Use Of Knowledge Management Systems Research Articles

Leveraging Knowledge Management Techniques for Developing Multimedia Exercise Guides for Elderly Fall Prevention

In this research study, the primary objective was to develop a comprehensive exercise program specifically designed for elderly individuals. The focus was on evaluating various exercise postures and validating their impact on muscle groups. By integrating knowledge management systems with knowledge engineering methodologies, the aim was to optimize the design of exercise postures and promote optimal health outcomes for the elderly. Divided into three distinct experiments, the study employed a systematic approach to acquire, represent, and validate knowledge related to exercise postures for the elderly population. The use of knowledge management systems and engineering methodologies facilitated the design of effective exercise postures tailored to meet the unique needs and capabilities of elderly individuals. Experiment I focused on knowledge acquisition through structured interviews with physical therapists. The acquired knowledge was used to screen and prioritize exercise postures suitable for elderly individuals. Expert recommendations and analysis were employed to select a set of exercise postures. Using a matrix combination approach, 189 possible exercise postures were generated by combining aerobic and dance postures. Through a screening process, 52 postures were selected as suitable for elderly individuals. Experiment II utilized kinesthetic representation techniques to visually represent the 52 selected exercise postures for the elderly. Additionally, frame representation was employed to capture muscle specifications associated with each posture. The representation design was validated by physical exercise experts. In the first step of Experiment III, a total of 52 exercise postures were implemented and evaluated with elderly participants. The implementation and validation process aimed to identify the best and most appropriate postures for the elderly, considering factors such as satisfaction levels, difficulty levels, and safety considerations. Through this rigorous evaluation, the initial selection of 52 postures was narrowed down to a final set of 21 suitable postures. The validation results provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of the exercise postures and their impact on the elderly participants. It ensured that the chosen postures were not only effective in promoting optimal health outcomes but also minimized the risk of injury. The iterative assessment and refinement process contributed to the development of an evidence-based exercise program specifically tailored to the unique needs and capabilities of elderly individuals. For the second step of Experiment III, the effects of the selected exercise postures on different muscle groups were validated. Three physical exercise experts evaluated the impact on upper limb, trunk, and lower limb muscles. Specific muscle groups, such as brachioradialis, deltoid, quadriceps, and hamstring, were found to be strongly focused on during the exercises, while trunk muscles were rated as poor overall. The evaluation involved implementing and evaluating a total of 52 exercise postures with elderly participants. The selection of the final 21 postures was based on the evaluation results and provided insights into satisfaction levels, difficulty levels, and safety considerations for each exercise posture. The validation outcomes showed a high level of agreement among the experts, ranging from 79% to 91%. For conclusion, this research aimed to enhance exercise programs for the elderly by developing more effective methodologies for designing exercise postures. By considering the specific requirements of the elderly population and utilizing knowledge management systems, the study successfully created exercise postures that maximize health benefits and overall well-being. Through the implementation of knowledge engineering methodologies and the utilization of knowledge management systems, the research optimized the design of exercise postures for elderly individuals. The division of the study into three experiments enabled a comprehensive analysis of the acquired knowledge, leading to the development of exercise postures specifically tailored to the needs of the elderly population.

If you build it, will they come? Exploring the success factors of knowledge management systems in the Malaysian public sector

The current study investigates the factors that influence the success of knowledge management systems in the public sector. This study integrates the DeLone and McLean Model with critical organizational factors. The model has been tested on the data collected from 158 employees in the public sector in Malaysia, the study found that knowledge content quality has a higher significant impact on the use of knowledge management systems than system quality. Perceived usefulness also has a greater impact than user satisfaction in determining the system's overall success. Among the organizational factors, leadership is the most significant determinant of success. However, the culture of sharing, perceived trust, and incentives do not significantly influence the use of knowledge management systems. The findings suggest that public sector organizations should focus on both system and organizational factors to implement successful knowledge management systems.

