10 Practical findings from the deployment of an exploratory knowledge management framework

VINE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 397-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Network

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 have sufficient time. Knowledge reuse is not given attention when targets have to be met. Due to time issues and informal network dependence, there is a lack of formal systems use. There is a lack of ownership of knowledge. There are knowledge retention problems. The organisation does not know its employees’ skills. Research limitations/implications – The usual limitations of case-study research apply surrounding generalisability; however, the author has used best practice in the application of this study using the case-study literature. Practical implications – By exploring at firm level some of the factors associated with individual knowledge acquisition and providing empirical evidence, the study contributes to richer understanding of what should be perceived by potential knowledge recipients to enhance their acquiring knowledge from others. The research shows that for increased competitiveness, knowledge should be shared among organisational members and highlights some of the pitfalls of using KM systems to achieve this. Originality/value – The proposed framework offers a lens to organisations with which they could gauge their knowledge base and ask the how and why questions. This would improve awareness in the areas of knowledge acquisition, sharing, learning and reuse.

Civics education in Malaysia: a clash between ethics, religion and cultural norms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vishalache Balakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Cultural Norms ◽  
Digital Citizenship ◽  
Civics Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Research ◽  
Qualitative Approaches

PurposeTo showcase the importance of digital citizenship in the current era. This article compares the nine features of digital citizen provided by Ribble and Bailey (2007) with a case study conducted in a multicultural setting and identifies the tensions between ethics, religion and cultural norms in that environment.Design/methodology/approachA case study approach has been used in this research. Why case study? Because it is unique and provides in-depth, unique and invaluable findings. Case studies researchers have contributed to the development of case study research from diverse disciplines. Historical examples of case studies go back as far as the nineteenth century with the biography of Charles Darwin (Stewart, 2014). The dominance of positivism in science in the late 1940 and 1950s in social science sidelined qualitative approaches such as case studies. Although case study research was often criticized for its inability to support generalizations, and thus, provided limited validity and value as a research design (Merriam, 2009; Stewart, 2014), case study research provides intensive analysis of an issue. A Case study is intrinsic, instrumental and collective (Stake, 1995, 2006). Case study research encourages the detailed enquiry of a unit of analysis within its context.FindingsFindings show that current society needs to be educated on the nine aspects of digital citizenship. In the current era, changes are so rapid that every now and then, there must be collaboration and cooperation between different agencies to ensure that the tension between religiosity, cultural norms and ethics would be able to find some common ground. With more knowledge and wisdom on human rights, sustainability education and project-based learning in Civics Education, teachers, students, parents and community should often meet to decide on controversial issues and find ways to ensure that each one in society has the knowledge, skills and values for digital citizenship to grow and flourish.Originality/valueThe article is original in nature and has much social impact.

scholarly journals Case study research: opening up research opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 100-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Roseli Wünsch Takahashi ◽  
Luis Araujo
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Social ◽  
Internal Coherence ◽  
Opening Up

Purpose The case study approach has been widely used in management studies and the social sciences more generally. However, there are still doubts about when and how case studies should be used. This paper aims to discuss this approach, its various uses and applications, in light of epistemological principles, as well as the criteria for rigor and validity. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the various concepts of case and case studies in the methods literature and addresses the different uses of cases in relation to epistemological principles and criteria for rigor and validity. Findings The use of this research approach can be based on several epistemologies, provided the researcher attends to the internal coherence between method and epistemology, or what the authors call “alignment.” Originality/value This study offers a number of implications for the practice of management research, as it shows how the case study approach does not commit the researcher to particular data collection or interpretation methods. Furthermore, the use of cases can be justified according to multiple epistemological orientations.

Case studies in humanitarian logistics research

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Vega
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Humanitarian Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Research ◽  
Case Study Design ◽  
Chain Of Evidence ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeConsidered a strong method for exploratory investigations, case study research has become part of the mainstream approach, particularly in the field of humanitarian logistics (HL) and supply chain management. Nevertheless, similar to other logistics and SCM-related fields, rigor is not at its best. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for crafting case study research in HL, based on an analysis of published case study-based research.Design/methodology/approachThe study classifies and compares the use of case studies in HL research, based on criteria developed from the methodology literature including purpose, type and volume of data, and type of analysis.FindingsWhile case studies become more frequent, the results point out a lack of rigor, particularly regarding chain of evidence and the use of frameworks for case study rationale and analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe study proposes a framework for case study design, based on four “check questions” that can help researchers to go through the process of crafting a case study.Practical implicationsThe study provides practitioners with more understanding of case studies in HL research, which they can use when calling for or evaluating such studies in their organizations.Originality/valueThis paper offers an initial framework for conducting case studies in HL.

