Knowledge Integration Processes Research Articles

Multigenerational product innovation process in electronic information industry: a qualitative study

PurposeDeveloping multigenerational products through iteration helps enterprises cope with environmental uncertainty and maintain lasting competitive advantages in a globally competitive environment. From the knowledge integration perspective, this study aims explore how enterprises achieve multigenerational product innovation.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory case study design is used to explore the multigenerational product innovation process.FindingsThis study proposes a model of the multigenerational product innovation process and shows that knowledge integration includes two important parts: the internalization of external knowledge and intergenerational knowledge integration. This study further conclude that multigenerational innovation has three main channels: rapid iteration, continuous reflection and coordination.Originality/valueFirst, this study presents a theoretical model of the process of multigenerational product innovation, including triggers, knowledge integration, learning systems and outcomes, and further enhances our understanding from product innovation to multigenerational product innovation. Second, this study contributes to the literature on the multigenerational product innovation process by revealing the knowledge integration process of the internalization of external knowledge and intergenerational knowledge integration.

The innovation interface between knowledge management and firm performance

ABSTRACT Although the evidence suggests that knowledge management (KM) is instrumental to superior firm performance, research on the mechanisms that mediate this relationship is still evolving. Using KM practices that support the knowledge-related processes (KRP) of knowledge creation, transfer, integration and implementation as the basis, we examine the relationship between the KM practices and firm performance. We also examine the mediating role of innovation in this relationship. The study focused on tank farm firms operating in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with data generated from 486 respondents. Results from Structural Equation Modelling showed that innovation partially mediates the relationship between the KM practices that support KRP and firm performance. The study reveals sustainability of firm operations as the most impacted qualitative performance dimension. Overall, the Knowledge-Based View is substantiated, and innovation is confirmed as an important KM antecedent of firm performance. The results provide useful contributions to theory and practice.

A multi-agent knowledge integration process for enterprise management innovation from the perspective of neural network

Because the innovation level of enterprise clusters in various regions of China is generally low, this research is focused on the process of knowledge integration of regional innovation subjects. We research, explore and analyze the different connection states between nodes and their impact on the knowledge symbiosis or knowledge spillover ability of the entire innovation network, learn from the characteristics of neurons in the neural network and the information transmission model to investigate the connection between various nodes in innovation network. We then determine the knowledge association mechanism and transmission relationship, and then analyze the trigger conditions of fusion and the transformation model of innovative knowledge flow under this condition, laying the foundation for further theoretical or practical research. Second, we built a model of the knowledge transfer connection that will be used in the innovation process. and select a path of knowledge transfer. Based on the mechanism of multi-agent innovation, we analyzed the incentive relationship of knowledge transfer in the innovation process, constructed the principles of knowledge transfer, analyzed the mutual transfer relationship between different innovation nodes, and analyze the simulation innovation network through certain examples. The knowledge fusion process in China lays the foundation for the improvement of the overall collaborative innovation level of the regional multi-agent innovation network. From the overall structure of the article, this research analyzes the regional innovation network from a new perspective on the basis of domestic and foreign research in knowledge flow management and control technology, knowledge exchange under social networks, and neural network optimization algorithms. The process of knowledge symbiosis or knowledge spillover in the process of innovation, exploring the incentive relationship of knowledge transfer throughout the primary parts innovation process, optimizing the degree of connection or relationship between different main agents, optimizing the knowledge exchange relationship from one node in the innovation network to another and improving the collaborative innovation of the regional mesh lay a theoretical foundation for the level.

Knowledge Integration and Disruptive Innovation Product Development: Case Studies of Company A

Because of the energy crisis, companies started developing electric vehicles. Company A, as a new entrant, successfully developed a disruptive innovation of the world’s first high-performance, zero emissions, and two-wheeled electric scooter. As disruptive innovation is frequently discovered in the combination of different industrial technologies, company A is comprised of high-tech and traditional industry resources and knowledge. This study aims to explore the process of heterogeneous industry knowledge integration in the traditional motorcycle manufacturing industry by a case study of company A. Following qualitative research method, this study concludes four main findings in product development: (1) organizational knowledge integration is identified to mitigate the impact of functional conflict; (2) design validation knowledge integration is identified to set the standard for pioneer product strategy; (3) internal and external engineering knowledge integration is identified to realizes the goal of pioneer product strategy; (4) product validation knowledge integration is identified to coordinate the flexible planning process.

