Designing decentralized knowledge management systems to effectuate individual and collective generative capacities

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prototype Development ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose In addressing the future trajectory of knowledge management systems, this paper uses the psycho-social notion of generativity which recently stimulated contributions in technology and innovation for a holistic systemic knowledge management (KM) review. The purpose of this study is to identify current shortcomings and fixations together with their ramifying affordances, all enveloped within a novel KM concept and prototype-system-under-development. Design/methodology/approach It follows up on prior publications using design science research (DSR) methodologies in compliance with theory effectiveness, a principle expecting system designs to be purposeful in terms of utility and communication. The KM perspective taken prioritizes a decentralizing agenda benefiting knowledge workers while also aiming to foster a fruitful co-evolution with traditional organizational KM approaches. Findings The notions of generative fit and capacities in their technical, informational and social interpretations prove able to accommodate diverse KM models and to cumulatively synthesize a wide range of related concepts and perspectives. In the process, Nonaka’s renowned socialize, externalize, combine, internalize and Ba model is repurposed and extended to suggest a corresponding complementing seize, imbed, collate, encompass, effectuate workflow embedded in distinct digital ecosystems fully aligned to the diversity of the generative attributes introduced. Research limitations/implications Although the prototype development is still in progress, the study conforms to the DSR practice to report on early visions of technology impact on users, organizations and society and also refers to and reflects on aspects of feasibility, suitability, acceptability and the system’s prospect as a general-purpose technology or disruptive innovation. Originality/value The paper transdisciplinarily integrates the well-established psychological notions of generativity into its newer digital and systemic KM dimensions. The resulting new insights transparently inform the concept and prototype design, present a holistic framework for individuals and organizations and suggest avenues for new KM applications and KM research directions inspired by the adopted and adapted novel generativity contexts.

Scalability of generative knowledge management systems: designing for individuals’ and institutions’ mutual benefit

Kybernetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prototype Development

Purpose In further conceptualizing a novel generative knowledge management system (KM/KMS), this paper aims to focus on identifying and mitigating the risks related to its envisaged scaling from a prototype to an application with a rapidly growing user base. Design/methodology/approach It follows up on prior publications using design science research (DSR) methodologies in compliance with theory effectiveness, a principle expecting system designs to be purposeful in terms of utility and communication. The KMS perspective taken prioritizes a decentralizing agenda benefiting knowledge workers while also aiming to foster a fruitful co-evolution with conventional organizational KM approaches. Findings The utilization and further extension of the CKDT and a “scalable innovation” heuristic are assisting the detecting of potential scaling risks related to the logics and logistics, generative interoperability, technological capacitating, knowledge dynamics and value chain which further validates the viability of the proposed KM concept and system. Research limitations/implications Although the prototype development is still in progress, the paper conforms to the DSR practice to report on early visions of technology impact on users, organizations and society but also reflects on expectations of viability, desirability and commitment, as well as the system’s prospect as a general-purpose-technology or disruptive innovation. Originality/value In addition to the novel KM-related perspectives, the paper’s practical emphasis on the scaling of more complex systems is rarely dealt with in the literature due to the respective projects’ often large-scale collaborative nature, broad methodological scope and diverse stakeholders’ interests. In this case, the task is eased as prior DSR outputs can be referred to.

scholarly journals (Neg)Entropic Scenarios Affecting the Wicked Design Spaces of Knowledge Management Systems

Entropy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Ulrich Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Information Overload ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Science Research ◽  
General Purpose ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems

The envisioned embracing of thriving knowledge societies is increasingly compromised by threatening perceptions of information overload, attention poverty, opportunity divides, and career fears. This paper traces the roots of these symptoms back to causes of information entropy and structural holes, invisible private and undiscoverable public knowledge which characterize the sad state of our current knowledge management and creation practices. As part of an ongoing design science research and prototyping project, the article’s (neg)entropic perspectives complement a succession of prior multi-disciplinary publications. Looking forward, it proposes a novel decentralized generative knowledge management approach that prioritizes the capacity development of autonomous individual knowledge workers not at the expense of traditional organizational knowledge management systems but as a viable means to foster their fruitful co-evolution. The article, thus, informs relevant stakeholders about the current unsustainable status quo inhibiting knowledge workers; it presents viable remedial options (as a prerequisite for creating the respective future generative Knowledge Management (KM) reality) to afford a sustainable solution with the generative potential to evolve into a prospective general-purpose technology.

