Use Of Knowledge Management Tools Research Articles

Knowledge-oriented leadership for improved coordination as a solution to relationship conflict: effects on innovation capabilities

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes knowledge-oriented leadership and coordination as factors that help organisations to reduce conflicts in workplace relationships, with the aim of improving innovation capabilities. To date, these factors remain underexplored in the hotel industry, the future sustainability of which depends on the development of new services and business processes. This paper proposes a series of hypotheses about the role of knowledge-oriented leadership and coordination in developing an environment that is conducive to reducing conflicts, the result of which is an improvement in the innovation capabilities of hotel establishments. The hypothesised relationships between variables have been tested by means of structural equation modelling using SmartPLS 4.0. The results show that innovation capabilities improve when hotel establishments implement this type of leadership adequately as, with the use of knowledge management tools, the coordination of tasks is improved, thereby reducing the negative effects of workplace relationship conflict.

ICT Tools for Open Educational Resources Used in an Open Distance E-learning Institution in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era

Open educational resources (OER) are gaining popularity in higher education spaces and more attention in open distance e-learning (ODeL) institutions as they are gradually substituting printed prescribed textbooks in the teaching and learning space. The adoption and development of OER have been researched; however, the roles of knowledge management tools in storing and disseminating the resources are not well articulated. This research explores the use of knowledge management tools in an ODeL learning context. ODeL institutions use knowledge management tools and a host of other information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver and facilitate synchronous and asynchronous learning and bridge transactional distance. Therefore, this study employed a qualitative approach to investigate ways in which lecturers use knowledge management tools to embrace and create OER. A case study approach was used at one ODeL institution. The knowledge management cycle (KMC) was chosen as the theoretical framework of the study. The key finding demonstrates that lecturers utilised a wide range of ICT tools for the storage, collection, and dissemination of OER as part of knowledge production. The study proposes the extension of the KMC from three cycles to four where “system” is added. There is a significant need for policy, impact, and the matrix to be covered under the system cycle. The study recommends that scholars who are investigating any IT artefact opt for an extended KMC where impact and user metrics will be evaluated, as this will enhance academic support.

The use of knowledge management tools in viroinformatics. Example study of a highly conserved sequence motif in Nsp3 of SARS-CoV-2 as a therapeutic target

Knowledge management tools that assist in systematic review and exploration of scientific knowledge generally are of obvious potential importance in evidence based medicine in general, but also to the design of therapeutics based on the protein subsequences and fold motifs of virus proteins as considered here. Rapid access to bundles (clusters) of related elements of knowledge gathered from diverse sources on the Internet and from growing knowledge repositories seem particularly helpful when exploring less obvious therapeutic targets in viruses (for which knowledge new to the researcher is important), and when using the following concept. Subsequences of amino acid residue sequences of proteins that are conserved across strains and species are (a) more likely to be important targets and (b) less likely to exhibit escape mutations that would make them resistant to vaccines and therapeutic agents. However, the terms “conserved” and even “highly conserved” used by authors are matters of degree, depending on how distant from SARS-CoV-2 they wished to go in comparing other sequences. The binding site to the human ACE2 protein as virus receptor and human antibody CR3022 binding site on the spike glycoprotein are rather variable by the criteria used in the present and preceding studies. To look for more strongly conserved targets, open reading frames of SARS-CoV-2 were examined for extremely highly conserved regions, meaning recognizable across many viruses and organisms. Most prominent is a motif found in SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 3 (Nsp3). It relates to a fold called type called the macro domain and has remarkably wide distribution across organisms including humans with significant homologies involving three especially conserved subsequences (a) VVVNAANVYLKHGGGVAGALNK, (b) LHVVGPNVNKG, and (c) PLLSAGIFG. Careful study of the variations of these and of the more variable sequences between and around them might provide a finer “scalpel” to ensure inhibition of a vital function of the virus without impairing the functions of related host macro domains.

