Showing papers in "Vine in 2015"
TL;DR: In this paper, the role of organizational cultural and structure on knowledge-sharing processes in MNCs, with the moderating effect of technology infrastructure, was examined, and it was shown that learning and development, top management support and centralization are positively related to knowledge sharing, using technology infrastructure as a moderator.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to examine how organizational culture, structure and technology infrastructure influence knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach – This study is based on quantitative research, administered on 90 managerial staff in multinational corporations (MNCs) based in Malaysia. Findings – The paper explains the role of organizational cultural and structure on knowledge-sharing processes in MNCs, with the moderating effect of technology infrastructure. Learning and development, top management support and centralization are positively related to knowledge sharing, using technology infrastructure as a moderator. Research limitations/implications – The findings will help MNCs to create an appropriate environment of knowledge sharing. However, the research is limited to MNC’s in Penang, Malaysia, only. Furthermore, similar research can be extended to MNCs in other Asian countries with a larger sample which may bring more statistical power and, thereby, increases generalizability. Practic...
151 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how relational capital contributes to the startup phase of women-owned micro-enterprises, focusing on the management of the start-up phase to investigate the nature and role of the relationships that are activated by the entrepreneurs.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how relational capital contributes to the startup phase of women-owned micro-enterprises. The motivation for the study stems from the fact that micro-enterprises are key drivers of economic growth and that woman entrepreneurs are key developers of these businesses. Design/methodology/approach – To gather data for our study, a qualitative research methodology was adopted using a case study approach based on examining current events of real life in depth (Yin, 2009). Nine cases of micro-enterprises run by women are analysed, focusing on the management of the start-up phase to investigate the nature and role of the relationships that are activated by the entrepreneurs. Findings – The paper develops the CAOS model of micro-entrepreneurship, examining the personal characteristics of the female entrepreneur (C); the environment in which the micro-enterprise operates (A); organizational and managerial aspects (O); and the motivations for starting a new busine...
45 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate how libraries prevent the loss of knowledge with people leaving or resigning, and the strategies they adopt to retain this knowledge and to transfer organizational knowledge to new employees.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate how libraries prevent the loss of knowledge with people leaving or resigning, and the strategies they adopt to retain this knowledge and to transfer organizational knowledge to new employees. Design/methodology/approach – Data were gathered from 101 academic librarians from 35 countries in 6 continents who provided qualitative answers to two open-ended questions in a survey questionnaire. Findings – Documentation, training and digital repositories were found to be the primary strategies used. A number of respondents admitted to retention and transfer being done poorly. Very few libraries had a formal knowledge management (KM) process. The study proposes a theoretical framework for knowledge retention and transfer in libraries. Practical implications – Libraries will be able to learn of retention and transfer strategies, and identify gaps in their KM process based on the mapping of a specific strategy to knowledge dimension or phase of the KM cycle. Originality/valu...
44 citations
TL;DR: The results obtained show that the creation, transfer and storage, and implementation and use are dimensions of the concept of KM, and a model is proposed that integrates various approaches to the study of KM.
Abstract: Purpose – The aims of this paper are: to identify the dimensions of knowledge management (KM), and to propose a model for KM that will be useful for future researchers in carrying out KM measurement. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a literature review of theoretical and empirical contributions to KM. Findings – The results obtained show that the creation, transfer and storage, and implementation and use are dimensions of the concept of KM. On the basis of these dimensions, this study proposes a model integrating these dimensions and operationalizes it using selected items, so that future researchers may carry out measurements using the proposed model. Practical implications – The study implies that companies and researchers use a smaller time in theoretical checks and can devote to measurements which develop improvements. Originality/value – The present model differs from other, previous models in that it integrates various approaches to the study of KM.
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore knowledge management literature to understand further the interrelationship among KM infrastructure (KMI), KM strategy (KMS), KM process (KMP), and individual competence (IC), which are considered very much essential for achieving a heightened competence at an individual level.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to explore knowledge management (KM) literature to understand further the inter-relationship among KM infrastructure (KMI), KM strategy (KMS), KM process (KMP) and individual competence (IC), which are considered very much essential for achieving a heightened competence at an individual level. In the present scenario, knowledge intensive organizations are striving highly to manage competitiveness for their survival in the market. The role of knowledge capability is very much pivotal in ensuring the success of knowledge process implementation. Design/methodology/approach – A methodical review has been carried out of empirical and conceptual articles to justify the linkages among KMI, KMS, KMP and IC, particularly accessed through sources such as Pro Quest, EBSCO host, Google Scholar and other e-databases. This review integrates a conceptual framework to explore the relationship among the aforesaid constructs. Findings – This study provides valuable insight into the role of KMI and...
