, these different configurations provide various and often insufficient support and guidance which affect professionals’ action strategies in QI efforts. Third, hospital managers’ opportunities and capabilities for developing a consistent KM infrastructure with reinforcing enabling conditions which merge national policies and guidelines with clinical reality is crucial for clinical QI. Fourth, understanding these interrelationships provides an opportunity for improvement of the KM infrastructure for hospital managers through tailored interventions.

Advancing scholarly publishing through open access biomedical repositories: A knowledge management perspective

Scholarly publishing has undergone major changes over the past 50 years. Funder mandates and organisational reporting obligations have heralded the creation of open access repositories, such as institutional and subject repositories. This research draws upon the US PubMed Central (PMC) and Europe PMC, also known as PMC International, as a role model to inform the concept and opportunity for an Australasia open access biomedical repository. PMC International is a leader in making citations and research output, which link to research data, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR). As repositories approach two decades of development, this paper reports on the potential for an Australasia open access biomedical repository through a knowledge management lens and explores the opportunities for future open access biomedical repositories.

Managing knowledge assets for open innovation: a systematic literature review

PurposeKnowledge assumes a pivotal role in the open innovation (OI) paradigm. Yet OI has been scantly investigated by adopting a knowledge management (KM) lens. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of the KM practices analysed by prior literature to support OI activities.Design/methodology/approachTo perform a valuable literature review, the steps for systematic review proposed by previous studies have been adopted. These steps have yielded a final sample of 34 articles. Afterward, the authors have distinguished and analysed the identified articles according to the three main OI processes, i.e. inbound, outbound and coupled OI processes.FindingsThis research groups and highlights the most relevant KM practices to support OI activities on the basis of the inbound, outbound and coupled OI processes.Originality/valueDespite knowledge is the most relevant resource exchanged in OI activities, this is the first attempt to highlight how knowledge should be managed in an OI context by adopting a KM lens. Furthermore, the authors also identify relevant topics that have been so far understudied, which the authors suggest as future research directions.

Strategic management model with lens of knowledge management and competitive intelligence

PurposeThe purpose of this study is primarily to discuss the synergic and separate use of knowledge and intelligence, via knowledge management and competitive intelligence, in each stage of strategic management process. Next, this paper aims to discuss the implications of each stage of strategic management process for knowledge management and competitive intelligence and vice versa.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was performed within time frame of 2000-2016. Extracted information from reviewed studies was synthesized and integrated in strategic management model of Fred David.FindingsA strategic management model with lens of knowledge management and competitive intelligence is proposed. Each stage of knowledge management process has implications for knowledge management and competitive intelligence and vice versa. In addition, synergic and separate use of knowledge and intelligence results in effective decision-making, leading to competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsLearning curve of knowledge management and competitive intelligence and being limited to the use of Fred David model are among the many key limitations.Practical implicationsExperts of knowledge management, competitive intelligence and strategic management can use this study to gain competitive advantage based on knowledge and information resources. Organizations should have knowledge management function and competitive intelligence to support the strategy formulation, implementation and evaluation.Social implicationsReaders can take a view for how they can manage their knowledge and information resources from a strategic perspective.Originality/valueThis study proposes a strategic management model with lens of knowledge management and competitive intelligence. The model discusses ways for synergic and separate use of knowledge and intelligence in each stage of strategic management, leading to competitive advantage. In addition, it discusses the holistic and integrated implications of knowledge management and competitive intelligence for each stage of strategic management process and vice versa.

Interactive knowledge management: putting pragmatic policy planning in place

PurposeThis paper aims to critically examine through a knowledge management lens the existing “art” of public policy making, suggesting instead an approach intended to improve knowledge processes and reduce unintended injurious consequences of legislating.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on pragmatic philosophy and limited government precedents, the authors identify and recommend the implementation of a prospective legislative impact statement requirement by and for the U.S. Congress. They suggest the development and the potential KM utility of the PLIS based on a brief case study of the 2009 American “cash for clunkers” incentive program.FindingsThe authors conclude that development and application of such prospective legislative impact statements is feasible and that they may support the statement and testing of dynamic hypotheses relating to the prospective effects of policies under government consideration.Research limitations/implicationsPragmatic knowledge‐based scholarship is extended by integrating system dynamics and adaptive management approaches, and it acquires prominent governance relevance through this research.Practical implicationsRigorous integrative government consideration of pending legislation, and ongoing assessment of consequences of enacted laws, could be systematized under this proposal.Social implicationsPLIS requirement extends knowledge process over the legislating process, thereby tempering current “legislative art” practices and wisely benefiting the polity.Originality/valueThis paper offers a practical solution to a wicked KM problem: improving the quality of knowledge in non‐hierarchical policy‐making groups, especially those in government.

Studying decision processes via a knowledge management lens: The Columbia space shuttle case

While the role of knowledge management (KM) for decision support is well acknowledged, there is a gap between existing KM theory and actual KM practice in real-life decision-making. This paper aims to illustrate this gap by studying the report of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, focusing on diagnosed pre-explosion problems in decision-making processes, and prescribed post-explosion recommendations. The paper's research contribution is two-fold: 1) consolidating two KM frameworks to one research tool, to serve as lens for studying decision-making processes and 2) providing convincing evidence regarding the role of the KM perspective in organizational decision-making processes.

Mapping the values in B2B relationships: A systemic, knowledge-based perspective

The management of an enduring relationship between provider and supplier has at its heart an implicit interaction between the valuation systems of the counterparts. We take the view that this interaction is conveniently understood through the lens of knowledge management. Knowledge management informs our treatment of business to business relationships through two mechanisms. It helps us manage better the dissemination and co-creation of knowledge in an organisation and new work in the mapping of knowledge allows us to represent the knowledge aspects of a relationship in a way which allows us to manage it better. We present, therefore, an approach to allow the specific representation of these valuation systems and their interaction, using a case study of the marketing of a nuclear submarine programme to a government. A conclusion is that structures which support the co-creation of knowledge between the companies is critical to winning the contract and we indicate how this co-creation can be engendered.

An analysis of the delayed response to Hurricane Katrina through the lens of knowledge management

In contrast to many recent large-scale catastrophic events, such as the Turkish earthquake in 1999, the 911 attack in New York in 2001, the Bali Bombing in 2002, and the Asian Tsunami in 2004, the ...