Showing papers on "Knowledge acquisition published in 2018"

Improving innovation performance through knowledge acquisition: the moderating role of employee retention and human resource management practices

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to study the effects of knowledge acquisition on innovation performance and the moderating effects of human resource management (HRM), in terms of employee retention and HRM practices, on the above-mentioned relationship Design/methodology/approach A sample of 129 firms operating in a wide array of sectors has been used to gather data through a standardized questionnaire for testing the hypotheses through ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models Findings The results indicate that knowledge acquisition positively affects innovation performance and that HRM moderates the relationship between knowledge acquisition and innovation performance Originality/value With the increasing proclivity towards engaging in open innovation, firms are likely to face some tensions and opportunities leading to a shift in the management of human resources This starts from the assumption that the knowledge base of the firm resides in the people who work for the firm and that some HRM factors can influence innovation within firms Despite this, there is a lack of research investigating the link between knowledge acquisition, HRM and innovation performance under the open innovation lens This paper intends to fill this gap and nurture future research by assessing whether knowledge acquisition influences innovation performance and whether HRM moderates such a relationship

Neural Knowledge Acquisition via Mutual Attention Between Knowledge Graph and Text

Abstract: We propose a general joint representation learning framework for knowledge acquisition (KA) on two tasks, knowledge graph completion (KGC) and relation extraction (RE) from text. In this framework, we learn representations of knowledge graphs (KGs) and text within a unified parameter sharing semantic space. To achieve better fusion, we propose an effective mutual attention between KGs and text. The reciprocal attention mechanism enables us to highlight important features and perform better KGC and RE. Different from conventional joint models, no complicated linguistic analysis or strict alignments between KGs and text are required to train our models. Experiments on relation extraction and entity link prediction show that models trained under our joint framework are significantly improved in comparison with other baselines. Most existing methods for KGC and RE can be easily integrated into our framework due to its flexible architectures. The source code of this paper can be obtained from https://github.com/thunlp/JointNRE.

Mobile Mixed Reality for Experiential Learning and Simulation in Medical and Health Sciences Education

Abstract: New accessible learning methods delivered through mobile mixed reality are becoming possible in education, shifting pedagogy from the use of two dimensional images and videos to facilitating learning via interactive mobile environments This is especially important in medical and health education, where the required knowledge acquisition is typically much more experiential, self-directed, and hands-on than in many other disciplines Presented are insights obtained from the implementation and testing of two mobile mixed reality interventions across two Australian higher education classrooms in medicine and health sciences, concentrating on student perceptions of mobile mixed reality for learning physiology and anatomy in a face-to-face medical and health science classroom and skills acquisition in airways management focusing on direct laryngoscopy with foreign body removal in a distance paramedic science classroom This is unique because most studies focus on a single discipline, focusing on either skills or the learner experience and a single delivery modality rather than linking cross-discipline knowledge acquisition and the development of a student’s tangible skills across multimodal classrooms Outcomes are presented from post-intervention student interviews and discipline academic observation, which highlight improvements in learner motivation and skills, but also demonstrated pedagogical challenges to overcome with mobile mixed reality learning

The effect of HRM practices on knowledge management capacity: a comparative study in Indian IT industry

Abstract: Successful businesses demand high-performing human resource management practices (HRMP) and effective knowledge management capacity (KMC) to enhance the overall organizational performance Rapid growth of both local and multinational companies operating in knowledge-intensive industries has increased the global competition in the labor market, also for the developing economies Therefore, attracting valuable human capital, retaining talents and managing effectively knowledge to deliver on the latest technologies and innovative solutions and services are the biggest challenges in the modern IT industry The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of HRMP on KMC through a cross-case analysis including four companies operating in Indian IT sector Based on the existing studies in this field, five key HRMP have been identified (ie recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and reward, employee retention and career development), as well as two key processes supporting the KMC (ie knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing),The paper adopts a qualitative research method based on a multiple case study, and it uses primary and secondary data collected through desk research and field interviews,Results show the existence of HRMP aiming to enhance the individual learning, motivation and retention of employees for knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing, in the strategic perspective to improve the organizational performance,The paper presents some limitations, which may provide scope for future research First, being the study a qualitative multiple case analysis, a more extensive research is needed to generalize the results and investigate further relationships existing between HRMP and KMC Moreover, a deep investigation on the organizational performance dimensions (eg sales growth, cash turnover, financial goal achievement) is required to verify the existence of possible links Finally, a further limit consists in considering only knowledge acquisition and knowledge-sharing processes, excluding another crucial knowledge management (KM) process such as knowledge application As for the research implications, the paper contributes to investigate the role of HRMP in supporting KMC in Indian IT companies, which represents a context of research not so much investigated,From a practitioner point of view, the study can be helpful to HR and KM managers for motivating employees to undertake learning processes and enhance their performance, as well as to acquire and share knowledge resources that are useful for the organization to remain innovative and stay competitive,As the influence of HRMP on KMC has not been widely studied in the Indian IT industry, the study may open the field for further studies on a deeper investigation of the relationships existing between human resources management (HRM), KM and organizational performance in knowledge-intensive industries in India and, more in general, in developing economies

Artificial Intelligence Methodologies and Their Application to Diabetes.

