Showing papers in "Vine in 2006"

A case study on knowledge management implementation in the banking sector

Abstract: Purpose – Knowledge management literature predominant comes from a western perspective. The purpose of this paper is to report on an empirical study to find out if the organisations acting in less business environment such as Libyan organisations (banking in particular) will be able to implement a knowledge management system (KMS) and how they can benefit from it.Design/methodology/approach – The study is built mainly around “what” question related to information processes within organisations within a social context. This study uses a case study approach using an interpretive perspective (a qualitative method) to map and describe relationships. This approach enables a greater degree of granularity to be captured.Findings – The benefit of KMS is an essential step in defining critical areas in implementing a KMS and determining strategy in this research. The results show that KMS could be of most significance for enhancing the organisations' performance and led them to better position in today's competitiv...

Knowledge cities: the answer to the needs of knowledge‐based development

Abstract: Purpose – In the new era of knowledge economy, knowledge and the processes to generate it and manage it are considered to be the most valuable assets of an organisation in the competitive business environment. Over the last years, intensive discussions have taken place about the importance of knowledge management for the whole of society, except for the business world. Today, there is a consensus among researcher and practitioner communities that the challenges facing modern societies call for development strategies that are knowledge‐based. Such strategies could enable humankind to pursue the vision of a global society in which all the basic human needs can be satisfied, while maintaining a healthy and physically attractive environment. However, general agreement has not yet been reached on which type of knowledge‐based development (KBD) strategy is the most advantageous and should be followed. This paper attempts, on the one side, through the study of current literature, to demonstrate the needs that sh...

The sustainable innovation engine

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to present a model for sustainable innovation based on learning and knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – Definitions of knowledge, innovation and learning are provided. Followed by a discussion on the link between knowledge and innovation, the concept of the nominal innovation probability space is introduced, built on the definitions of knowledge depth and knowledge diversity. Different learning styles are presented and how these can increase knowledge depth and knowledge diversity, improving a firm's position in the innovation probability space. A final description is provided of a model for the sustainable innovation engine.Findings – The article finds that learning is essential to ensure sustainable innovation. Innovation probability is impacted by the organisation's knowledge depth and diversity. Learning styles are correlated to the firm's innovativeness and competitiveness. Experimentation as a learning style is essential for discontinuous innovation. Lear...

Innovative SCM: A wireless solution to smartly coordinate the supply processes via a web‐based, real‐time system

Abstract: Purpose – As the technology evolves, the ways in which supply chain is coordinated improve. During a careful study on the intelligent wireless web (IWW) and its services for future applications, its great potentials for the implementation of a mobile real‐time system for supply chain coordination were realized. This paper seeks to introduce a development process for the IWW. In addition, it aims to explain the concept of mobile real‐time supply chain coordination, and propose and describe a practical model for this subject matter based on the most recent technologies including the IWW and agents. Design/methodology/approach – Objectives were achieved through a thorough study on the IWW, agent technology, and the ways of applying them for mobile real‐time coordination in supply processes. As a method to conduct the research, first, the paper made out what the IWW services are and how one may develop them. Since mobile real‐time coordination is an absolutely innovative concept, the study prepared a comprehensive understanding of it and then, a practical framework was sketched and explained to implement the suggested system. The approach to this topic was a realistic one and an attempt was made to include all the prerequisites and details for the intended system. Findings – In the course of the work, it was found that the IWW and other corresponding technologies have the greatest potentials ever available for the realization of a mobile real‐time supply chain coordination system and most of the chapters illustrate the claim. Originality/value – Mobile real‐time coordination and its use in supply chains is something new. The development process for IWW proposed here is totally practicable and no other implementation scenario for the application of the IWW in mobile real‐time coordination has been suggested yet.

Critical issues for knowledge management implementation at a national level

Abstract: Purpose – To date, critical success factors for designing and implementing a knowledge management system at national level for countries have not been systematically investigated. Existing studies have derived their critical success factors from companies' perspectives and have not considered the needs of a larger scale such as a country and at a national level. This paper aims to bridge this gap.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study technique has been used in this paper for data collection to gain insights into the topic being investigated. For that, “grounded theory” research approach has been selected, by which the collected data from real case studies (European countries) are categorized and analyzed through specific stages. The extracted concepts can demonstrate critical success factors of a knowledge management master plan at a national level.Findings – The overall results from the real case studies were positive, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the proposed critical success ...