Systematic Literature Review on Agility in Knowledge-intensive Organizations

Organizational agility may be an antidote against threats from volatile, uncertain, complex, or ambiguous corporate environments. While agility has been extensively examined in manufacturing enterprises, comparably less is known about agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. As results may not be transferable, there is still some confusion about how agility in knowledge-intensive organizations can be characterized, what factors facilitate its development, what its organizational effects are, and what environmental conditions favor these effects. This study closes these gaps by presenting a systematic literature review on agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. A systematic literature search led to a sample of 37 relevant papers for our review. Integrating the knowledge-based view and a dynamic capabilities perspective, we (1) present different relevant conceptualizations of organizational agility, (2) discuss relevant knowledge management-related as well as information technology-related capabilities that support the development of organizational agility, and (3) shed light on the moderating role of environmental conditions in enhancing organizational agility and its effect on organizational performance. This academic paper adds value to theory by synthesizing existing research on agility in knowledge-intensive organizations. It furthermore may serve as a map for closing research gaps by proposing an extensive agenda for future research. Our study expands existing literature reviews on agility with its specific focus on a knowledge-intensive context and its integration of the research streams of knowledge management capabilities as well as information technology capabilities. It integrates relevant organizational knowledge management practices and the use of knowledge management systems to ensure superior performance effects. Our study can serve as a base for future examinations of organizational agility by illustrating fruitful topics for further examination as well as open questions. It may also provide value to practitioners by showing what factors favor the development of agility in knowledge-intensive organizations and what organizational effects can be achieved under which conditions.

A knowledge management system in the strategic development of universities

The purpose of this study is a conceptual description of the implementation of knowledge management systems (KMS) as a mechanism for universities’ strategic development. Knowledge management (KM) practice from around the world proved the positive influence of KMS on productivity of educational institutions. The theoretical provisions and concept for KMS are determined based on an analysis of international experience of KMS use in higher education (HE). Theoretical provisions consist of 1) the staff activities as an object of KM and knowledge because of these activities, 2) the specificity of HE restrains a transfer of the KM mechanism from business to HE, and 3) the uniqueness of each university determines the structure and content of KMS for strategic development. The KM process in HE is reflected in the Socialization-Externalization-Combination-Internalization (SECI) model, where each stage contains a list of staff activities and a set of digital services. The novelty of the KM process model in HE is that knowledge flows in a wave, not a spiral. In this motion, knowledge passes from uncodified to partly codified and codified form. The study demonstrates that knowledge can go the from stage of partly codified to uncodified for revision, and knowledge flow can stop at any stage. The advantage of the concept we designed is the ability to control the flow of knowledge before it takes the codified form of a document. The digital environment for KM first allows management to control faculty activities at the initial stage of uncodified knowledge through measurement of activities, and then to estimate the knowledge flow itself. The gathered indicators help to make decisions to motivate or restrain faculty. The university management gets a complete picture of faculty activities with knowledge and the intensity of knowledge flow in training courses and educational programs.

Conceptual model of knowledge management system for scholarly publication cycle in academic institution

Purpose Study on knowledge-based systems for scientific publications is growing very broadly. However, most of these studies do not explicitly discuss the knowledge management (KM) component as knowledge management system (KMS) implementation. This background causes academic institutions to face challenges in developing KMS to support scholarly publication cycle (SPC). Therefore, this study aims to develop a new KMS conceptual model, Identify critical components and provide research gap opportunities for future KM studies on SPC. Design/methodology/approach This study used a systematic literature review (SLR) method with the procedure from Kitchenham et al. Then, the SLR results are compiled into a conceptual model design based on a framework on KM foundations and KM solutions. Finally, the model design was validated through interviews with related field experts. Findings The KMS for SPC focuses on the discovery, sharing and application of knowledge. The majority of KMS use recommendation systems technology with content-based filtering and collaborative filtering personalization approaches. The characteristics data used in KMS for SPC are structured and unstructured. Metadata and article abstracts are considered sufficiently representative of the entire article content to be used as a search tool and can provide recommendations. The KMS model for SPC has layers of KM infrastructure, processes, systems, strategies, outputs and outcomes. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations in discussing tacit knowledge. In contrast, tacit knowledge for SPC is essential for scientific publication performance. The tacit knowledge includes experience in searching, writing, submitting, publishing and disseminating scientific publications. Tacit knowledge plays a vital role in the development of knowledge sharing system (KSS) and KCS. Therefore, KSS and KCS for SPC are still very challenging to be researched in the future. KMS opportunities that might be developed further are lessons learned databases and interactive forums that capture tacit knowledge about SPC. Future work potential could identify other types of KMS in academia and focus more on SPC. Originality/value This study proposes a novel comprehensive KMS model to support scientific publication performance. This model has a critical path as a KMS implementation solution for SPC. This model proposes and recommends appropriate components for SPC requirements (KM processes, technology, methods/techniques and data). This study also proposes novel research gaps as KMS research opportunities for SPC in the future.

