Development and validation of knowledge management performance measurement constructs for small and medium enterprises

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 711-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Sheng Lee ◽  
Kuan Yew Wong
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Management Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Measurement Models ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – This paper aims to address the lack of previous studies and to propose a reliable and valid knowledge management performance measurement (KMPM) model for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument containing 13 constructs and 49 items was initially developed and posted to small and medium-sized consultancy firms in Malaysia. Reliability and validity analysis was performed to ensure the quality of the instrument. Findings – The developed survey instrument was shown to be reliable, valid and suitable to be applied in SMEs to evaluate their knowledge management (KM) performance. Research limitations/implications – The present study is limited to SMEs in the service sector. The results are not suitable to be generalized to the manufacturing sector or larger organizations without further research. Practical implications – This study would provide SMEs with a better understanding on KMPM and also a guideline to refer to when measuring their KM performance. Academics can use this study as a basic model to explore KMPM in SMEs and develop new measurement models. Originality/value – This study is believed to be the first that has scientifically developed and empirically tested the constructs that represent a comprehensive KMPM model tailored for SMEs.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 369-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Euro Marques Júnior ◽  
Jose Alcides Gobbo ◽  
Fernando Fukunaga ◽  
Roberto Cerchione ◽  
Piera Centobelli
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
The Other ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Use Of Knowledge

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

Examining the factors influencing knowledge management system (KMS) adoption in small and medium enterprises SMEs

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 234-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fayiz Dahash Shrafat
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management System ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Knowledge Management System ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The potential for the adoption of a knowledge management system (KMS) is becoming a crucial matter in small and medium enterprises (SMEs); however, there is a scarcity of studies related to KMS adoption in SMEs. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to advance further our understanding of the factors that influence the KMS adoption process among SMEs. Design/methodology/approach The collected sample size was 247 respondents. For statistical analysis, Smart partial least square (PLS) (a structural model-based tool) was used to build, run and validate the process model. PLS regression techniques were used to analyze the latent constructs. Smart PLS exhibits both the measurement model and the structural model. Findings The results indicate that knowledge management capabilities, knowledge sharing, organizational learning capabilities and IT capabilities are the significant factors which influence KMS adoption. This study also identifies some unexpected results. Research limitations/implications The number of responses obtained from the survey was rather small. However, a larger number of responses would probably have resulted in a more accurate finding. Additionally, this study should be verified via a larger sample to increase its generalization. Practical implications The result of this study will provide SMEs with valuable guidelines to better understand what factors should be considered as highly important and thus providing decision makers and managers with valuable insights to increase the adoption level of KMSs. Originality/value The study addresses the research gap by developing and empirically validating a research model of KMS adoption from a different perspective that incorporates critical issues which have never been simultaneously examined.

Knowledge management as intellectual property

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 830-850 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Maldonado-Guzmán ◽  
Gabriela Citlalli Lopez-Torres ◽  
Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes ◽  
Vikas Kumar ◽  
Juan Luis Martinez-Covarrubias
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Property ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Practices ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between knowledge management and creation of intellectual property within the context of small and medium size manufacturing enterprises. Design/methodology/approach A hypothesis was formulated and tested using structural equation modelling. Data were collected through an instrument that was developed based on key constructs adapted from the literature and that was first validated using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. A Cronbach’s alpha test was also conducted and the Composite Reliability Index was calculated to ensure reliability of the theoretical model. The instrument was distributed among manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Aguascalientes region of Mexico, from were 125 valid responses were obtained. Findings In general, the results indicate that knowledge management has positive effects on the creation of intellectual property in manufacturing SMEs. This suggests that SMEs can create more intellectual property if they dedicate more efforts to the management of knowledge. Practical implications The implication of this research and its findings may inform the strategies formulated by policy makers, and the managerial practices that manufacturing SMEs can adopt to protect their knowledge. Originality/value Evidence suggests that studies focused on investigating the relationship between knowledge and intellectual property are limited. This paper provides a refined understanding of the relationship between knowledge management and intellectual property creation.