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a structured literature review on knowledge management and KM strategy in environmental sustainability practices of logistics service providers, highlighting the nature and scope of existing research and identifying areas for future research.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a structured literature review on knowledge management (KM) and KM strategy in environmental sustainability practices of logistics service providers. The paper highlights the nature and scope of existing research and identifies areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach – The study consists of a systematic review of existing research regarding KM in sustainable logistics. In all, 38 refereed research papers formed the basis of analysis. This methodology allows for the minimization of researcher bias and the maximization of reliability and replicability. Findings – The literature review made possible the identification of three basic elements through which building-up appropriate KM approaches and KM strategies in the area of environmental sustainability by third-party logistics service companies will be enhanced: customer relationship management, quality of human resources and the adoption of information and communication technology tools and s...
37 citations
TL;DR: This paper aims to review research on the topic of knowledge leakage to establish the current body of knowledge and suggest some promising avenues for future research.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to review research on the topic of knowledge leakage to establish the current body of knowledge and, on this basis, to suggest some promising avenues for future research.D ...
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify and analyze the main strategies used in organizations to enhance intergenerational learning (IGL) and reduce knowledge loss, focusing on universities that have an age layered or nested structure.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the main strategies used in organizations to enhance intergenerational learning (IGL) and reduce knowledge loss. The emphasis is on universities that have an age layered or nested structure. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on an integrated approach of literature search, content analysis, survey based on interviews and questionnaires and the analytic hierarchy process method. The research questions are as follows: What is the level of awareness in organizations about knowledge loss and the role of IGL in reducing its consequences? What kind of organizational structure is adequate for promoting IGL? What are the most suitable strategies for enhancing IGL and reducing knowledge loss? Findings – Universities have a nested generational structure, which makes them adequate for IGL. The most used strategies for enhancing IGL are mentoring, intergenerational research teams and intergenerational creativity workshops. Research limita...
32 citations
TL;DR: A taxonomy of four possible approaches to KM strategic planning is developed based on the combination of two dimensions, namely: the nature of the planning process, and the competitive factors that drive the strategy for...
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss and propose a taxonomy of approaches to the strategic planning of knowledge management (KM). The concept of KM strategy is relatively recent and has been developed based on the assumption that any KM programme requires the definition of long-term goals, resources and plans, i.e. a KM strategic planning. Empirical evidence shows that the conditions for the successful implementation of KM can change from a company to another and in relation to the external context, and this may call for different appropriate approaches to KM planning. Design/methodology/approach – By drawing inspiration from the classic literature about strategic planning and combining it with the KM literature, a taxonomy of four possible approaches to KM strategic planning is developed. This taxonomy is based on the combination of two dimensions, namely: the nature (rational vs emergent) of the planning process, and the competitive factors (internal vs external) that drive the strategy for...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the impact of adopting knowledge management systems (KMSs) on firms' performance, especially in an emerging economy like the Egyptian one, by conducting an empirical study on knowledge-intensive firms operating in the field of ICT.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of adopting knowledge management systems (KMSs) on firms’ performance. Although many organizations have adopted the notion of KMS, there is little evidence on the effect of KMS on a firm’s performance, especially in an emerging economy like the Egyptian one. An intensive literature review is conducted not only to synthesize but also to establish the conceptual foundations for the systemic perspective of knowledge management and its potential impact on knowledge management performance in an emerging information and communication technology (ICT) industry. This systemic perspective fits with the evolutionary nature of such an emerging industry in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical study of this work is conducted on knowledge-intensive firms operating in the field of ICT. The paper is descriptive in nature where a quantitative research design is adopted to survey senior managers’ perceptions – from both national and multinational en...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate and provide insights on knowledge-based urban development (KBUD) in the context of emerging economies and reveal a number of lessons and insights drawn from the development of MSC as the largest manifestation of the KBUD initiative in Malaysia.