Using knowledge management tools in the Saudi National Mental Health Survey helpdesk: pre and post study

BackgroundWith the growth of information technology, there is a need for the evaluation of cost-effective means of monitoring and support of field workers involved in large epidemiological surveys.AimThe aim of this research was to measure the performance of a survey help desk that used knowledge management tools to improve its productivity and efficiency. Knowledge management tools are based on information technologies that improve the creation, sharing, and use of different types of knowledge that are critical for effective decision-making.MethodsThe Saudi National Mental Health Survey’s help desk developed and used specific knowledge management tools including a computer file system, feedback from experts and a call ticketing system. Results are based on the analyses of call records recorded by help desk agents in the call ticketing system using descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon rank-sum test (p < 0.01) and Goodman and Kruscal test (gamma). The call records were divided into two phases and included details such as types of calls, priority level and resolution time.ResultsThe average time to resolve a reported problem decreased overall, decreased at each priority level and led to increased first contact resolution.ConclusionThis study is the first of its kind to show how the use of knowledge management tools lead to a more efficient and productive help desk within a health survey environment in Saudi Arabia. Further research on help desk performance, particularly within health survey environments and the Middle Eastern region is needed to support this conclusion.

Knowledge management practicesin oil companies

The purpose of the study.In the economy of the 21st century, knowledge is the main source of obtaining sustainable competitive advantages of enterprises, and knowledge management (KM) is the main mechanism for ensuring and maintaining it. People and knowledge they possess, know-how, ability to innovate, trust relationships with customers and partners, and other intangible assets are becoming the most important sources of development for an organization. KM is traditionally carried out with the help of the following components: information technology, organizational processes and structures, corporate culture and people. In addition, there are complex tools of KM, which usually combine several KM components: a library of documents (knowledge base, corporate memory), communities of practice, lessons learned, etc. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the application of KM practices in companies in the oil industry of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods.This article used the analysis of secondary data sources, and also reviewed in detail two cases, describing KM in the activities of oil companies in Russia. In order to understand at what stage is the development of the knowledge management system (KMS) in oil companies of Russia it’s necessary to compare the use of KM tools in foreign and domestic practice, this paper is based on information, provided in open sources. Observations are formed and the most prominent examples of the use of KM tools are indicated.Results.The article provides an overview of KM tools, examples of their use in the oil and gas industries, and also examined the domestic practice of their use, based on cases of Russian oil companies. Examples of the use of KM tools, based on technologies and employees in foreign and Russian oil companies are pre-sented. On the example of cases of two well-known Russian oil companies, the stages of formation and de-velopment of knowledge management system in a company were considered, specific practices of KM, which appeared in companies at the respective stages of KMS development, were presented, as well as fea-tures of KM in each company.Conclusion.For a number of reasons, oil companies are advocates of the proactive use of KM systems. In the course of the analysis, the trends of KM in the oil sector of the Russian economy were identified: com-plexity of use, poor acceptance of innovations, not related to production/technological processes, the begin-ning of the emergence of a policy of active knowledge sharing, a move towards creating a flexible KM sys-tem. This article will draw the attention of Russian managers to the issue of knowledge management and other intangible assets and identify management practices that will help Russian companies to successfully develop and compete, based on their intellectual capital. The article will also be of interest for specialists in knowledge management and practitioners from related fields.

Non-profit organizations’ use of tools and technologies for knowledge management: a comparative study