Toward an Egyptian managerial framework based on crowdsourcing for open innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Metwaly ◽  
Ali ElKattan ◽  
Menatalla Kaoud
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
High Degree

PurposeThe purpose of the presented research paper is to explore the different aspects of crowdsourcing and its evolution over time. Supported by three different case studies, the research focuses on the different factors that affect crowdsourcing for open innovation. Moreover, the findings give us a proposed managerial framework to be considered when adopting crowdsourcing in addition to factors that proved its huge effect on crowdsourcing activities.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research approach for this research was the most convenient. It focuses on providing an in-depth understanding of the phenomena. Qualitative research represents the views and perspectives of the participants in a study besides it is driven by a desire to explain these events, through existing or emerging concepts (Yin, 2016). Adopting a case study research method that investigates a contemporary phenomenon (the “case”) in depth and within its real-world context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context may not be evident (Yin, 2018) as in crowdsourcing based business model for open innovation.FindingsThe researchers presented the benefits and challenges when considering crowdsourcing establishing a managerial framework for open innovation. Additionally, the researchers identified the different factors that highly affect crowdsourcing proposing a model that can be used for adopting crowdsourcing. The research also presented insights about how crowdsourcing was introduced in the Egyptian market and how it evolved through the years.Research limitations/implicationsThe study had some limitations to be considered in the following work. Company X used crowdsourcing within a high degree of limitations and confidentially consequently, restricting the effects and results of crowdsourcing. Another limitation was that the study has been only qualitative, and the addition of the quantitative approach will numerically support the findings. Moreover, the research depended on the businesses only as of the source of information and neglected the crowd sample.Practical implicationsThe main aim of this study was to address the lack of research evidence on what it means to adopt crowdsourcing for open innovation in Egyptian firms. The authors have done so by adopting three case studies which enabled them to directly observe and report on the daily work of trust CEOs, with special attention to the practices. Whereby, these executives made themselves knowledgeable for all practical purposes, as dictated by their specific job. Accordingly, the first major contribution of the present research is that it provides much-needed empirical data on the actual practices of crowdsourcing in three Egyptian, yet international companies. Moreover, the results could be used as a guideline when considering crowdsourcing activities highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of such activities.Originality/valueThe paper discusses different perspectives of crowdsourcing presenting a new categorization for its types. Moreover, how these types have been used especially in the Egyptian market. On the other hand, the paper investigated and documented three different sized companies' experiences utilizing crowdsourcing for innovation. The collected information was used to suggest a new model by which companies can avoid the difficulties others had. Moreover, the research highlighted the benefits and challenges of using crowdsourcing for open innovation.

Introducing knowledge management pattern at national level applying grounded theory method and fuzzy dematel

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peyman Akhavan ◽  
Masoumeh Nabizadeh ◽  
Lila Rajabion
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
National Level ◽  
Theory Method ◽  
Fuzzy Dematel ◽  
Management Pattern ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grounded Theory Method

Purpose Although there are some studies about knowledge management at national level, no integrated attempts have been reported in the direction of introducing knowledge management pattern at national level based on real experiences. Numerous researches have been conducted in the domain of knowledge management at micro level. But at macro/national level, some concepts and components have been investigated briefly. The purpose of this paper is to deal with this gap. Design/methodology/approach This research uses the hybrid method. The technique of qualitative case study of grounded theory method has been selected in this research for gathering and analyzing data. Data have been categorized and analyzed from case studies (at countries level) using the steps of this method. The degree of correlation and causality and the importance of each concept existing in the pattern have been computed by applying decision-making trial and evaluation (dematel) technique. The obtained concepts and pattern could be applied as a guide for accepting and implementing knowledge management at national level. Findings Total positive findings have been obtained from case studies, and the authors attained 14 concepts and one pattern. These findings provide the steps of designing and are useful in implementing projects and programs of knowledge management at national level. The degree of correlation between the components of the pattern is the other finding of this study. Practical implications The obtained concepts and patterns can be used as a guide in countries and governments which decide to implement knowledge management at national level. These can be a basis for countries which are in the process of implementing the projects of knowledge management at national level. Originality/value This research is the first study that aims to provide the pattern of knowledge management at national level and can provide useful information for countries and governments and can be used as a reference to guide them for the implementation. So these countries will be able to design and implement their programs of knowledge management purposefully.