What do you mean by values? Integration of social with biophysical knowledge in the development of a landscape decision support system

Environmental decision-making is recognised as requiring integration of biophysical and social knowledge, but integration of knowledges based in different epistemic assumptions is challenging. We used an action research approach to observe integration in the development of a landscape decision support system (DSS) for forest and fire management in Victoria, Australia. We found two different knowledge integration processes, conceptually-driven to shape the structure of the DSS and technically-driven through modelling. Project framing dominated by biophysical sciences and technically-driven integration presented a barrier to many potential social science contributions that could connect a DSS with the surrounding social and decision contexts. Nonetheless, some conceptually-driven integration occurred when social researchers contributed their analysis of values of the public to the DSS design. The need for this integration emerged through initial conflict over disciplinary understandings of ‘value’. While initially uncomfortable, this opened the way to differentiate knowledge related to the term and to negotiate some conceptual synthesis and an agreed multidisciplinary list of values to structure the DSS. Technically-driven integration occurred through incorporation of social and biophysical metrics in model software. Our research highlights that bridging concepts such as values and related frameworks act as boundary objects that help in overcoming barriers to integration between social and biophysical knowledge. Integration is itself a potential boundary object and early discussions to differentiate and clarify how the term is understood can help in designing interdisciplinary processes. Critically, projects need adequate time for interdisciplinary differentiation, tolerance amongst the team for uncomfortable conversations, and leadership that fosters interdisciplinary interactions to achieve a high degree of knowledge integration.

Integration of process knowledge and statistical learning for the Dow data challenge problem

In this paper, we propose a statistical learning procedure that integrates process knowledge for the Dow data challenge problem presented in Braun et al. (2020). The task is to build an accurate inferential sensor model to predict the impurity in the product stream with apparent drifts. The proposed method consists of i) process data exploratory analysis, ii) a method for variable selection, iii) a method to deal with non-negative physical property modeling using a softplus function; and iv) a method for online bias updating based on known data. We make use of process operation knowledge in all steps of data analytics, including exploratory analysis and feature selection. We report the detection of equipment-switching operations in the data and interpolations found in the impurity data. Partial least squares (PLS) and least angle regression solution (LARS) are adopted to model the data with strong collinearity. Pros and cons of LARS and PLS are given with practical implications.

Bayesian Belief Networks for Integrating Scientific and Stakeholders’ Knowledge to Support Nature-Based Solution Implementation

There is a growing interest worldwide on the potential of nature-based solutions (NBSs) as measures for dealing with water-related risks while producing multiple co-benefits that can contribute to several societal challenges and many of the sustainable development goals. However, several barriers still hamper their wider implementation, such as mainly the lack of stakeholders’ engagement and the limited integration of stakeholders’ knowledge throughout the phases of NBS design and implementation. This is a crucial aspect to guarantee that the multidimensional implications of NBSs are adequately understood and considered by decision-makers. Innovative methods and tools for improving NBS design and supporting decision-makers in overcoming the main barriers to implementation, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness, are therefore needed. The present work proposes a combined approach based on the integration of fuzzy cognitive maps, hydraulic modeling, and participatory Bayesian belief networks aiming to facilitate the stakeholders’ engagement and the knowledge integration process in NBS design and assessment. The approach was developed and implemented within the NAIAD project in the Lower Danube demo site, specifically oriented to support the process of the Potelu Wetland restoration. First, fuzzy cognitive maps are adopted as a problem structuring method for eliciting stakeholders’ risk perception and problem understanding, and for constructing a causal model describing the system as a whole, with specific attention to the expected role of the NBS in reducing flood risk and addressing the key local challenges. Second, hydraulic modeling is used to analyze the effect of extreme floods starting from the retrospective analysis of a specific event and to model the potential benefits of risk reduction measures. Last, a Bayesian belief network is used to support the model integration process and a scenario analysis with a user-friendly tool. The whole process can be replicated in other areas and is particularly suitable to support an active engagement of stakeholders (both institutional and not) in the process of NBS design and assessment.

System Thinking and Citizen Participation Is Still Missing in One Health Initiatives - Lessons From Fifteen Evaluations.