Abstract: – This paper aims to investigate and provide insights on knowledge-based urban development (KBUD) in the context of emerging economies. KBUD has been an effective strategy and an opportunity for emerging economies for catching up with the developed economies. , – The paper scrutinizes the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) of Malaysia by focusing on the planning, development and orchestration of the knowledge corridor. , – The paper reveals a number of lessons and insights drawn from the development of MSC as the largest manifestation of the KBUD initiative in Malaysia. , – The paper provides lessons and recommendations on the planning, development and management of KBUD for emerging economies that are seeking a prosperous development.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize existing research on research data management (RDM), academic scholarship and knowledge management and provide a conceptual framework for an institutional RDMSS for systems development, managerial and academic use.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to synthesize existing research on research data management (RDM), academic scholarship and knowledge management and provide a conceptual framework for an institutional research data management support-system (RDMSS) for systems development, managerial and academic use. Design/methodology/approach – Viewing RDMSS from multiple theoretical perspectives, including data management, knowledge management, academic scholarship and the practice-based perspectives of knowledge and knowing, this paper conceptually explores the systems’ elements needed in the development of an institutional RDM service by considering the underlying data discovery and application issues, as well as the nature of academic scholarship and knowledge creation, discovery, application and sharing motivations in a university environment. Findings – The paper provides general criteria for an institutional RDMSS framework. It suggests that RDM in universities is at the very heart of the knowledge life c...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the impact of implementation of government-sponsored IC management and reporting (ICMR) programs in Hong Kong and Japan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the purpose of issuing an IC statement (ICS).
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of implementation of government-sponsored intellectual capital (IC) management and reporting (ICMR) programmes in Hong Kong and Japan for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for the purpose of issuing an IC statement (ICS). Design/methodology/approach – The authors present a critical analysis using semi-structured interviews with employees and owners of Hong Kong and Japanese SMEs who participated in their respective government’s ICMR programmes and who published an ICS. Findings – The authors conclude that many enterprises did not achieve the full benefit of participating in the ICMR programme because consultants funded by the government prepared the ICS. Instead, consultants should take on more of a “missionary” role, educating enterprises about IC, rather than doing the work for them. Research limitations/implications – This research is restricted to enterprises that published one or more ICS. Future research should include enterprises participating in th...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the perception of knowledge workers on practice of knowledge management (POKM) as an organizational knowledge sharing enabler in an information technology shared services company.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the perception of knowledge workers on practice of knowledge management (POKM) as an organizational knowledge sharing enabler in an information technology shared services company to understand issues faced and provide recommendations on different technological characteristics of the system. Design/methodology/approach – The initial stage of the research involved a preliminary review of the existing knowledge management-related documents. This was followed by a top management interview to understand the organization’s business goals and knowledge management (KM) expectations. A total of 70 knowledge workers took part in the research activity. Twenty-five participants from nine departments took part in the preliminary interview, and 52 successful survey forms were collected from a total of 70 respondents. The entire investigation took close to nine months. Data compilation and research result analysis took about three months to complete. Findings – The o...
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of a company aiming at rapid growth in the construction industry is presented, where the authors elaborate the connections between an organization's knowledge management and growth management strategies and show how knowledge management can support organizations' growth objectives.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the connections between an organization’s knowledge management and growth management strategies. The study shows how knowledge management can support organizations’ growth objectives. Design/methodology/approach – The paper first connects the literature streams of growth management and knowledge management. This conceptual understanding about growth-oriented knowledge management is then advanced through an exploratory case study of a company aiming at rapid growth in the construction industry. Findings – The paper recognizes two knowledge perspectives to growth management. First, the perspective of knowledge assets concerns whether an organization has the needed knowledge resources to enable growth. Second, to make informed decisions, the management needs relevant and up-to-date information. From these viewpoints, the paper derives the case-specific cornerstones of growth-oriented knowledge management and suggests some paths forward in terms of future re...
TL;DR: In this paper, a longitudinal case study has been investigated by adopting a participant observation approach to understand how the dynamics of Intellectual Capital (IC) are understood in practice by considering IC as an on-going process, and thus taking into consideration its life cycle and how it changes over time.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to observe Intellectual Capital (IC) dynamics “in practice” through a temporal lens by considering IC as an on-going process, and thus taking into consideration its life cycle and how it changes over time. Design/methodology/approach – A longitudinal case study has been investigated by adopting a participant observation approach to understand how the dynamics of IC are understood in practice. Findings – This study spotlights three main conceptions of IC dynamics (value creation, IC activities and organizational change) which, although generally proposed in literature as separable concepts, do co-exist and interact, in practice as is reflected in the related managerial tools. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations of this study are twofold. The first is related to the methodology adopted and in particular, to the participant observation approach. The second is related to the specifics of the case study undertaken. This paper contributes to the litera...