Abstract: In the past decade diabetes management has been transformed by the addition of continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump data More recently, a wide variety of functions and physiologic variables, such as heart rate, hours of sleep, number of steps walked and movement, have been available through wristbands or watches New data, hydration, geolocation, and barometric pressure, among others, will be incorporated in the future All these parameters, when analyzed, can be helpful for patients and doctors' decision support Similar new scenarios have appeared in most medical fields, in such a way that in recent years, there has been an increased interest in the development and application of the methods of artificial intelligence (AI) to decision support and knowledge acquisition Multidisciplinary research teams integrated by computer engineers and doctors are more and more frequent, mirroring the need of cooperation in this new topic AI, as a science, can be defined as the ability to make computers do things that would require intelligence if done by humans Increasingly, diabetes-related journals have been incorporating publications focused on AI tools applied to diabetes In summary, diabetes management scenarios have suffered a deep transformation that forces diabetologists to incorporate skills from new areas This recently needed knowledge includes AI tools, which have become part of the diabetes health care The aim of this article is to explain in an easy and plane way the most used AI methodologies to promote the implication of health care providers-doctors and nurses-in this field

Knowledge gaps in the early growth of semantic feature networks

Abstract: Understanding language learning, and more general knowledge acquisition, requires characterization of inherently qualitative structures. Recent work has applied network science to this task by creating semantic feature networks, in which words correspond to nodes and connections to shared features, then characterizing the structure of strongly inter-related groups of words. However, the importance of sparse portions of the semantic network - knowledge gaps - remains unexplored. Using applied topology we query the prevalence of knowledge gaps, which we propose manifest as cavities within the growing semantic feature network of toddlers. We detect topological cavities of multiple dimensions and find that despite word order variation, global organization remains similar. We also show that nodal network measures correlate with filling cavities better than basic lexical properties. Finally, we discuss the importance of semantic feature network topology in language learning and speculate that the progression through knowledge gaps may be a robust feature of knowledge acquisition.

Externally Acquired or Internally Generated? Knowledge Development and Perceived Environmental Dynamism in New Venture Innovation:

Abstract: We investigate the relative importance of external market knowledge acquisition and internal knowledge generation in new venture innovation. We argue that the effectiveness of externally acquired knowledge is less important in environments that are perceived as highly dynamic. To test our model, we examine 316 new ventures in one singular, high-growth sector. We find that managers have different interpretations of dynamism within this single sector and that these perceptual variations have important implications for how new ventures develop knowledge in pursuit of innovation. In so doing, we illustrate important within-sector mechanisms and boundary conditions behind new venture knowledge development and innovation.

Knowledge management process model

Abstract: In the context of globalization and transformations, the knowledge potential management is an effective tool for increasing the effectiveness of organizations. The aim of the research is to study the procedural approach to the organization knowledge potential management, to distinguish the main knowledge management processes and to present suggestions on how to improve the knowledge management process model. The organization's knowledge potential in this study is defined, as the organization's resources and market opportunities, generating its knowledge potential, complexity and effective management of which create prerequisites for meeting the changing individual user needs, creating reciprocal value, uniqueness and leadership in the global marketplace. The conceptual knowledge management process model has been improved, based on the research. The first step in the model is the choice of a knowledge strategy, covering aspects of the formation and selection of strategic decision-making in knowledge potential management. The choice of an appropriate knowledge strategy brings to its implementation through a process of knowledge management cycle, consisting of knowledge acquisition, sharing, development, preservation and application of it. The knowledge management process model is completed with an evaluation of the knowledge strategy implementation.