Tackling complex public health challenges requires integrated approaches to health, such as One Health (OH). A key element of these approaches is the integration of knowledge across sectors, disciplines and stakeholders. It is not yet clear which elements of knowledge integration need endorsement to achieve best outcomes. This paper assesses 15 OH initiatives in 16 African, Asian and European countries to identify opportunities to improve knowledge integration and to investigate geographic influences on knowledge integration capacities. Two related evaluation tools, both relying on semi-quantitative questionnaires, were applied to two sets of case studies. In one tool, the questions relate to operations and infrastructure, while the other assigns questions to the three phases of “design,” “implementation,” and “evaluation” of the project life cycle. In both, the question scores are aggregated using medians. For analysis, extreme values were identified to highlight strengths and weaknesses. Seven initiatives were assessed by a single evaluator external to the initiative, and the other eight initiatives were jointly assessed by several internal and external evaluators. The knowledge integration capacity was greatest during the project implementation stage, and lowest during the evaluation stage. The main weaknesses pointing towards concrete potential for improvement were identified to be a lack of consideration of systemic characteristics, missing engagement of external stakeholders and poor bridging of knowledge, amplified by the absence of opportunities to learn and evolve in a collective process. Most users were unfamiliar with the systems approach to evaluation and found the use of the tools challenging, but they appreciated the new perspective and saw benefits in the ensuing reflections. We conclude that systems thinking and associated practises for OH require not only specific education in OH core competencies, but also methodological and institutional measures to endorse broad participation. To facilitate meta-analyses and generic improvement of integrated approaches to health we suggest including knowledge integration processes as elements to report according to the COHERE guidelines.

Learning across disciplines in socio-environmental problem framing

Modelling complex socio-environmental problems requires integration of knowledge across disparate fields of expertise. A key challenge is understanding how social learning across disciplines occurs in scientific research teams, in order that integrated knowledge is co-created. This article introduces a new framework for training researchers to integrate their knowledge across disciplines, based on current understanding of how inter- and transdisciplinary learning in research teams occurs. The framework was generated from a synthesis of learning, cognitive, and social science theories, and combines facilitated, structured negotiation processes with co-creation of boundary objects. It was used in two, 9 to 10-day intensive training workshops for doctoral students. This article describes the framework, workshop design, analysis of data collected during the workshops related to knowledge integration processes, what has been learned from the results, and the impact on participants. All participants indicated the experience was transformative, provided knowledge and skills unavailable elsewhere, filled gaps in their graduate education programs, and improving confidence in their capacity for inter- and transdisciplinary research. Pre- and post-workshop surveys confirm that the framework changed participants’ knowledge, behaviors, and competencies for engaging across disciplines. Many students have reported they have used the framework in a variety of other research and education settings, indicating they are able to transfer their new competencies to other contexts. Findings contribute to understanding of how to more effectively train researchers to integrate knowledge across disciplines for complex societal problem solving.

Concept for Enabling Customer-oriented Data Analytics via Integration of Production Process Improvement Methods and Data Science Methods

Production companies are facing the major challenge of digitization. New technical developments enable new optimization potentials in production that can be leveraged in a highly competitive market. Data analysis is a good example of this, allowing large amounts of data to be used to support production in optimization projects. For data analysis the CRISP-DM approach has become generally accepted in science and practice. This process model offers a good support for data science projects with useful data analysis methods and tools. In practice, however, it can often be observed that aspects such as customer-oriented project definition and the integration of process knowledge in data science projects are difficult to achieve. This paper will present a solution for that challenge. The combination of process optimization methods from the Lean Management and Six Sigma toolbox as well as project management methods for each phase of the CRISP-DM approach support data science projects to customize the project definition and integrate process knowledge.

Aporte de las competencias investigativas a la integración de saberes curriculares en el escenario de aprendizaje del Taller de Diseño Arquitectónico

Orientado a comprender la significación de las competencias investigativas para la integración de saberes curriculares en el Taller de Diseño Arquitectónico (TDA), se desarrolló este estudio desde el enfoque Fenomenológico Hermenéutico Pedagógico de Van Manen (2003), centrando el interés en experiencias vividas por estudiantes y profesores de Arquitectura, con apoyo en referenciales teóricos. A partir de entrevistas en profundidad, analizando y triangulando datos con aportes teóricos, se realizaron interpretaciones intersubjetivas, emergiendo las categorías: procesos investigativos, procesos integradores de saberes, visión del TDA, rol del profesor, que posibilitaron la comprensión de la relevancia de las competencias investigativas, a través de procesos, prácticas y actitudes para la investigación, estas últimas de elevada significación, en tanto que posibilitan el entendimiento, desarrollo y eficiencia del proceso de diseño como resultante de integrar saberes curriculares. Se elaboró una aproximación teorética del aporte de estas competencias para la integración de saberes curriculares en el TDA.