Organizational effects and labor behavior of domestic violence

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Segundo J. Castro-Gonzáles ◽  
Orquídea Arias Díaz ◽  
Anamari Irizarry Quintero
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Canonical Analysis ◽  
Limited Attention ◽  
Physical Damage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Using a proposed model, the purpose of this paper is to categorize small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) owners/managers’ perceptions of customer service, and of the manifestations and observable behaviors in relation to the most frequent repercussions of domestic violence in the workplace. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 73 SME owners/managers was selected; a survey with 44 variables was used for data collection; and factorial and canonical analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Findings The following were found: among the most frequent manifestations of domestic violence in SME customer services, there are four categories that explain 69.46 percent of the model of variance: threats and continuous absences, frequent mistakes and bad relationships, physical damage/lack of concentration and negative manifestation with low self-esteem; among observable behavior at the workplace, there are four categories that explain 65.35 percent of the model of variance: lack of concentration/tearfulness, fear/insecurity, limited attention to customers and continuous threats; finally there is a 96.70 percent probability of the SMEs’ productivity being affected (loss of customers and low production), through three manifestations of domestic violence detected in the employees: tiredness, sleepiness and tearfulness. Research limitations/implications This research is circumscribed to only one geographical zone in Puerto Rico. Practical implications Even only three manifestations of domestic violence in workers will significantly decrease productivity. When SME managers detect these, they can take action to mitigate the problem for the benefit of the workers. Originality/value This study is a pioneer proposal in its analytical quantitative approach on domestic violence in Puerto Rico and its repercussions on the productivity of the service sector, using canonical analysis.

Performance measurement and management systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavio Hourneaux Jr ◽  
Julio Araujo Carneiro-da-Cunha ◽  
Hamilton Luiz Corrêa
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose Managerial usage of performance measurement and management systems (PMMS) is commonly far from what theory advocates as ideal. Based on this, the purpose of this paper is to identify the justifications for using PMMS and how much each of them explains the actual use of these systems. Design/methodology/approach An empirical survey was conducted with 149 manufacturing companies’ managers as respondents. Descriptive statistics analysis and factorial analysis were performed with multivariate analysis to test proposed hypotheses. Findings The results for all the companies surveyed are similar for the four dimensions – monitoring, focus, strategic decision-making and legitimization. Only monitoring dimension presents a difference between larger and smaller companies. There is no difference in the other three dimensions. As for the source of capital, there is no difference in any of the four dimensions. It evidences that companies do not seem to be mature enough in the full usage of their PMMS. Research limitations/implications Data are related only to a sample of São Paulo manufacturing companies and should not be fully considered in different contexts without the proper awareness of ambiance differences. Practical implications There is still room for organizations to improve their performance measurement systems as managers could learn how to better avail themselves of the information from the PMMS. Brazilian policymakers could support this process through policies and programs that incentivize manager to gain education in PMMS. Social implications Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be supported by policymakers (through learning programs or internal monitoring incentives) to improve their measurement performance systems usage capabilities. Originality/value Discussion was based on data from an emerging country where there are mostly SMEs and companies have to deal with more contingencies and restrictions. Although the lack of resources tends to diminish a more effective usage of these systems, PMMS are mostly directed to monitoring issues.

How to deal with knowledge management misalignment: a taxonomy based on a 3D fuzzy methodology

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 538-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piera Centobelli ◽  
Roberto Cerchione ◽  
Emilio Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Field Analysis ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Broad Variety ◽  
High Level ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This paper aims to propose a new three-dimensional (3D) fuzzy logic methodology to evaluate the level of misalignment between an enterprise’s knowledge and the knowledge management systems (KMSs) it adopts. Design/methodology/approach The proposed methodology was implemented by means of a field analysis based on semi-structured face-to-face interviews involving a sample of 61 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in high-tech and/or complex industries. Findings The paper highlights that while there is generally a high level of misalignment between an enterprise’s knowledge and the KMSs adopted, there are also a broad variety of behaviours. The paper identifies a taxonomy able to bring together the various types of behaviour associated with how an enterprise’s knowledge is related to KMS selection. Specifically, four behaviour patterns were identified, and the enterprises were then categorised accordingly as being guideposts, practice laggards, tool laggards or latecomers. Practical implications The proposed taxonomy provides an operational tool that can be used by enterprises and policy makers alike. The paper shows how enterprises can use this tool to understand which category they belong to and support decision-making to introduce changes leading to improved levels of alignment. Policy makers, on the other hand, can use the proposed taxonomy to identify measures to support the competitiveness of local systems by improving management processes and knowledge sharing among enterprises. Originality/value The paper highlights the difficulties that SMEs experience in adopting KMSs that are truly aligned with their knowledge and proposes a methodology to improve alignment.