A Survey on Expert Recommendation in Community Question Answering

Abstract: Community question answering (CQA) represents the type of Web applications where people can exchange knowledge via asking and answering questions. One significant challenge of most real-world CQA systems is the lack of effective matching between questions and the potential good answerers, which adversely affects the efficient knowledge acquisition and circulation. On the one hand, a requester might experience many low-quality answers without receiving a quality response in a brief time; on the other hand, an answerer might face numerous new questions without being able to identify the questions of interest quickly. Under this situation, expert recommendation emerges as a promising technique to address the above issues. Instead of passively waiting for users to browse and find their questions of interest, an expert recommendation method raises the attention of users to the appropriate questions actively and promptly. The past few years have witnessed considerable efforts that address the expert recommendation problem from different perspectives. These methods all have their issues that need to be resolved before the advantages of expert recommendation can be fully embraced. In this survey, we first present an overview of the research efforts and state-of-the-art techniques for the expert recommendation in CQA. We next summarize and compare the existing methods concerning their advantages and shortcomings, followed by discussing the open issues and future research directions.

Improving the information society skills: Is knowledge accessible for all?

Abstract: The emergence and popularization of information and communications technologies (ICT) is changing modern society and its educational landscape. ICT facilitates individuals’ ability to learn anywhere and at any time. In fact, by using ICT, access to knowledge acquisition is not restricted to formal contexts, such as academic institutions. This position paper reviews the educational contexts in which new learning strategies using ICT have been adapted, by focusing on how users access information and improve their digital skills. Our initial hypothesis is that in technological environments, learners use very specific devices and applications to access information, because content accessibility depends on both the user’s profiles and ICT. We demonstrate this through a case study applied in several Spanish university institutions.

Knowledge processes and firm performance: the mediating effect of employee creativity

Abstract: In current era, firms are facing difficulties in aligning their capabilities with the hallmarks of the knowledge-intensive economy. Notwithstanding the fact that employees’ creativity ensures competitive advantage through innovation, firms are unable to reap the required level of performance. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the linkage among knowledge processes, employee creativity and firm performance. Moreover, the current quantitative study measures the moderating effect of a knowledge-intensive culture on knowledge processes and employee creativity.,Surveys were conducted in eight services sector organizations operating in southern Punjab, Pakistan, and responses were obtained from 197 employees selected at random. To test the exposition using an empirical data analysis approach, three core hypotheses are drawn, and to test these hypotheses, multiple regression analyses, Preacher and Hayes (2004) mediation analysis and Aguinis (2004) guidelines were applied on 197 responses.,The results explain that knowledge processes have a positive impact on firm performance and employee creativity partially mediates their stated relationship. Moreover, a knowledge-intensive culture has a strengthening effect on the relationship between knowledge processes and employee creativity. In-depth investigation outlines that knowledge acquisition, sharing and application are more influencing processes to enhance firm performance. Furthermore, knowledge conversion and protection do not hold significant relevance with firm performance but are supportive elements for other processes.,In order to have a sustained performance, firms have to initiate steps to promote employees’ creativity by deploying an optimal mix of knowledge processes and flourish a knowledge-intensive culture in routine organizational life. Moreover, knowledge processes are important to promote creative behavior in employees that will lead to incessant innovation and firm performance.,This study gives meaningful thoughts to unexplored areas in the field of knowledge management. First, the indirect effect of knowledge processes on firm performance through employees’ creativity. Second, the importance of knowledge processes to enhance employees’ creativity in the presence of a knowledge-intensive culture. This study gets together the dynamic constructs in the field of knowledge management, such as knowledge-intensive culture and employee creativity, and describes the linkage between knowledge processes and firm performance.

Institutional distance and knowledge acquisition in international buyer-supplier relationships : the moderating role of trust

Abstract: Institutional distance can generate expanded opportunities for multinational firms to facilitate learning and responsiveness. However, such distance can also create obstacles regarding knowledge transfer and integration. A theoretical puzzle concerns the mechanisms and conditions in which international buyers and suppliers can overcome institutional distance and acquire new knowledge. We develop an integrative moderated-mediation model in which institutional distance prevents parties from accessing knowledge but, when knowledge is obtained and mutual trust is developed, it promotes cross-border knowledge acquisition in international buyer-supplier exchange, particularly between international firms and firms from the Asia Pacific region. These findings indicate that firms can overcome the challenges of regulative and cognitive distance and facilitate access to knowledge and knowledge acquisition when they are able to develop and cultivate relationships of mutual trust with foreign partners. While normative distance may create learning incentives and opportunities in international buyer-supplier relationships, its impacts on knowledge accessibility and acquisition are insignificant.