Refocusing the climate services lens: Introducing a framework for co-designing “transdisciplinary knowledge integration processes” to build climate resilience

This paper seeks to reconceptualize climate services in light of the prevailing inability of existing climate information to spur needed policy and action. We propose refocusing the climate services lens by moving away from a narrow, supply-driven emphasis on products. Instead, we advocate moving towards a process-centric approach defined by transdisciplinary collaboration that purposefully seeks to bring about fundamental, long-term benefits. Such benefits include increased human and institutional capacity, and the creation of relationships that are essential components of science-informed decision-making for climate adaptation and beyond. Work underpinning this paper consists of a review of existing climate services guidance, and analyses of a survey of climate services stakeholders, and a climate information co-production process case study in Lusaka, Zambia. We identify elements needed to support complex, real-world decision-making that many existing climate services fail to sufficiently consider. We respond by introducing a framework (Tandem), which consists of structured elements and practical, guiding questions informed by empirical analysis. To lay the foundation for both science-informed policy and policy-informed science, the Tandem framework puts forward guidance to achieve three goals: 1) to improve the ways in which all participants work together to purposefully design transdisciplinary knowledge integration processes (co-exploration and co-production processes that bring together different knowledge types across the science-society interface); 2) to co-explore decision-relevant needs for the co-production of integrated climate information (i.e., decision-relevant climate and non-climate information); and, 3) to increase individual and institutional capacities, collaboration, communication and networks that can translate this information into climate-resilient decision-making and action.

Rethinking buildings. Should buildings simply be enclosures that house different functions?

This document presents BasES, which is a tool kit disseminated as an open educational resource. BasES is focused on the topic of buildings-as-energy services, promoting the knowledge integration to envisage buildings as components of future distributed renewable and interactive energy systems (DRIs). BasES will allow users of exploring and analysing DRIs' emergent properties at the local level, developing, and implementing the tool kit proposed. The specific objective concerns the use of the tool kit in the organisation of a technology support net (TSN) for buildings-as-a-service. TSN is composed of a multitude of actors, who often have different perspectives and scopes, but they are called to work collaboratively in order to establish work rules, requisite skills, work contents, standards and measures, culture and organisational patterns with regard to the emergent systems. Buildings-as-a-service is a completely new topic, and thus, an appropriate TSN is needed urgently. Our tool kit (i.e. Buildings-as-Energy-Services; BasES) will be a ground-breaking cognitive apparatus for involving stakeholders in knowledge transfer and integration processes. Thus, a new generation of product-service systems will be promoted. BasES is expected to configure a multi-stakeholder co-designed UK roadmap on socio-technical innovation in DRIs transition.

The relationship between knowledge management and leadership: mapping the field and providing future research avenues

PurposeEffectively handling knowledge is crucial for any organization to survive and prosper in the turbulent environments of the modern era. Leadership is a central element for knowledge creation, acquisition, utilization and integration processes. Based on these considerations, this study aims to offer an overview of the evolution of the literature regarding the knowledge management-leadership relationship published over the past 20 years.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis coupled with a systematic literature review were performed over a data set of 488 peer-reviewed articles published from 1990 to 2018.FindingsThe authors discovered the existence of four well-polarized clusters with the following thematic focusses: human and relational aspects, systematic and performance aspects, contextual and contingent aspects and cultural and learning aspects. The authors then investigated each thematic cluster by reviewing the most relevant contributions within them.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the bibliometric analysis and the systematic literature review, the authors developed an interpretative framework aimed at uncovering several promising and little explored research areas, thus suggesting an agenda for future knowledge management-leadership research. Some steps of the paper selection process may have been biased by the interpretation of the researcher. The authors addressed this concern by performing a multiple human subject reading process whose reliability was confirmed by a Krippendorf’s alpha coefficient value >0.80.Originality/valueTo the best knowledge, this is the first study to map, systematize and discuss the literature concerned to the topic of the knowledge management-leadership relationship.

Allying knowledge integration and co-production for knowledge legitimacy and usability: The Amazonian SISA policy and the Kaxinawá Indigenous people case

Environmental policies that aim to enhance nature conservation, biodiversity, and well-being of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) rely on knowledge integration and co-production processes that include both science and Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) systems. While these processes are expected to safeguard the diversity of knowledge systems, uneven power relations among participants often prevent them from achieving this which can affect the legitimacy and usability of the outcomes of these processes. Using a case study in the Acre state (Brazil), where policy practitioners implemented the REDD + policy System of Incentives for Ecosystem Services in the Brazilian Kaxinawá Nova Olinda Indigenous Land, we investigate how participants manage challenges to safeguard knowledge diversity and usability during policy assessment and planning. Our findings show how, despite the use of participatory approaches, knowledge diversity ended up being compromised because policy practitioners were insufficiently attentive to power asymmetries and their implications. This, however, did not negatively affect the usability of the knowledge outcomes. Rather than focusing on the perfection of participatory methods, we call for a practical ethics that relies on culturally and ethically sensitive dialogues and that include continuous reflection. Such reflection will enable adaptation and improvisation to be able to respond to emerging power dynamics in an adequate and timely manner, thereby ensuring both the legitimacy and the usability of the outcomes of knowledge integration and co-production.