Education and training in the knowledge‐based economy

Abstract: Purpose – Knowledge management (KM) has recently received considerable attention in the computer information systems community and is continually gaining interest by industry, enterprises and academia. As one moves into an era of “knowledge capitalism”, KM in combination with information management, will play a fundamental role in the success of transforming individual knowledge into organisational knowledge. The increasing economic importance of knowledge, which nowadays redefines the links among education, work and learning, makes the role of KM quite crucial. The main purpose of this paper is to propose new ways of using KM for the development of modern education and training.Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents the basic issues related to KM, by reviewing key contributions to the field. It then discusses the applicability of KM concepts and principles to education and training, presents real and successful examples and proposes innovative ways in order to apply KM techniques in this field....

A learning network framework for modern organizations: Organizational learning, knowledge management and ICT support

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated framework including knowledge management (KM), organizational learning (OL), and information and communication technologies (ICT).Design/methodology/approach – A synthesis of the existing literature with preliminary supporting empirical evidence reported is presented in the article.Findings – A theoretical framework is developed.Research limitations/implications – The results of the article can be used to guide ongoing research in the area of KM, OL, and ICT.Originality/value – The paper makes a contribution to understanding in the fields of KM and OL in particular and ICT secondarily.

Taking it personally: personal knowledge management

Abstract: Purpose – Aims to discuss personal knowledge management along with its potential benefits and challenges.Design/methodology/approach – Provides a summary of personal knowledge management.Findings – Personal knowledge management is aimed at helping the individual to overcome the frustrations associated with information overload and allowing them to improve their personal effectiveness.Originality/value – Contains useful information on personal knowledge management.

Using the internet to communicate during a crisis

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how the internet is influencing and changing communication practices utilized during a crisis.Design/methodology/approach – Provides an overview of communication practices during recent disasters.Findings – Discusses the need for disaster management responses to change in order to capitalize on the technology.Originality/value – This paper is a useful source of information about now the internet is influencing and charging communication practices.

Evaluating the role of information technology in crisis and emergency management

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to discuss the recommendations for handling future extreme events based on the response and mitigation effort to Hurricane Katrina. It discusses how information technology (IT) relates to these recommendations.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews recent recommendations for handling future extreme events and pinpoints the role of information systems in supporting these recommendations.Findings – The study provides areas for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the crisis and emergency management community.Orginality/value – The paper provides ue for IT researchers and practitioners to focus on to support the Crisis and Emergency Management Community.

Learning as associative patterning

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to link the associative learning process of the human brain to the relationship and emergence of really significant ideas on the global horizon.Design/methodology/approach – First, learning is explored from the viewpoint of the brain/mind, with a focus on the creation of patterns and their relationships to our personal frames of reference. Second, the associations of three really significant ideas are explored, and a pattern of patterns is surfaced.Findings – The paper finds that in concert with the functioning of the brain, significant ideas emerge in relationship with other ideas that have personal historical significance, i.e. external patterns from the environment are detected, recognized, made sense of and have meaning in relationship with our internal patterns of significance.Originality/value – The paper creates an appreciation of the role of patterns in thinking and learning.

Using knowledge management principles to solve organizational performance problems

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a practical framework for employing knowledge management (KM) principles to improve organizational performanceDesign/methodology/approach – To combine the disciplines of soft systems analysis and organizational development and provide tailored KM solutions to performance deficienciesFindings – Most of the literature on KM focuses on what it is but not on how to do it It is almost as if KM just happens In practice, the installation of a viable KM capability must be integrated into an organization's management structure and business strategyResearch limitations/implications – Use of this framework and its related diagnostic techniques have been successfully used by KM practitioners in more than 70 government and commercial organizations However, more rigorous business case techniques are needed to fully validate the methodologyOriginality/value – There is little written on how to build and implement an organizational KM system This paper describes how

Towards the new generation of web knowledge

Abstract: Purpose – As the web evolves its purpose and nature of its use are changing. The purpose of the paper is to investigate whether the web can provide for the competing stakeholders, who are similarly evolving and who increasingly see it as a significant part of their business.Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts an exploratory and reviewing approach to the emerging trends and patterns emanating from the web's changing use and explores the underpinning technologies and tools that facilitate this use and access. It examines the future and potential of web‐based knowledge management (KM) and reviews the emerging web trends, tools, and enabling technologies that will provide the infrastructure of the next generation web.Findings – The research carried out provides an independent framework for the capturing, accessing and distributing of web knowledge. This framework retains the semantic mark‐up, a feature that we deem indispensable for the future of KM, employing web ontologies to structure organisati...