Inter-organizational social capital as an antecedent of a firm’s knowledge identification capability and external knowledge acquisition

Abstract: Purpose This paper concentrates on the antecedents of external knowledge acquisition of companies based on their inter-organizational relationships. Specifically, it considers social capital (i.e., the result of a firm’s inter-organizational relationships) as an essential precursor of knowledge identification capabilities and deliberated knowledge acquisition strategies. This study aims to propose that cognitive and relational dimensions of a firm’s inter-organizational social capital are mediating factors of the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge identification capabilities and the relationship between structural social capital and the deliberated acquisition of external knowledge, respectively. The relationship between knowledge identification capability and external knowledge acquisition is also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach This is a cross-sectional quantitative study with a sample of 87 firms from Spanish biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. From an extensive literature review, we developed three hypotheses that were tested using the partial least squares technique and structural equations model. Findings The results only support a mediating effect of cognitive social capital in the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge identification capability and a partial mediation effect of relational social capital in the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge acquisition. In addition, the findings show that firms with more advanced abilities to identify and assess the value of external knowledge will be likely to develop optimal deliberated strategies to acquire effectively such knowledge from its network partners. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are small sample size and the cross-sectional nature of the study. The study also focuses on only two specific and innovative industries. Practical implications Managers should understand that “good” management of inter-organizational social capital allows the firm to develop dynamic capabilities for the identification and acquisition of valuable knowledge. The results of the study show that managers should concentrate on building knowledge identification capabilities and should also be aware of the possibilities that social capital can provide to a firm to formulate and implement effective strategies for external knowledge acquisition. Originality/value To date, there are relatively few studies focussing on knowledge identification capability and its relationships with the dimensions of a company’s social capital as enablers of external knowledge acquisition. For managers, the identification of valuable knowledge by using inter-organizational relationships and networks is an essential issue, especially in innovative industries characterized by continuous change. Theoretically, this research highlights that social capital contributes to the development of dynamic capabilities, allowing the firm to sense and seize business opportunities based on external knowledge acquisition to achieve competitive advantages.

Development of M-learning Application based on Knowledge Management Processes

Abstract: The wide spectrum use of mobile devices has brought numerous opportunities to develop and design Mobile Learning (M-learning) applications that will assist learners in their studies. From the M-learning perspective, in order to improve the learners' capabilities through the use of mobile devices, Knowledge Management (KM) processes (Knowledge Acquisition, Knowledge Sharing, Knowledge Application, and Knowledge Protection) should be incorporated in M-learning applications. The literature shows that several research studies were carried out with the aim of developing M-learning applications. Due to the lack of literature on examining the impact of KM processes on M-learning acceptance theoretically and practically, the main objective of this study is to develop a M-learning application that enables KM processes (Acquisition, Sharing, Application, and Protection). Moreover, the paper describes the M-learning application framework that was developed based on KM processes. In addition, the paper deliberates the implementation of the application in two different universities in two different regions, namely: Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in Malaysia, and Al Buraimi University College (BUC) in Oman. Other implications and discussions are also presented in the paper.

Knowledge Representation Learning: A Quantitative Review.

Abstract: Knowledge representation learning (KRL) aims to represent entities and relations in knowledge graph in low-dimensional semantic space, which have been widely used in massive knowledge-driven tasks. In this article, we introduce the reader to the motivations for KRL, and overview existing approaches for KRL. Afterwards, we extensively conduct and quantitative comparison and analysis of several typical KRL methods on three evaluation tasks of knowledge acquisition including knowledge graph completion, triple classification, and relation extraction. We also review the real-world applications of KRL, such as language modeling, question answering, information retrieval, and recommender systems. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges and outlook the future directions for KRL. The codes and datasets used in the experiments can be found in this https URL.

DeepWeak: Reasoning common software weaknesses via knowledge graph embedding

Abstract: Common software weaknesses, such as improper input validation, integer overflow, can harm system security directly or indirectly, causing adverse effects such as denial-of-service, execution of unauthorized code. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) maintains a standard list and classification of common software weakness. Although CWE contains rich information about software weaknesses, including textual descriptions, common sequences and relations between software weaknesses, the current data representation, i.e., hyperlined documents, does not support advanced reasoning tasks on software weaknesses, such as prediction of missing relations and common consequences of CWEs. Such reasoning tasks become critical to managing and analyzing large numbers of common software weaknesses and their relations. In this paper, we propose to represent common software weaknesses and their relations as a knowledge graph, and develop a translation-based, description-embodied knowledge representation learning method to embed both software weaknesses and their relations in the knowledge graph into a semantic vector space. The vector representations (i.e., embeddings) of software weaknesses and their relations can be exploited for knowledge acquisition and inference. We conduct extensive experiments to evaluate the performance of software weakness and relation embeddings in three reasoning tasks, including CWE link prediction, CWE triple classification, and common consequence prediction. Our knowledge graph embedding approach outperforms other description- and/or structure-based representation learning methods.