Utilizing a systematic literature review to develop an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chulatep Senivongse ◽  
Alex Bennet ◽  
Stefania Mariano
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Information And Knowledge Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the value of using a systematic literature review to develop an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems. Design/methodology/approach First, the systematic literature review method is introduced, differentiating it from traditional literature reviews in terms of value-added and limitations. Second, this methodology is used in a research application focused on absorptive capacity internal capabilities with regard to the processes of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation. Third, an integrated framework for information and knowledge management systems is developed from this application. Findings The systematic literature review approach provides a rigor that can assist in reducing researcher bias while simultaneously enabling the definition of a precise scope of review, with a clear explanation of selection criteria with the objective to find and review all the studies that are relevant to the search definitions. As a research method, it effectively supports a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methodology. Research limitations/implications This methodology was applied to one specific area of research. Specific limitations include the availability of articles in subscribed databases and the analytical capabilities of the tools used for text mining and analytics. Originality/value This paper demonstrates the usefulness of the systematic literature review methodology in developing an integrated framework for analysis.

scholarly journals Devising Enabling Spaces and Affordances for Personal Knowledge Management System Design

10.28945/3744 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Personal Growth ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Personal Knowledge ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Development Platform ◽  
Personal Knowledge Management ◽  
Nosql Database

[This Proceedings paper was revised and published in Informing Science: the International Journal of an Emerging Transdiscipline (InfoSci)] Aim/Purpose: Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) has been envisaged as a crucial tool for the growing creative class of knowledge workers, but adequate technological solutions have not been forthcoming. Background: Based on former affordance-related publications (primarily concerned with communication, community-building, collaboration, and social knowledge sharing), the common and differing narratives in relation to PKM are investigated in order to suggest further PKM capabilities and affordances in need to be conferred. Methodology: The paper follows up on a series of the author’s PKM-related publications, firmly rooted in design science research (DSR) methods and aimed at creating an innovative PKM concept and prototype system. Contribution: The affordances presented offer PKM system users the means to retain and build upon knowledge acquired in order to sustain personal growth and facilitate productive collaborations between fellow learners and/or professional acquaintances. Findings: The results call for an extension of Nonaka’s SECI model and ‘ba’ concept and provide arguments for and evidence supporting the claims that the PKM concept and system is able to facilitate better knowledge traceability and KM practices. Recommendations and Impact on Society: Together with the prior publications, the paper points to current KM shortcomings and presents a novel trans-disciplinary approach offering appealing opportunities for stakeholders engaged in the context of curation, education, research, development, business, and entrepreneurship. Its potential to tackle opportunity divides has been addressed via a PKM for Development (PKM4D) Framework. Future: DSR Activities After completing the test phase of the prototype, its transformation into a viable PKM system and cloud-based server based on a rapid development platform and a noSQL-database is estimated to take 12 months.

Bibliometric analysis of the VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems: 2000–2020

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Anwarul Islam ◽  
Gunilla Widen
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Science Mapping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Mapping Analysis ◽  
Information And Knowledge Management

Purpose VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems (VJIKMS) is one of the oldest and leading journals in the knowledge management (KM) field. The purpose of this study is to conduct bibliometrics analysis of publications published in VJIKMS for the past two decades. For doing this, this paper covered the past two decades of publications and carried out a science mapping analysis of publications. Design/methodology/approach The methodology included bibliometrics and the science mapping analysis process. This paper imported the bibliographic information of VJIKMS from the abstract and citation database Scopus. Through bibliometrics method, this paper examined the citation results, author productivity, authorship pattern, research collaboration and other parameters of the selected publications. Afterward, this paper used VOSviewer software to carry out the science mapping of bibliometric networks. Findings The findings showed that VJIKMS published 718 publications during 2000–2020, which got cited 4,311 times (6 times per article) till date. Joint authorship and international collaboration have been increasing where 1,417 authors from 66 countries have published. The USA, the UK and Iran lead the KM publications in this journal. Nonaka’s publications and Journal of Knowledge Management (JKM) are highly cited references and journals in the VJIKMS. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study would help the KM students, researchers and practitioners to see the diffusion of KM globally, what are the promising areas to work and helps to know the various patterns of publications if they aim to publish in VJIKMS. Originality/value This is the first time a bibliometric analysis has been conducted to analysis of research publications published in VJIKMS. This presents a comprehensive analysis of publications between 2000 and 2020.

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.

The Role of Fit in Knowledge Management Systems

2008 ◽  
pp. 2157-2177
Author(s):  
Peter Baloh
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Information ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Organizational Setting ◽  
Processing Theory ◽  
It Support

While most organizations have deployed knowledge management systems (KMS), only a handful have been able to leverage these investments. Existing knowledge management (KM) research offered valuable insights on how to introduce KMS in a sense of innovation-diffusion, yet little guidance has been offered to KMS developers who need to decide on functionalities of a tool they are to introduce in a particular organizational setting. The goal of this paper is to propose theoretical background for design of IS that successfully support and enable decision making, which is seen as the ultimate form of knowledge creation and utilization. By using principles of the design science, design profiles proposed build upon works from organization and IS sciences, primarily the evolutionary information-processing theory of knowledge creation (Li & Kettinger, 2006) and the task technology fit theory (Zigurs & Buckland, 1998), the latter being amended for particularities of the KM environment. Proposed fit profiles suggest that one-size-fits-all approaches do not work and that organizations must take, in contrast with suggestions of extant literature, a segmented approach to KM activities and fitting IT support.