Development of I-Graciass Adoption and Implementation Model at Telkom Education Foundation Lemdikti Knowledge Management Systems Based

I-Graciass is one of the digicampus programs under the Directorate of Digital Transformation, Synergy &Performance (DTSP) of the Telkom Education Foundation (YPT) in the form of a smart app & information system as an integrated academic and non-academic management information system. Based on the Vision-Mission, Strategy and Tagline of YPT as The Leader of ICT Education Provider in Indonesia as well as the spirit of carrying out digital transformation in the foundation, so that I-Graciass becomes mandatory to be adopted and implemented in all Higher Education Institutions (Lemdikti) under the guidance of YPT. However, the facts on the ground of the process of adopting and implementing I-Graciass in each Lemdikti are not easy things. For this reason, this research was carried out in order to facilitate the process of adopting and implementing I-Graciass through the method of climbing Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) in all YPT Lemdikti, especially for new universities such as Telkom Institute of Technology Surabaya and other new universities that will later be established by YPT. The results of this study show that the factors that influence the success of the I-Graciass Adoption process at ITTelkom Surabaya and other Lemdikti consist of tennis and non-technical aspects that can refer to the implementation of best practices in the previous lemdikti. In addition, to support the success rate of adoption and implementation, an effective knowledge transfer process is needed through the use and development of the right KMS for an organization and its end users.

Security quality of KMS and KMS adoption: The context of SMEs

BACKGROUND: Knowledge is a source of competitive and strategic resource for many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Securing knowledge assets through secured knowledge management systems (KMS) is a critical concern among SMEs. Due to the socio-technical nature of KMS, the security quality of KMS is an influential factor in KMS adoption by SMEs. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the effects of the security quality of KMS and the task-technology fit on KMS adoption among SMEs in Ghana. It further investigates whether or not the security quality of KMS affects the ease of use of KMS among SMEs. METHODS: Using a structured questionnaire, data were gathered from 281 IT professionals from 67 SMEs in Ghana. We used the technology acceptance model (TAM) to find out how security quality and task-technology fit (TTF) affect users’ acceptance of KMS. To facilitate the data collection process and to strictly focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, we excluded enterprises having 100 or more employees. The analyses used for this study focused on the key constructs and they included correlation, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The study found that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness influence users’ behavioral intention to accept KMS. Perceived ease of use has a positive relationship with perceived usefulness. Also, the security quality of KMS was found to affect both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. However, the effect of the relationship between the security quality of KMS and perceived ease of use is higher when moderated by TTF. CONCLUSIONS: The security quality of KMS is fundamental to strengthening knowledge as a source of competitive advantage for most enterprises. It is important for managers to recognize security quality as an opportunity rather than a threat to advance and sustain their competitiveness as well as ensuring knowledge-sharing success.

Facilitating digital collaboration through knowledge management: a case study

ABSTRACT Knowledge management (KM) can facilitate collaboration and enhance innovation. To manage knowledge, organisations typically implement knowledge management systems (KMSs). It has been shown that KMS facilitates the management of explicit knowledge. However, KMSs are at times not embraced because of issues such as long file search times and information overload. Moreover, managing tacit knowledge via KMS is hardly discussed in literature. To shed light on these issues, this paper conducts a case study at a railway infrastructure manager. Three key practical problems have been identified that hinder current KMS use and sharing of tacit knowledge. To overcome these problems, a KM platform was developed, and its usability was assessed with 17 experts. A paired-samples t-test reveals that the developed platform reduces the file search time compared to the current solution. Moreover, structured interviews show that the lesson-learned site component contributes to improved learning, and the KM platform facilitates collaboration building.