Deriving a 12‐step process to create and implement a comprehensive knowledge management system

Abstract: Purpose – Enterprises are supportive of knowledge management (KM) activities if they result in “actionable information” that relates to achieving strategic and operational goals and improved performance. KM individuals and corporate practitioners have evolved multiple approaches to creating the discrete steps required to design, implement and measure knowledge management systems (KMS) that meet the “actionable information” expectation of organizations. However, there is no universally acclaimed standard or best practice readily embraced, the purpose of this article, therefore, is to investigate a process for a comprehensive KMS.Design/methodology/approach – This article describes and analyzes five such approaches to an effective KMS; two are derived from academic sources and three from name recognizable practitioner corporations. The five use eight‐, nine‐ and ten‐step constructs for their KMSs.Findings – The study found many similarities but were also able to project a 12‐step hybrid approach which combi...

Taiwanese executive practice knowledge management in mainland China and Southeast Asia (Malaysia)

Abstract: Purpose – Many scholars and practitioners argue about the Taiwanese government policy of investing in “Go‐South” or “Go‐West” approach. Therefore, this paper aims to present data from two groups showing the differences of Taiwanese executives in China and in Malaysia from the point of view of knowledge management (KM) usage.Design/methodology/approach – Knowledge management is very important since enterprises are eager to create value through the better use of knowledge in today's globalization trend. In this study, the State of Knowledge Management: An Assessment Questionnaire, which includes 19 KM tools, was used to identify various kinds of KM tools usage frequencies. Data were collected from 200 firms in China and Malaysia. These firms represent several manufacturing industries, including food, textiles, rubbers and plastics, electronics, and metal manufacturing.Findings – The results show that executives in China have higher scores in 16 KM tools than executives in Malaysia, which means the former ex...

Applied Knowledge Management: a set of well-tried tools.

Abstract: Purpose – For almost 20 years, knowledge management projects hit various domains. This paper aims to describe briefly a set of four well‐tried knowledge management tools allowing practitioners to analyse and structure, describe and represent, share and store, teach and transmit knowledge.Design/methodology/approach – This paper focuses on selected tools now of general practice and becoming popular among the practitioners.Findings – The paper finds that, originally out of the information science laboratories, the tools introduced here have been proved tested efficient and reliable after hundreds of real projects, no matter what type of industry and domain use them. This now common practice should open the path to new models for the knowledge economy. Dealing with complexity becomes easier as well as putting the information system at the crossing of the interactive information flows instead of keeping it out of reach of a majority of knowledge workers. Because of the massive retirement of the baby boomers, ...

The transformation of business knowledge into intangible assets

Abstract: Purpose – Proposes that one should take a few steps back to engineer and understand one's knowledge blueprint, so that one can understand better and have more certainty in one's outcome of knowledge valuation.Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses knowledge valuation.Findings – Businesses are chasing “knowledge” and implementing “knowledge” solutions, with not a clue as to whether the knowledge they are chasing or using to solve business problems is achieving the outcome towards which they are driving. In other words, there is no clear starting‐point (baseline measures) that can be monitored and tracked over time to ensure that the goal is being achieved, to encourage abandonment if the results are not favorable, or to revise the goal if the outcome is favorable. Notwithstanding, there are success stories in leveraging knowledge, but have businesses in the knowledge era truly institutionalized the identification, capture and leveraging of knowledge to adequately manage and control the intangib...

Building blocks to a knowledge valuation system (KVS)

Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes a logical approach to valuing knowledge within the context of the business enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology or approach to knowledge valuation is derived from empirical research based on a framework of intangible valuation areas (FIVA). The key valuation components of FIVA are used as the basis for the evolution of an enterprise knowledge valuation system (KVS).Findings – A conceptual model provides the foundation a business needs to construct a KVS that aligns with business performance. This aids businesses in modeling their business intelligence and identifying intelligent behavior that significantly contributes to the decision‐making process of stakeholders in today's business enterprises.Originality/value – Businesses enterprises are challenged with the development and use of knowledge within the business to positively affect the performance and market valuation of a business enterprise. The conceptual model presented in this paper expands on exist...