TL;DR: A new and comprehensive relational model of CoPs and organizational variables affecting CoPs structure is provided and guidance it provides for designing a relational model involving relations between organizational variables and CoPs components is provided.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to design a model to outline the structure of communities of practice (CoPs) corresponding to organizational context. Design/methodology/approach – This research utilizes both descriptive and prescriptive approaches, as the authors are looking for a comprehensive relational model to deal with the problem of selecting suitable CoPs concerning organizational context. Thus, this study applies interviewing and fuzzy Delphi methods to explore the model. Findings – The work provides a new and comprehensive relational model of CoPs and organizational variables affecting CoPs structure. In this model, three basic concepts of the literature were developed. First, the components concerning types of CoPs were identified and then the organizational variables related to CoPs were determined. Finally, the authors extracted the relationships between the organizational variables and the components of CoPs. Practical implications – From a practical perspective, the relationships amon...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the success factors of communities of practice (CoPs) that will improve knowledge creation (KC) in educational organizations and examine the impact of these success factors in KC.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to identify the success factors of communities of practice (CoPs) that will improve knowledge creation (KC) in educational organizations. Today, educational organizations are faced with constant changes in their environment. These changes have forced organizations to view their human capital as knowledge capital to survive and thrive. CoPs can be one of the most important factors to achieve these goals, and it should be considered by educational organizations. Design/methodology/approach – The present paper tries to identify the success factors of CoPs and examine the impact of the success factors of CoPs in KC. The research method is descriptive. The population of the research consists of students of Payame Noor University as a case study. A questionnaire based on experts’ opinion was designed and more than 35 articles were reviewed. Factor analysis was used to categorize and examine the correlation between success factors of CoPs and KC and, finally, the regression equation bas...
TL;DR: By understanding the essential processes of knowledge integration, the timely creation of new knowledge is ensured as a solution for critical problems; thus enhancing past and present knowledge.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to study the significant role of knowledge integration, which has a considerable influence on the growth of civilisation and modernisation. It identifies the essential processes in knowledge integration for establishing common understanding, thus enabling long-term sustainability in a dynamic environment that requires continuous adaptability. By understanding the essential processes of knowledge integration, the timely creation of new knowledge is ensured as a solution for critical problems; thus enhancing past and present knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – The paper undertakes a comparative analysis of research in the literature on knowledge integration and derives the essential processes in knowledge integration from existing theories. Findings – Generally, there are various interpretations of knowledge integration that complicate the understanding and implementation of knowledge integration in many organisations. This study extracts the implicit nature of knowledge integ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the effects of knowledge sharing on innovativeness in offshore outsourced software development firms and find that both knowledge sharing practices and knowledge availability significantly positively predict innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of knowledge sharing on innovativeness in offshore outsourced software development firms. Design/methodology/approach – For the study, a survey methodology was used, and 408 respondents attached to offshore outsourced software development firms in Sri Lanka responded. The hypothesized relationships were examined by structural equation modelling. Findings – The analysis yielded a two-component factor structure for knowledge sharing, which were termed as knowledge sharing practices and knowledge availability. It was found that both knowledge sharing practices and knowledge availability significantly positively predict innovativeness. The study provided empirical data to support the contention that organizations should be able to timely deliver knowledge to the right user to enhance innovativeness. Practical implications – The findings suggest the importance of creating an environment conducive for software developers to share information, ins...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the existing relationship between knowledge management infrastructures, KM process capabilities, creative organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran.
Abstract: Purpose – The current study aims to investigate the existing relationship between knowledge management (KM) infrastructures, KM process capabilities, creative organizational learning (OL) and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – Statistical population includes executives of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran. The 68 questionnaires were distributed among the census, of which 60 questionnaires were completed correctly. The research data were analyzed by SPSS and PLS software. The unit of analysis is a company that has adopted a knowledge management system (KMS). Target population of the research consisted of 85 top managers of knowledge-based companies in Tehran Science and Technology Park of Iran (N = 85). Random sampling method was applied in this study, and 71 top managers were considered as the statistical sample based on the “Morgan Table”. One standard five-point Likert questionnaire was adopted and distributed between top managers in the park;...
TL;DR: A new knowledge quality assessment framework based on interdependencies between content and schema as knowledge resources to enhance the quality of the knowledge that is being generated, disseminated and stored in a collaborative environment is introduced.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new knowledge quality assessment framework based on interdependencies between content and schema as knowledge resources to enhance the quality of the knowledge that is being generated, disseminated and stored in a collaborative environment. Design/methodology/approach – A knowledge elaboration approach is based on intervening factors of schematic clustering applied to a trial wiki bulletin board. Through this schematic intervention in the form of group creation within a wiki environment, a user-centric mechanism is created to substantiate, compose and narrate the generated contents in a self-organizing way. Findings – Through this approach, quality in content can be enhanced by means of a favourably manipulated collaboration schema adopted by the knowledge management system (KMS) users instead of applying knowledge mining tools. Research limitations/implications – With consideration to trust as a significant factor in this study, the verification and r...