Knowledge management system implementation success: A social capital perspective

BACKGROUND: Organizations develop knowledge management (KM) strategies with the intention to leverage knowledge across all functional areas. A knowledge management system (KMS) is used to facilitate KM processes such as the creation, storage, and application of knowledge. However, mere adoption and deployment of KMS do not warrant its effective use to facilitate knowledge-sharing efforts. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the facilitative role of social capital in the use of KMS by considering three social capital dimensions –cognitive (i.e., shared norms), relational (i.e., trust), and structural (i.e., social connectedness). METHODS: A case study strategy was used for this study. A mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative techniques was used to obtain relevant data for analysis. Instruments used to collect the data were semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Documents regarding social policy, shared values, and shared goals were also obtained for triangulation purposes. A total of 15 respondents were interviewed while 73 respondents participated in the survey. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants and the survey data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, factor analysis, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The study found that each of the three dimensions of social capital has a positive and significant relationship with the use of KMS. Specifically, shared norms (i.e., cognitive social capital), trust (i.e., relational social capital), and strong connectedness (i.e., structural social capital) were good predictors of employees’ use of KMS while user attitude and perceived usefulness mediate social capital dimensions in terms of KMS usage for knowledge exchange or transfer in the organization. CONCLUSIONS: The application of social capital theory to KMS context should be a very important consideration by both researchers and practitioners due to the socio-technical nature of KMS and the need to recognize social capital as a mechanism for inducement and opportunity to promote KMS usage for successful knowledge sharing.

Promoting knowledge sharing performance in a knowledge management system: do knowledge workers’ behavior patterns matter?

PurposeThis paper aims to identify the impact of demographical and organizational variables such as age, gender, experiences use of knowledge management system (KMS), education and job level on knowledge sharing (KS) performance of knowledge workers in knowledge activities of a KMS. Specifically, it seeks to explore that is there any relationship between the KS behavior patterns of high KS performance knowledge workers with their performance. Furthermore, this study using its conceptual attitude model aims to show that whether knowledge workers’ behavior patterns in sharing information and knowledge throughout a KMS have any specific effect or not.Design/methodology/approachThis paper proposed a framework to mine knowledge workers’ raw data using data mining techniques such as clustering and association rules mining. Also, this research uses a case-based approach to a knowledge-intensive company in Iran that works in the field of information technology with 730 numbers of workers.FindingsFindings suggest that demographical and organizational variables such as age, education and experience use of KMS have positive effects on knowledge worker’s KS behavior in KMSs. In fact, people who have lower age, higher education degrees and more experience use of KMS, have more participation in KS in KMS. Also, results depict that the experienced use of KMS has the most impact on the intention of KS in this KMS. Findings emphasize on the importance of the influence of the behavioral, organizational environments and psychological factors such as reward system, top management support, openness and trust, on KS performance of knowledge workers in the KMS. In fact, according to data, the KMS reward system caused to increasing participation of the users in KS, also in each knowledge activity that top managers participate in, the scores were higher.Practical implicationsThis research helps top managers in designing policies and strategies to improve the participation of knowledge workers in KS and helps human resource managers to improve their membership policies. Also, assist Information Technology (IT) managers to enhance KMSs’ design to leverage with organization strategies in the field of improving KS and encourage people to participate in KMS.Originality/valueThis research has two key values. First, this paper applies a data mining framework to mining and analyzing data and this paper uses actual data of a KMS in a specialist company in Iran, with about 27,740 real data points. Second, this paper investigates the impact of demographical and organizational attributes on KS behavior, which little is empirically known about the impact of demographical variables on KS intention.

Pathways to individual performance: Examining the interplay between knowledge bases and repository kms use

The aims of this study are to gain further insight into the contingent performance effects of repository knowledge management systems (KMS) use. While prior research has laid the foundations, a nuanced understanding of the interplay between the individual's personal and social knowledge bases and KMS usage behaviors is missing. Drawing from prior information systems literature, we identify two components of KMS use, usage frequency and usage intensity. We examine the influence of knowledge bases on individual performance, and the moderating influence of the usage behaviors. We test the hypothesized research model on usage and performance data from 18,219 real estate agents. We find support for different pathways to individual performance based on configurations of knowledge bases and usage behavior. Overall, the study provides an integrated view of the interplay between the three constituents of technology-based learning – cognition, behavior, and performance.

AI-enabled knowledge sharing and learning: redesigning roles and processes

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of AI in facilitating knowledge sharing and learning in organizations and the redesign of AI-enabled knowledge workers’ roles and processes.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a framework for analyzing AI’s role in different knowledge management activities, explores the impact of AI in transforming knowledge workers’ roles and processes in knowledge sharing and learning and presents recommendations for tailored AI-enabled knowledge management systems for modern knowledge worker environments.FindingsThe authors synthesize the elements from different parts of the relevant literature and develop a unified framework consisting of three dimensions of AI systems, three knowledge management (KM) activities and two types of AI–human interactions. Based on this framework, the authors summarize the primary use cases supported by AI-enabled knowledge management systems (KMS) and compare them with the traditional KMS use cases. The authors find that a single type of AI system is insufficient to support the increasingly complex nature of knowledge workers’ activities, manifested in three dimensions – process, engagement and content; a tailored AI system should be developed to support knowledge workers in their unique roles and processes.Originality/valueWith the growing interest in AI and its applications to KM, this research provides managerial insights for practitioners to effectively adopt AI in managing knowledge assets in organizations.