New leadership strategies for the enterprise of the future

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine new leadership approaches for competing in a flat world. Among the many demands placed on twenty‐first century leaders is the need to develop entirely new business strategies. Decision making must take into account many complex interactions and multiple scenarios. Yet strategic time horizons are becoming more compressed, requiring shorter planning cycles. Even if the right strategy is formulated, execution is often difficult. In addition, in today's dynamic market environment, both strategy and execution need to be quickly adjusted as conditions change.Design/methodology/approach – The nine‐tiered framework presented has been successfully applied by the authors in a variety of settings. The approach integrates top‐down strategic planning with bottom‐up execution, all within the context of a knowledge‐based organization.Findings – The paper finds that the ability of an organization to compete in a flat world is enhanced when all elements of the enterprise a...

Hierarchy as a learning platform

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this article is to build a new frame of reference for exploring the value of hierarchy as a learning platform as organizations move away from bureaucracies and toward complex adaptive behavior.Design/methodology/approach – Observations of the behaviors of horses and the hierarchical structure within which they function are introduced to explore the value of hierarchy as a learning platform. The concepts of bureaucracy and hierarchy are juxtaposed based on a literature review. Moving to individual learning, functioning space is introduced and then extrapolated across to organizations. Finally, these interwoven ideas are used to pose questions.Findings – The paper posits that recognition of the distinction between hierarchy and bureaucracy places us in a framework to reap the benefits of hierarchy in our thinking, talking and acting as our organizations move toward complex adaptive behavior.Originality/value – This paper discusses important distinctions between hierarchy and bureauc...

Building the enterprise of the future

Abstract: Purpose – The paper seeks to examine briefly the economic drivers of the past, how those drivers have changed, and how business and government leaders need to respond by transforming their organizations into knowledge‐based enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – The approach applies the principles of classical economic theory, which were grounded primarily in the valuation of tangible goods, to an economy in which intangible goods, such as information and knowledge, are the predominant forms of capital.Findings – The perishability of intangible goods is accelerating, and is further exacerbated by increased globalization. Valuation‐based theories of money and pricing, which have been overlooked in the past, have resurfaced, and must be understood and practised by business and government leaders alike. In response to these challenges, organizations must design and implement systems which support fast learning and rapid innovation. These new systems are called “knowledge factories”.Practical implications ...

The starting block: enterprise (business) intelligence – evolving towards knowledge valuation

Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes a logical starting point to valuing knowledge within the context of the business enterprise.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology or approach to knowledge valuation is derived from empirical research based on a framework of intangible valuation areas (FIVA). The key valuation components of FIVA are used as the basis for the evolution of an enterprise knowledge valuation system (KVS).Findings – The findings of the paper are that, fundamental to implementing a KVS is the leveraging of the current enterprise environment, to uncover the intelligence that currently exists so as to make decisions and act on those decisions. This paper presents the first layer of a conceptual model that supports the development of a KVS that leverages the current enterprise environment and integrates existing systems development methods and techniques in its approach to KVS creation and implementation.Originality/value – The conceptual model – KVS Building Blocks – integrates fundamental typ...

Knowledge‐based organizations in context

Abstract: Purpose – This article seeks to discuss a balanced and effective holistic knowledge management (KM) framework, which consists of four key domains postulated and validated in the late 1990s and 2000 as The George Washington University (GWU) four‐pillar KM framework: leadership, organization, technology, and learning.Design/methodology/approach – The two conceptual organizational models of an “adaptive enterprise” and “agile enterprise” are briefly described, their utility challenged and a request launched for empirical findings documenting the organizational implementations and linkages to leadership, technology and learning with attendant performance results.Findings – The twenty‐first century has surfaced the need for more flexible and responsive knowledge‐based organizational entities capable of rapidly adjusting to the increasing rate of change and demands in both products and services.Originality/value – Provides an insight into the George Washington University four‐pillar KM framework.

Legal issues for the knowledge economy in the twenty-first century

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine legal opportunities to develop creativity and innovation in a knowledge‐based economy.Design/methodology/approach – This paper approaches legal issues from the perspective of the knowledge holder who is, more often than not, an individual in possession of some creative output that may potentially be of interest to a knowledge acquirer that is, more often than not, a business. The scope is limited to legal constraints and control mechanisms currently in use that restrict or discourage knowledge holders from achieving full creative potential, with the hope of encouraging further research on how to achieve the promise of a knowledge‐based economy. It is also limited, from a legal perspective, to US laws, with reference to a few international treaties.Findings – While conducting research for this paper, it was found that, although there is a plethora of technological means that attempt to codify and harness innovation and encourage creativity, some legal mecha...