Participatory planning practice in rural Indonesia: A sustainable development goals-based evaluation

ABSTRACT When evaluating the practices of public participation, one should understand how the participatory process is conceived and implemented. Although many studies have been conducted in this regard, there is hardly a study that used Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the basis for evaluation. In this study, we examine the participatory process of a public participation practice in Indonesia, called Musrenbang, at the village level, applying an SDGs’ based assessment. Using the case of the Deli Serdang district, we investigate the participatory process based on SDG indicators 11.3.2 and 16.7.2, applying a set of criteria suggested by various scholars. The results show a misalignment between the Musrenbang practice and the evaluation criteria due to key problems such as planning schedules that do not meet regulations, lack of knowledge integration and learning processes, as well as power struggles amongst stakeholders.

The power in positionings: A Foucauldian approach to knowledge integration processes

This study explores the role of relational power and discursive positioning in the knowledge integration process of an interdisciplinary project developing a steam turbine. As boundaries are an important focus of study for knowledge integration studies, more engagement is needed to not only map boundary work in the knowledge integration process, but also to acknowledge the role of power in this context. With help of governmentality and positioning theory, we show how power struggles are manifested as boundary work that both reinforces and undermines temporal and domain-specific boundaries. The study concludes that these reinforcements and underminings are central for our understanding of how knowledge integration develops. In addition, the study shed lights on the significance of the co-existence of domination and freedom in the project work. By acknowledging power relations and studying them as they are played out in discursive talk, the study contributes to an increased understanding of the nuances and intricacies of knowledge integration processes.

Guest Editors: Islamic Education as The Core for The Formation of Barakah Campus

This special issue of Islamic Education as the Core for Formation of Barakah Campus brings together 10 selected articles presented at 2018 International Conference on Islamic Higher Education (SeIPTI) which was held on 25 & 26 November. The conference was organized by Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The topics presented discussed on knowledge integration and learning process among Malaysian University graduates, including a special discussion on Muslim gifted and talented students. This special issue also highlighted topics on academics’ working satisfaction towards co-worker, as well as the relationship between Muslim and the non-Muslim according to the perspective of Maqasid Syariah in Malaysia, as well as the importance of barakah (Allah’s blessings) in building a nation. In addition, an article on measuring the effectiveness of University programs gave emphasis to the use of meta-analysis and systematic review of various evaluation models.

Bridging Theories and Practices: Boundary Objects and Constellation Analysis as Vehicles for Interdisciplinary Knowledge Integration

Knowledge integration is a major challenge of interdisciplinary research. Substantially different stocks of knowledge based on different scientific backgrounds, uses of language, methodologies, and epistemologies must be integrated into the research process. Addressing this challenge, this paper exemplifies the process of interdisciplinary knowledge integration drawing on the example of the junior research group DynaMo—Mobility-Energy Dynamics in Urban Areas that deals with the sustainable transformation of urban mobility systems. This paper shows how we apply the boundary object concept in combination with the method of Constellation Analysis as vehicles for interdisciplinary knowledge integration. By innovatively combining the boundary object concept with Constellation Analysis we a) suggest a self-reflective tool for structuring the process of knowledge integration and b) further operationalize the boundary object with the help of core concepts. The approach is illustrated with the boundary object sustainable transformation of urban passenger mobility used by DynaMo. In doing so, the paper aims to add an instrument to the toolkit of inter- and transdisciplinary research and offers practical knowledge for its application.

The state of innovation system research: What happens beneath the surface?

Since its emergence in the 1980s, the concept of “Innovation Systems” (IS) has inspired research and shaped discussions in academia and policy alike, leading to a cascading development of approaches and extensions at various analytic levels. IS research has expanded far beyond its initial focus by generating new knowledge within but also attracting increased attention from adjacent fields. As a result, the broad understanding of IS and its diversity in applications has resulted in blurry boundaries of the field, making its contemporary delineation, synthesis, and assessment of its progress challenging. Using a combination of data-driven techniques from bibliometrics, natural language processing, and network analysis, this paper maps and analyzes the structure of knowledge production and the process of knowledge integration in current research. We find an overall growing tendency toward increasing diversity in the knowledge bases from which the field draws, accompanied by a decreasing coherence of collective research efforts. We point to the crucial role of institutions and academic entrepreneurs in shaping these developments in interdisciplinary and diverse fields, illustrating this by the role of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).