PurposeThis paper aims to present findings from a study conducted with non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Canada and Australia, focusing on the use of tools and technologies for knowledge management (KM). NPOs of different sizes and operating in different sectors were studied in two large-scale national surveys. The paper is useful to both practitioners in NPOs for understanding tool use for KM activities and to scholars to further develop the KM-NPO domain.Design/methodology/approachTwo nation-wide surveys were conducted with Canadian and Australian NPOs of different sizes (i.e. very small to large-sized organizations) and operating in different sectors (e.g. animal welfare, education and research, culture and arts). An analysis of responses explores the use of tools and technologies by NPOs. Respondents identified the tools and technologies they used from nine pre-determined themes (quantitative data) plus an additional category of “other tools” (qualitative data), which allowed for free text responses. The quantitative data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and the qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.FindingsQuantitative data analysis provides key findings including the popularity of physical, print documents across all NPO sizes and sectors. Statistical tests revealed, for example, there is no significant difference for the same-sized organizations in Canadian and Australian NPOs in the use of tools and technologies for KM activities. However, there were differences in the use of tools and technologies across different sizes of NPOs. The qualitative analysis revealed a number of additional tools and technologies and also provided contextual details about the nature of tool use. The paper provides specific examples of the types of tools and technologies NPOs use.Originality/valueThe paper has both practical and academic contributions, including areas for future research. The findings on the use of KM tools and technologies by NPOs contribute to the growing body of literature in the KM domain in general and also build the literature base for the understudied KM-NPO domain. NPOs will also find the paper useful in better understanding tools and technological implementation for KM activities. The study is unique not only in the content focus on KM for NPOs but also for the comparative study of activities in two countries.

Investigating the use of knowledge management tools within the Saudi Arabian public sector organisations

Recent technological developments have made a significant and positive impact on the ability and desire to manage knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the usage of key knowledge management (KM) techniques and technologies for dealing with change initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) public sector organisations. A web-based, online questionnaire survey method was employed to collect data. The survey revealed that conventional, simple and cost-effective KM techniques and technologies such as telephone, internet, face-to-face meetings, WhatsApp, and formal education and training programs are extensively used, whereas modern KM techniques and technologies such as Viber, FaceTime, LinkdIn, informal networks and knowledge maps are less used. The paper concludes that to gain competitive advantage, it is necessary for KSA public sector decision-makers to recognise and use a blend of information and communication technology (ICT) and non-ICT-based KM techniques and technologies.

Investigating the use of knowledge management tools within the Saudi Arabian public sector organisations

Recent technological developments have made a significant and positive impact on the ability and desire to manage knowledge. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore the usage of key knowledge management (KM) techniques and technologies for dealing with change initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) public sector organisations. A web-based, online questionnaire survey method was employed to collect data. The survey revealed that conventional, simple and cost-effective KM techniques and technologies such as telephone, internet, face-to-face meetings, WhatsApp, and formal education and training programs are extensively used, whereas modern KM techniques and technologies such as Viber, FaceTime, LinkdIn, informal networks and knowledge maps are less used. The paper concludes that to gain competitive advantage, it is necessary for KSA public sector decision-makers to recognise and use a blend of information and communication technology (ICT) and non-ICT-based KM techniques and technologies.

Use of Knowledge Management Tools and Techniques in Academic Libraries in India: A Study

Defines Knowledge Management (KM) and explains its importance in both corporate business organizations and also in not for profit service organizations, including libraries, as a means of improving performance and to develop quality products and services. States that KM tools play an important role, and institutions use more than one KM tool in general for effective KM implementation. The objective of the study is to find out the use of different KM tools and their preferences in academic institutions / libraries in India. The study used Survey Method. Random Sampling method is used to collect the data from a sample of 50 university libraries comprising of central, state, private and deemed universities in India through questionnaire technique. The major findings of the study are: only 34.0% of the university libraries in India are implementing KM in their libraries. Internet, Intranet, Help Desk Technologies and Document management Systems are the preferred KM tools in the decreasing order of importance in the academic institutions. 'Communication and Messaging' is observed to be the most important purpose of use of KM tools in the universities or university libraries in India.

How do collaboration and investments in knowledge management affect process innovation in services?