Expanding the knowledge paradigm

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the changing patterns of learning, thinking and acting to help identify and describe the need for new frames of reference in a complex world.Design/methodology/approach – Looking at our changing environment, the question is asked: are these changes superficial or transformative? This questions leads to exploring the frame of reference from which we view reality, and then the sequence from our frame of reference to learning to thinking to action.Findings – The author offers that as our world speeds up and becomes more complex, with less time for learning and thinking and more information than anyone can process, we need to move from the mechanical perspective to a new organic frame of reference and reconsider how we learn, think and act. Each of these areas is then expanded upon, with the end result of asking even more questions.Originality/value – This paper will help leaders and researchers recognize the need to – and importance of – reframing their per...

In search of the enterprise of the future

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to begin the process of identifying the attributes which characterize the enterprise of the future (EOF). An initial list of attributes which organizations will need to exhibit in order to compete in a flat world is presented. A formal definition of the EOF is also included.Design/methodology/approach – The list of attributes was generated as a collaborative effort by members of the Enterprise of the Future Roundtable, and the EOF online community of knowledge management thought leaders and researchers.Findings – The group concluded that the attributes which define a model EOF can be grouped into the previously validated four pillars of knowledge management: leadership, organization, learning, and technology. Although the underlying premise for the four pillars remains the same, recent research into the EOF has yielded new insights regarding the internal makeup of these pillars.Originality/value – Twentieth century enterprise models are already proving inadequate for...

Managing knowledge security

Abstract: Purpose – This short paper aims to help in understanding how to manage the tension between knowledge sharing and intellectual property protection.Design/methodology/approach – The paper combines narrative and analysis.Findings – Understanding how to manage the tension between knowledge sharing and intellectual property protection should be a critical goal of the knowledge management community. Challenges include calculating return on investment, characterizing risk, and managing the transience of knowledge through systems, processes, and partner organizations.Originality/value – The paper illustrates how this tension is key to understanding how to manage knowledge in a highly competitive, continually innovating, constantly learning, global environment.

Beyond terrorism: data collection and responsibility for privacy

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine privacy rights and the relationship between those rights and business and government interests in data collected from individuals.Design/methodology/approach – This paper approaches legal issues from the perspective of the consumer or citizen.Findings – While conducting research for this paper, it was found that the issues facing the citizenry on privacy protection have been addressed extensively in the not too distant past. The distinguishing characteristic is the speed with which data can be collected and disseminated and the infinitely more vast amount of personal data being collected not only by the government and businesses with whom consumers conduct transactions, but also by independent data brokers.Originality/value – Privacy rights are ephemeral and difficult to measure. Businesses, therefore, appear to have difficulty determining the value of protecting consumers' privacy. Additionally, governments from which citizens derive many social services ...

Knowledge management needs security too

Abstract: Purpose – This paper proposes that research should be conducted in how to manage the tension between the conflicts of interest between knowledge sharing and knowledge protection.Design/methodology/approach – This paper gives an overview of the security needs of knowledge management.Findings – A particularly interesting challenge is the conflict of interest between individuals (including enterprises) and communities of practice. Innovation spurred through common interest can be dangerous for individuals in the short term, while beneficial to the community as a whole. Greater understanding of these tensions can assist managers in understanding how and when to apply protections in knowledge management.Originality/value – Contains useful information on the security needs of knowledge management.

Unified approach to agile knowledge‐based enterprise decision support

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize 30 decision support capabilities. Not limited to quantitative analysis techniques, the highest priority capabilities included explicit knowledge access and reliability, timely risk management, ability to communicate decisions and learn from their implementation.Design/methodology/approach – To meet the needs of AKEs, it is critical developers implement the right capabilities. This requires a unified approach that identifies a complementary decision support set of capabilities. Using a triangulation approach of qualitative architecting and quantitative survey processes, this study evaluates enterprise‐specific operating environment and business models. It expands the integrated informed decision cycle model to identify decision making, decision implementation, and knowledge management‐related capabilities.Findings – Agile knowledge‐based enterprises (AKEs) drive a need for a more aware, inclusive, and responsive decision support system. Gold...