Students’ perceptions towards the integration of knowledge management processes in M-Learning Systems: A preliminary study

Abstract: It is highly important for the higher educational institutions to understand the factors that affect the students’ acceptance of Mobile Learning (M-learning) systems as a prior step to the implementation of such systems. From the M-learningperspective, the literature ignores some f actors that could contribute to improve the knowledge acquisition, sharing, application, and protection, and how such factors could affect the M-learning acceptance. From the Knowledge Management (KM) perspective, research shows that KM processes have a positive impact on the acceptance an implementation of many Information Systems (IS). We observed that the existing literature overlooks the impact of KM processes on M-learning acceptance. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to analyse the students’ perceptions towards the integration of KM processes in M-learning systems. A mixed method (questionnaire and interviews) was used for data collection. An online survey has been sent to IT undergraduate students in two different universities in two different regions namely, Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) in Malaysia and Al Buraimi University College (BUC) in Oman. 305 students responded to the survey. Results indicated that around 74% of students reported that it is interesting to incorporate KM processes in M-learning systems. Additionally, results pointed out that 93% of the students indicated that they would use the M-learning system in their studies if all KM processes will be taken into consideration. It is imperative that these results will assist the M-learning systems developers to take these factors into their consideration while designing and developing such systems. Furthermore, educators may need to elaborate their teaching strategies in a way that suits ths use of these systems and meets the students’ needs.

How to scope configuration projects and manage the knowledge they require

Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to explore the use of the knowledge management (KM) perspective for configuration projects. Configuration projects implement configurators as information technology systems that help companies manage the specification process of customised products. An effective method of retrieving and formalising knowledge for configurators is essential, because it can reduce the risk of unsuccessful implementation and the time and effort required for development. Unfortunately, no standard KM frameworks are available specifically for configuration projects. This study identifies the knowledge necessary for different phases of a configuration project (which knowledge, for what purpose and from what sources), examines how it is transformed during a configuration project (what KM activities and tools are used) and establishes how the knowledge can be documented for future maintenance and updates. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a four-step framework for making the KM process more efficient in configuration projects. The framework is based on the literature, developed in collaboration with industrial partners and tested on four configuration projects in two engineering companies. The framework is a structured KM approach designed to save time for both domain experts and the configuration team. The authors have used a qualitative exploratory design based on multiple data sources: documentation, workshops and participant observation. Findings The proposed framework comprises four steps: determination of the system’s scope, to establish the project’s goal based on stakeholders’ requirements and prioritise the required products and processes; knowledge acquisition, to classify the knowledge according to the desired output and identify different knowledge sources; modelling and knowledge validation; and documentation and maintenance, to ensure that the KM system can be maintained and updated in the future. Research limitations/implications Because the framework is tested on a limited number of cases, its generalisability may be limited. However, focusing on a few case applications allows us to assess the effectiveness of the framework in detail and in depth to identify the practical challenges of applying it. The results of the tests support the framework’s validity. Although the framework is designed mainly for engineering companies, other industries could benefit from using it as well. Practical implications The individual steps of the framework create a structured approach for the KM process. Thus, the approach can save both time and resources for companies, without the need for additional investment. Originality/value A standard framework is lacking in the literature on KM for configuration projects. This study fills that gap by developing a KM framework for configuration projects, based on KM frameworks developed for IT projects, and KM tools.

Knowledge Management Process Model

Abstract: In the context of globalization and transformations, the knowledge potential management is an effective tool for increasing the effectiveness of organizations. The aim of the research is to study the procedural approach to the organization knowledge potential management, to distinguish the main knowledge management processes and to present suggestions on how to improve the knowledge management process model. The organization's knowledge potential in this study is defined, as the organization's resources and market opportunities, generating its knowledge potential, complexity and effective management of which create prerequisites for meeting the changing individual user needs, creating reciprocal value, uniqueness and leadership in the global marketplace. The conceptual knowledge management process model has been improved, based on the research. The first step in the model is the choice of a knowledge strategy, covering aspects of the formation and selection of strategic decision-making in knowledge potential management. The choice of an appropriate knowledge strategy brings to its implementation through a process of knowledge management cycle, consisting of knowledge acquisition, sharing, development, preservation and application of it. The knowledge management process model is completed with an evaluation of the knowledge strategy implementation.

Structural social capital and knowledge acquisition: implications of cluster membership

Abstract: This paper analyzes the implications of belonging to a cluster through the relationship between structural social capital and knowledge acquisition. The findings suggest structural social capital o...

Students’ knowledge acquisition and ability to apply knowledge into different science contexts in two different independent learning settings

Abstract: Background: Recently, there is a growing interest in independent learning approaches globally. This is, at least in part, due to an increased demand for so-called ‘21st century skills’ and the pote...