Purpose Despite the keen interest in radical and incremental innovation, few studies have tested the varying impact of firm-level factors in service sectors. This paper analyses how collaboration with existing and prospective users and investments in knowledge management (KM) practices can be adapted to maximise the outputs of radical and incremental process innovation in a knowledge-intensive business service industry. Design/methodology/approach Original survey data from 166 information technology service firms and interviews with 13 executives provide the empirical evidence. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. Findings Collaboration with different types of users, and investments in KM practices affect radical versus incremental process innovation differently. Collaboration with existing users influences incremental process innovation directly, but not radical innovation; and prospective user collaboration matters for radical, but not incremental innovation. Furthermore, for radical innovation, investments in KM practices mediate the impact of prospective user collaboration on innovation. Research limitations/implications While collaboration with existing users for incremental process innovations does not appear to generate significant managerial challenges, to pursue radical innovations firms must engage in intensive collaboration with prospective users. Higher involvement with prospective users requires higher investment in KM practices to promote efficient intra- and inter-firm knowledge flows. Originality/value This study is based on a large-scale survey, together with management interviews. Radical and incremental innovations in the service industry require engagements with different kinds of users, and the use of KM tools.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION (A Case Study on Implementation of Knowledge Management Tools in UIN SGD Bandung)

The demand on the implementation of knowledge management is even greater at higher education institutions as an institution that intersect with many academic activities and the development of a scientific assessment as occurs in UIN Sunan Gunung Jati Bandung. This study tried to explore and analyze how UIN SGD Bandung run management practices and various activities in it, especially within the framework of the management of intellectual assets owned as an important step of applying the knowledge management. More specifically, this study used a qualitative approach with descriptive-holistic methods and case study analysis, have tried to analyze the use of knowledge management tools in UIN SGD Bandung. This study in its analysis found that there are many deficiencies essentially and conceptually in the implementation of knowledge management conducted by the management UIN SGD Bandung. Some knowledge management tools, such as technology infrastructure, collaboration tools, taxonomy, also has not been applied properly. However, the cycle of activities related to the conversion process of knowledge, such as socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization, has been done in UIN SGD Bandung.

Increasing Research Productivity: The Impact of Knowledge Management Applications in University Research Environments

Scientists and universities strive to produce a large volume of high‐quality research. Universities supply the resources to enable scientific inquiry, such as the recently developed knowledge management (KM) tools. The use of KM platforms varies substantially in different environments. We examined the association between the use of KM tools and research productivity among four state universities in New York using analysis of variance techniques. We found a significant positive association. Important limitations are noted, and implications for both the study and the use of KM tools are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

A new approach to the concept of knowledge strategy

PurposeThis paper aims to present a novel way to conceive knowledge strategy (KS). It suggests that a firm could outperform another by establishing a coherent and integrated KS depending on the objectives pursued and the understanding of knowledge management (KM) by managers, the use of KM tools, and organizational aspects to support KS implementation.Design/methodology/approachA cluster analysis was used to study the effect of KS on business performance and innovation based on a cross‐sectional sample of Spanish firms. Additional statistical analyses were used in order to develop a taxonomy of KSs.FindingsThe paper shows that the way an organization approaches knowledge management has major implications on the development of their strategy and the outcomes of KS application. Four types of KS are thus described based on the empirical analysis, i.e. proactive, moderate, passive and inconsistent, each of them having different effects on business performance and innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is limited to high rate innovation industries. Future studies could include other industries and a more diverse sample of firms.Practical implicationsThe conception of KS presented here is a powerful approach that can lead an organization to achieve further innovation and higher levels of business performance.Originality/valueAn integrated and coherent KS has the potential to produce optimal results in terms of technological innovation and business performance.

A Automation Library Management Method Based on Knowledge Management Tools

The use of knowledge management tools definitely improves the quality of services offered by the digital libraries. As, these tools are mainly open source it’s easy to integrate these tools for the effective knowledge management given the condition, the basic purpose of implementation is clear. There may be different hurdles that might come while the implementation of the tools. These hurdles can be overcome with the help of the proposed framework which is very much efficient in integrating these tools with effective library management.