Intelligent Search for Experts Using Fuzzy Abstraction Hierarchy in Knowledge Management Systems

2009 ◽  
pp. 755-777
Author(s):  
Kun-Woo Yang ◽  
Soon-Young Huh
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Text Categorization ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Intelligent Search ◽  
The Subject

In knowledge management systems (KMS), managing explicit knowledge is comparatively easy using information technology such as databases. However, tacit knowledge, usually possessed by human experts in unstructured forms such as know-how and experiences, is hard to systemize. Recent research has shown that it is more effective to provide search mechanisms for experts than to directly search for specific knowledge itself in KMS to pinpoint experts with needed knowledge in the organizations so that users can acquire the knowledge from the found experts. In this article, we propose an intelligent search framework to provide search capabilities for experts who not only match search conditions exactly but also belong to the similar or related subject fields according to the user’s needs. In enabling intelligent searches for experts, the Fuzzy Abstraction Hierarchy (FAH) framework has been adopted. Based on FAH, searching for experts with similar or related expertise is facilitated using the subject field hierarchy defined in the system. While adopting FAH, a text categorization approach based on Vector Space Model is also utilized to overcome the limitation of the original FAH framework. To test applicability and practicality of the proposed framework, the prototype system, “Knowledge Portal for Researchers in Science and Technology” sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of Korea, has been developed.

Back to the future of Knowledge Management Systems off the beaten paths

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (9) ◽  
pp. 1953-1984
Author(s):  
Roberto Cerchione ◽  
Piera Centobelli ◽  
Pierluigi Zerbino ◽  
Amitabh Anand
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Forms Of Knowledge

PurposeThe evolution of Knowledge-Management (KM)-related literature has highlighted that Knowledge Management Systems (KMSs) have undergone massive changes in collaborative environments. Information-Systems-enabled KM seems to be the necessary response to the recent challenges posed by globalisation and technology dynamics to both large companies (LCs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachThis paper provides a systematic review about KMSs to offer an analytical overview of their role in supporting innovative forms of knowledge translation occurring in collaborative relationships. A sample of 129 papers was selected and analysed according to three perspectives: unit of analysis (LCs, SMEs), phases of the KM process (adoption, translation) and topic area (KM Practices, KM Tools, KMSs).FindingsThe findings highlight five literature gaps: (1) the role of KM practices supporting knowledge translation; (2) the impact of the alignment among KM practices, firm's complexity, dimension and culture on KM process; (3) the effect of KM tools on knowledge translation; (4) the variety of KMSs exploited in both LCs and SMEs; and (5) the alignment between organisational structure and information systems in KM context. Accordingly, 13 research questions were formulated.Originality/valueThe proposed research questions define a formal research agenda that could steer further research efforts about the KMS topic for improving the body of knowledge in the KM field. Scientific literature is currently lacking a contribution assessing the role of KMSs in supporting innovative forms of knowledge translation that occur in collaborative relationships.

The role of quality perceptions and perceived ubiquity in adoption intention of mobile knowledge management systems (MKMS) in semiconductor industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Poh Choo Cheak ◽  
Chin Wei Chong ◽  
Yee Yen Yuen
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Service Quality ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Knowledge Management Systems ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Perceptions ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
Adoption Intention

Purpose First, this study aims to investigate the effects of quality perceptions (i.e. system quality, information quality and service quality) and perceived ubiquity on engineers’ perceived benefits and perceived user-friendly of mobile knowledge management systems (MKMS). Second, it aims to examine the influence of perceived benefits and perceived user-friendly on MKMS adoption intention. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative empirical research using an integrated technology acceptance model and information systems success model was used, among semiconductors engineers in Malaysia. There were only 375 usable responses collected, which are at a response rate of 59.52%. The partial least squares version 3.0 was used to analyze the valid data collected. Findings The results suggest that service quality plays an important role that would increase the engineers’ perception of MKMS benefits and its user-friendliness. Intention to adopt MKMS was found to be strongly predicted by perceived MKMS benefits as compared to perceived user-friendly. Practical implications The findings are valuable for managers, engineers, knowledge management (KM) practitioners, MKMS developers and mobile device producers to enhance MKMS adoption intention. Originality/value Despite KM has been well accepted and established in the management science and practice area of study, yet it is still neglected in a “mobile” context. Accordingly, this paper contributes to the research gap.

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