TL;DR: The authors operationalize the concept of organizational competence and provide companies with a customized management tool to map suppliers’ critical competencies for screening strategic from non-strategic suppliers and providing inputs for supplier’ development.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to present a methodology for the mapping and evaluation of suppliers’ competencies and know-how. The authors operationalize the concept of organizational competence and provide companies with a customized management tool to map suppliers’ critical competencies for screening strategic from non-strategic suppliers and providing inputs for suppliers’ development. Design/methodology/approach – Competencies assessment, carried out through a fuzzy knowledge management system (VINCI), is performed through the aggregation of indicators related to the control of critical resources, the degree of implementation of critical processes, the competitive positioning and the financial situation of a supplier. Competencies description and operationalization are based on the bottom-up elicitation of the subjective knowledge managers actually use to assess suppliers’ capability. Such subjective knowledge is then validated and formalized through a top-down approach based on strategic literature. Fin...
TL;DR: In this article, an exploratory knowledge assessment framework surrounding the areas of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and reuse is presented. But, the focus of this study is not on the application of knowledge in the medical field.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to offer a practical lens grounded in the relatively unexplored industry setting of medical devices. The objective of this paper is to use two in-depth case studies to highlight the key findings of an exploratory knowledge assessment framework surrounding the areas of knowledge creation, acquisition, sharing and reuse. Design/methodology/approach – An interpretivist paradigm was followed while using two case studies. The study was developed over a three-year period using 36 in-depth interviews, document analysis and observation. Findings – At the case companies, these findings were concluded: Across groups, cross-functional sharing is siloed, which leads to a lack of knowledge sharing. Cultural issues, such as hoarding of knowledge, hinder knowledge management (KM) initiatives. Employees new to the organisation find it difficult to locate knowledge. Employees are dependent on their informal network. The implementation of several KM initiatives is hindered because staff do not hav...
TL;DR: The MACTAK methodology is built, which aims to transform collective tacit knowledge into the explicit one using knowledge elicitation techniques, associated to quality tools structured by systemography, represent it in a symbolic language and production rules and model it in two expert systems which can assist the investigation of defect causes during the metal packaging production process.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to build the MACTAK methodology, which aims to transform collective tacit knowledge into the explicit one using knowledge elicitation techniques, associated to quality tools structured by systemography, represent it in a symbolic language and production rules and model it in two expert systems which can assist the investigation of defect causes during the metal packaging production process. Design/methodology/approach – The method applied in the research was classified as exploratory, because a preliminary study was conducted, to better suit the mapping methodology for eliciting collective tacit knowledge, to the reality which was intended to be known. Through studies and the application of the systemography technique, a methodology for the elicitation of collective tacit knowledge has been developed. It suggests a systematic sequence of activities, to map and transform collective tacit knowledge into the explicit one, on the production process which was studied. Fi...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess a method that applies scientometric and patentometric indicators in the selection process of projects by seed capital funds, to assess to what extent scientific and technological indicators can contribute to understanding the market potential of the firm's technology.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to assess a method that applies scientometric and patentometric indicators in the selection process of projects by seed capital funds. There is increasing interest in technology-based enterprises, for their capacity to contribute to economic and social development. Nevertheless, in practice, there is some difficulty in assessing non-financial criteria associated with technology for the purposes of choosing investment opportunities. Design/methodology/approach – The literature has presented various methods to instrumentalize the process of evaluation and selection of investment projects. This study focuses on an enterprise that received an investment by the largest seed capital fund in Brazil, to assess to what extent scientific and technological indicators can contribute to understanding the market potential of the firm’s technology. Findings – The results show that the use of scientometric and patentometric indicators favors the process of judging non-financial criteria, in part...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigate the relationship between the use of digital applications (DAs) in the daily life of organizational workers, and the workers' professional self-efficacy, and identify correlations between the frequency (one dimension) and effectiveness (three dimensions) of DA usage and workers' self-perceived professional efficacy.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the use of digital applications (DAs) in the daily life of organizational workers, and the workers’ professional self-efficacy. Design/methodology/approach – A hypothesis was tested that the digital literacy of organizational workers is positively correlated with their professional self-efficacy. To test the hypothesis, 300 Israeli organizational workers filled online questionnaires that assessed their daily pattern of DA usage (both during and after working hours) and their self-perceived professional efficacy. A linear regression analysis was performed to identify correlations between the frequency (one dimension) and effectiveness (three dimensions) of DA usage and the workers’ self-perceived professional efficacy (three dimensions). Findings – The three dimensions of the DA usage effectiveness (diversity of the DA used, diversity of the means and ease of access to the DA) were significantly and positively correlated with all three dimen...