Knowledge Management System Use as a Key Driver of Professional and Organizational Cognitive Engagement

This study aims to contribute to the literature on knowledge management systems (KMS) through investigating the role of engagement as an important intermediary in the relationship between KMS use and outcomes. Building on prior literature, we propose a theoretical model that conceptualizes KMS use as a valuable resource and distinguish between two types of cognitive engagement: professional cognitive engagement and organizational cognitive engagement. These, in turn, mediate the KMS use-job performance and KMS use-organizational commitment relationships. We tested the model on a sample of 3354 real estate agents using an extensive dataset comprised of primary and secondary data. The findings show that KMS use has an impact on individuals’ professional and organizational cognitive engagement, which then impacts their job performance and organizational commitment. However, our findings indicate that professional cognitive engagement only partially mediates the relationship between KMS use and job performance. We conclude the paper with a discussion of theoretical contributions and practical implications.

The Moderated Mediation of Behavioral Intention on Knowledge Management Systems

Systems that support knowledge management systems (KMS) practices can add significant value. However, merely having a KMS may not necessarily guarantee success for KMS projects. Capturing valuable organizational knowledge in KMS remains an issue. Thus, new solutions that can increase meaningful use of KMS must be investigated. This study aims at examining the direct and indirect link between performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC), and social influence (SI) and the use of KMS through behavioral intention (BI) in United Arab Emirates (UAE) companies. In addition, the study aims to investigate the moderated effect of gender on the indirect link between KMS and all the variables. Data of 162 was collected from individuals of different companies in UAE. The results suggest that FC and BI positively and significantly influence KMS. On the mediating effect, BI mediates the link between PE and FC. Lastly, females appear to score higher in PE and FC. The study provides evidence that FC and BI are relevant factors influencing KMS in enterprises in the UAE.

The contribution of IT-leveraging capability for collaborative product development with suppliers

This paper investigates how Information Technology (IT) leveraging capability supports buyer-supplier collaboration in New Product Development (NPD). IT-leveraging capability is defined as the ability to effectively use IT functionalities to support IT-enabled NPD activities. We consider three dimensions of this capability: effective use of Project and Resource Management Systems (PRMS), effective use of Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) and effective use of Cooperative Work Systems (CWS). We consider the dynamics between these three dimensions, which have usually been treated as equal. Using an in-depth case study approach, we show that effective use of KMS and CWS are key dimensions to support collaboration, creating a unique source of competitive advantage. On the other hand, while effective use of PRMS does not help to create differentiation it is important to support the coordination of KMS and CWS. Furthermore, the three dimensions have different intensities of contribution depending on the NPD stage and supplier involvement configuration.

Use of knowledge management systems: analysis of the strategies of Brazilian small and medium enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the degree of diffusion and intensity of use of knowledge management systems (KMSs) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brazil and apply a taxonomy that synthesizes the strategies of use of KMSs by the SMEs. In addition, it seeks to better understand the processes, practices and technologies of KM by SMEs, pointing improvements in the KMS of Brazilian SMEs and contributing to obtain better results in the search for efficiency and innovation. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review on KMSs used by SMEs, an empirical investigation was conceived, developed and conducted through online questionnaires involving 49 selected SMEs operating in several sectors. Findings This paper reinforces the results of the previous work of Cerchione and Esposito (2017) that point to the existence of a reciprocal relationship between KM-Tools and KM-Practices: one reinforces the other and vice versa. On the other hand, it indicates a difference in the behavior of Brazilian companies in relation to the sample of Italian companies studied by Cerchione and Esposito (2017), which presented a negative correlation between the general differentiation index and the general use intensity index of SMEs, while the Brazilian ones showed a positive correlation. Research limitations/implications The study points out the need for greater dissemination of practices and tools to support knowledge management (KM), as well as greater support for the implementation and effective use of these practices and tools within the organizational context of SMEs. Practical implications This paper identifies the main practices and tools to support KM used by Brazilian SMEs, indicating the need for investments in employee training and acquisition of tools. Social implications SMEs represent an important part of the generation of jobs and income in Brazil. Initiatives that lead to the successful implementation of tools and practices to support KM can increase the efficiency and productivity of these organizations. Originality/value This paper applies in a sample of Brazilian companies the taxonomy proposed by Cerchione and Esposito (2017) combining strategies of SMEs for the use of KMSs.