Knowledge management and knowledge sharing for strategic library planning. Value of knowledge sharing for expatriate library professionals

Abstract This article examines the importance of knowledge management in libraries and the need for motivating and creating a ‘knowledge sharing culture’ within the library. This article also brings out an empirical account of the difficulties library and information science professionals face when they take positions overseas, particularly in a culturally, politically and religiously conservative society and country. Moving to another country means reinventing the wheel once again in a new environment; and if it is to a non-English speaking country it could be a challenging task. One could be in for a ‘culture shock’. In hindsight, it becomes all the more important to know and understand the intricacies of working in such an environment, to build our networks, hone our technical skills and the value of ‘knowledge sharing’. Knowledge management can be very useful in bridging this gap and putting us at ease and get ready for the job. The knowledge management system involves identification of knowledge, capturing, sorting, storing and sharing of pertinent information within the library or various libraries in case of multiple campuses. This article focuses on the issues in knowledge management and the value of knowledge sharing in libraries and tries to advocate the use of knowledge management tools for successful sharing and transfer of knowledge.

Knowledge Management Tools, Inter-Organizational Relationships, Innovation and Firm Performance

The business value of information technology is an enduring research question. This research provides new insights to better understand the mechanisms supporting this relation by analyzing the impact of knowledge management tools (KMTs) on the performances of business units involved in inter-firm collaborative innovation projects. We extend current literature by developing and empirically testing a model where: (1) the use of KMTs is affected by critical organizational variables, (2) KMTs can impact the innovation and financial performances of business units. We find that mutual trust and culture for change do not affect the extent of the use of KMTs, while collaborative experience and naturalness in using ICTs as substitutive of face-to-face contacts have a significant impact. Moreover, we show that a more intense use of KMTs has a direct positive effect on new product performance and speed to market, as well as on financial performance. Yet, only new product performance acts as an indirect conduit linking KMT use and financial performances. This article provides a discussion and perspectives of further research concerning the impact of KMTs on innovation practices in inter-firm collaborative environments.

Knowledge Management and Library Culture

Knowledge management (KM), or the effective use of knowledge, has been practiced successfully by many business organizations. Individual libraries and librarians have periodically utilized KM. However, on a comprehensive scale, the library culture seems divided. This article examines the attitudes and practices of two distinct groups of specialized librarians and their relationship to the use of KM tools.

Supplier‐Focused Knowledge Management in the Automobile Industry and Its Implications for Product Performance

abstract This study focuses on the impact of knowledge management in supplier relations (termed as supplier‐focused knowledge management, SFKM) within the automobile industry of an emerging economy (Brazil), on financial and product performance. A model of the relationship between supplier‐focused knowledge management, including its associated processes, and performance is described and the associated hypotheses are developed and then tested. Knowledge sharing through face‐to‐face communication is positively related to both product and financial performance, while technological knowledge sharing has a positive impact on product performance under conditions of high technological dynamism. Supplier involvement in the production process is related to product performance and use of knowledge management tools is related to financial performance. The results support the major hypotheses of our SFKM model. These results are discussed in the context of the knowledge management and supplier‐relations literatures in terms of the contributions, implications for research and practice, and directions for future research.

The reality of the global, digital workplace: Innovation in knowledge management

AbstractThe use of knowledge management tools enabling distributed collaboration and information sharing supports, and indeed shapes, how work is done in industry today. The panel chosen, all having extensive international experience, reflects directly the realities of a digital, global workforce and the new opportunities for information technology to support it. Starting off the panel will be a consultant from one of the leading providers of tools and research on innovation, who will outline the latest thinking on what is necessary for effective innovation in the workplace, with a focus on how this is enabled by knowledge management tools. The changing role of the information professional is illustrated clearly by the three following panelists, all from various industrial sectors, who will share some of the groundbreaking changes in knowledge management in industry. From digital idea management and use of taxonomies as a collaborative means to enable innovation to an innovative look at managing the virtual organization, all four panelists will provide some thought provoking examples of how innovation in knowledge management is changing how work is done.