The level matters: building capabilities for innovation and enterprise performance through customer involvement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Anning-Dorson
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Critical Question ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Involvement ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Medium Enterprises

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the quadratic relationship between customer involvement capability and performance, and innovation of small- and medium-scale service firms. The study answers the critical question of how SMEs make the most benefit from their involvement capability.Design/methodology/approachData from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the service sector of an emerging economy in sub-Saharan Africa were used. A two-stage data analysis with a quadratic estimation was used to assess the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe study found that the influence of involvement capability over SME performance differs in terms of financial and non-financial. And that, while increasing customer involvement will improve non-financial performance such as customer satisfaction and service quality, it is only at the intermediate level that financial performance is optimized.Originality/valueThe relationships (involvement, and performance and innovation) are not linear, and that at some levels, the relationship with financial or non-financial performance is more positive than other levels. The findings also suggest that involvement capability influences both process and product innovations most at intermediate levels than at low and high levels.

Knowledge, diffusion and interest in blockchain technology in SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Bracci ◽  
Mouhcine Tallaki ◽  
Riccardo Ievoli ◽  
Sonia Diplotti
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Perspective Drawing ◽  
The Future ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The paper aims to understand the possible determinants of knowledge of, and interest in using, blockchain, with a particular focus in the future intention to apply this technology. Blockchain technology is deemed to radically change business models and processes. Using this technology in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is still a novel idea. Moreover, not much is known about the diffusion and level of interest towards blockchain in SMEs. This research adopts a knowledge management perspective, drawing on technology acceptance model to highlight the level of blockchain technology diffusion, and to explore which factors lead SMEs’ to adopt blockchain. Design/methodology/approach This study distributed a questionnaire to a sample of 300 SMEs in Italy. This study received 96 responses (32% response rate). This study calculated descriptive statistics and undertook a reliability analysis. Finally, this study performed a logistic regression to analyse the determinants of further intention to use blockchain technology. Findings Results show that blockchain technology is quite well known, but the level of knowledge is limited. Moreover, the research reveals that the rate of adoption is very low. Interest in the future adoption of blockchain is associated with knowledge, perception of usefulness and ease of use of blockchain. Originality/value This paper is one of the first explorative studies showing which factors lead SMEs to adopt blockchain technologies and shedding some light on the interaction between knowledge management and blockchain adoption and diffusion in SMEs. It highlights how blockchain knowledge could determine future interest in blockchain innovation. This paper is relevant for public and private institutions that aim to promote, through knowledge management, the adoption of blockchain in SMEs.

Credit scoring of small and medium enterprises: a behavioural approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akanksha Goel ◽  
Shailesh Rastogi
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Credit Scoring ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Uttar Pradesh ◽  
Indian States ◽  
Psychological Traits ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychological Constructs ◽  
Credit Default ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose This study aims to formulate a behavioural credit scoring models for Indian small and medium enterprises (SME) entrepreneurs using certain behavioural and psychological constructs. Two separate models are built which can predict the credit default and wilful default of the borrowers, respectively. This research was undertaken to understand whether certain psychological and behavioural factors can significantly predict the borrowers’ credit and wilful default. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey was undertaken by SME entrepreneurs of two Indian states, i.e. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The questionnaire had two dependent variables: wilful default and credit default and nine independent variables. The questionnaire reliability and validity were ensured through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and further a model was built using logistic regression. Findings The results of this study have shown that certain behavioural and psychological traits of the borrowers can significantly predict borrowers’ default. These variables can be used to predict the overall creditworthiness of SME borrowers. Practical implications The findings of this research indicate that using behavioural and psychological constructs, lending institutions can easily evaluate the credit worthiness of those borrowers, who do not have any financial and credit history. This will enhance the capability of financial institutions to evaluate opaque SME borrowers. Originality/value There are very few numbers of studies which have considered predicting the credit default using certain psychological variables, but with respect to Asian market, and especially India, there does not exist a single significant study which has tried to fulfil such research gap. Also, this is the first study that has explored whether certain psychological factors can predict the wilful default of the borrowers. This is one of the most significant contributions of this research.

scholarly journals Intellectual capital in small and medium enterprises in Pakistan

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 224-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Khalique ◽  
Nick Bontis ◽  
Jamal Abdul Nassir bin Shaari ◽  
Abu Hassan Md. Isa
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Electronics Manufacturing ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the links between intellectual capital sub-components and organizational performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through structured questionnaires from a sample of 247 respondents from Pakistani SMEs in Gujranwala and Gujarat. Several tests were used to examine the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Finally, multiple regression analysis was used to test the proposed research hypotheses. Findings – The findings of this study demonstrate that the overall regression model of intellectual capital shows goodness of fit while one component of intellectual capital – namely human capital – appeared insignificant. Subsequently, six out of seven research hypotheses was accepted. Practical implications – This study will provide a valuable framework for entrepreneurs, executives, managers and policy makers in managing intellectual capital within the Pakistani context. Originality/value – To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first empirical study that has been conducted on SMEs operating in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector in Pakistan.

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