Knowledge management systems: structural model of its success determinants in Latin America higher education institutions

This study proposes a structural model of the causal relationships that organizational, strategic, technological, and implementation factors have with knowledge management (KM) processes, as well as those between KM processes and the implementation factors for knowledge management systems (KMSs) at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Latin America. The exogenous variables are: culture of sharing, leadership, KM approach, knowledge map, information management strategy, and ICT. In turn, the endogenous variables are: KM processes, system quality, service quality, KMS use, and user satisfaction. A causal, explanatory, cross-sectional, and ex post facto multivariate study was carried out, using a hypothetical–deductive approach. The sample consisted of 374 individuals (academics, administrators, and researchers), belonging to 193 HEIs across 15 Latin American countries. The resulting model presents a partial fit to the data, confirming the explanatory relationships between 12 of the variables. Based on the results obtained from calculation of the direct and indirect effects observed for each of the endogenous variables of the model, the following goodness of fit indices were calculated: absolute (χ2 = 48.908, P-value= .059, PCMIN= 1.397, RMSEA= .075, FMIN= .689) and incremental (GFI= .894, IFI= .790). It is concluded that leadership, KM approach, knowledge map, and ICT positively influence KM processes; KM processes have a causal relationship with system quality and service quality; and system quality and service quality have an influence on KMS use and user satisfaction.

User's Segmentation on Continued Knowledge Management System Use in the Public Sector

Knowledge management systems (KMS) can help an organization support knowledge management activities and thereby increase organizational performance. This study extends the expectation-confirmation model for predicting mandatory continued KMS use in the public sector. The models are assessed using data from a sample of 627 employees of the Kaohsiung City government in Taiwan and analyzed using the finite mixture partial least squares (FIMIX-PLS) method. The results of this study indicate that (1) data heterogeneity (i.e., educational level) segments two specific groups that show different perceptions toward continued KMS use; (2) the results of aggregate-based data analysis are different from the results of group-specific data analysis; (3) compatibility, relative to confirmation, has larger impact on perceived usefulness regardless of groups; (4) the effect of user satisfaction on continued usage behavior is significant different between the two groups; (5) cognition-driven continued use and emotion-driven continued use are identified in the two groups.

Repository KMS Use and Work Group Performance: The Contingent Role of Group Composition

Previous research has only recently begun to examine the effects of knowledge management system (KMS) usage on work group outcomes. As a result, little is known about the conditions under which the usage of repository KMS increases group performance. In response to this gap, this study examines the contingencies of group composition. We conceptualize repository KMS usage as a learning mechanism that positively impacts group performance. Further, we identify group size, knowledge heterogeneity, and membership change as aspects of group composition which moderate this relationship. We analyzed a unique dataset composed of objective measures of repository KMS usage and sales commissions of 3,092 work groups within a large franchise company. The results indicate that repository KMS usage has an overall positive effect on group performance. This impact is diminished for groups with a greater number of members, with greater knowledge heterogeneity, and with greater membership change. Our results suggest that the implementation of technology alone is not sufficient to generate value for groups. Instead, close attention should also be paid to barriers which inhibit group learning.

Measuring the use of knowledge management systems in supply firms

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a taxonomic scheme of knowledge management systems (KMSs) and a set of technologies and managerial practices supporting supply firms in knowledge management processes.Design/methodology/approachBased on a field analysis involving a sample of suppliers operating in high-tech manufacturing and service industries, this paper investigates the use of KMSs in the sample investigated.FindingsThe paper shows that suppliers are generally reluctant to use updated and innovative KMSs replacing traditional ones. This gap confirms that suppliers have difficulties in facing rapid technological changes. The field analysis also points out that suppliers investigated perceive knowledge management mainly as an issue of knowledge transfer and knowledge storage while appear to be neglected the phase of knowledge creation.Originality/valueMoreover, the paper highlights a misalignment between the intensity of use of knowledge management practices that support the phase of knowledge creation and knowledge management tools that should support such practices.