Knowledge retention and age management – senior employees’ experiences in a Swedish multinational company

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 1510-1526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewa Wikström ◽  
Ellinor Eriksson ◽  
Lejla Karamehmedovic ◽  
Roy Liff
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Multinational Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Codification ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The focus of this study is on the knowledge retention process, including knowledge capture, knowledge codification and the internalising of knowledge in organisations – a key aspect of age management. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of the difficulties in this process to discuss implications for organizational measures to retain knowledge. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on field research on a Swedish multinational company from the perspective of senior employees. Findings The findings indicate that knowledge retention is a complex phenomenon, partly because valued knowledge is tacit and knowing is highly subjective and transferred through learning in collaboration with others in the process of undertaking assignments and acting together in work situations. Research limitations/implications Knowledge retention is considered only from the perspective of senior, white-collar employees in this study; it would be of interest to consider other employees’ perspectives as well. A second limitation is that the data were collected at a single site. It could be argued, however, that a single case study research format provides an opportunity to gain deep knowledge and allows for explanations about observed phenomena, thereby contributing towards transferable scientific knowledge. Practical implications Knowledge retention is hindered by focusing solely on senior workers and on an explicit and commodified view of knowledge. Social implications Knowledge retention should be an on-going way of working throughout the organization in which tacit knowledge and knowing are important. Originality/value This study shows the importance of considering knowledge and knowing retention as a matter of continual interaction between actors. Retention of tacit knowledge and knowing is not merely a matter of capturing and codifying knowledge. This study contributes to an understanding of the internalisation of tacit knowledge and knowing in continual interaction and cannot be preceded by a step-wise process.

Emergent approach to knowledge management by small companies: multiple case-study research

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malgorzata Zieba ◽  
Ettore Bolisani ◽  
Enrico Scarso
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Small Companies ◽  
Business Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge management (KM) approach followed by small companies. In particular, after introducing the notion of emergent approach, the paper aims to examine if that notion is useful to properly describe the way small businesses approach their KM activities. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on the results of a qualitative survey involving 12 owners and managers of small companies belonging to the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector. The survey uses the case-study method. Findings The findings confirm that the approach to KM adopted by small companies can be defined as emergent: in the analysed cases, there were no formal KM plans, despite the fact that the examined companies have all introduced various KM practices. This shows that there can be the need to define KM approaches that better fit smaller companies. Practical implications Although an emergent approach may be seen as unplanned, companies should learn how to be aware of their KM practices and, once they are, how to develop them properly. For executives to be able to recognize emergent KM practices, notions and elements of KM need to be introduced in their business background and professional education (e.g. how KM fits into a small organization, what KM processes are, what KM tools and practices exist, etc.). Originality/value The study contributes to the understanding of KM in really small entities, still a much under-explored topic.

scholarly journals Applying knowledge management to planning joint-use facilities: the ImaginOn library and theater

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah E. Swain ◽  
Patrick Roughen
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Model Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hybrid Joint ◽  
Tacit Knowledge Sharing

Purpose This paper aims to describe how knowledge management (KM) in planning can support the sustainability of innovation in a hybrid, joint-use facility. The case study research studies ImaginOn, a 15 year-old children’s library and theater for young people in Charlotte, NC. Design/methodology/approach This research used KM model analysis of qualitative data about tacit-explicit knowledge, intellectual capital (IC) and cognitive modes of collaboration. Both historic documents and primary data (from field study observations, interviews and a questionnaire) were analyzed for informal KM practices. Semi-structured and unstructured interview questions about innovation were used. Findings This study found evidence of tacit knowledge sharing, the growth of IC and the operationalization of collaboration to promote innovation. Although traditional KM terms were not used by staff, an integrated model framework demonstrates how KM practices promote innovation in planning joint-use facilities. Practical implications Although a study of a diverse cultural collaboration rather than two libraries, the KM practices that supported innovation and collaboration in this hybrid, joint-use facility might be applied to libraries. Future KM model research on joint-use organizations could investigate merged businesses, government programs and non-profits. Social implications The library and theater institutions in ImaginOn impact the lives of children and parents in meaningful ways that support community understanding, art, diversity and social interaction. Originality/value Research on joint-use libraries began in the 1960s. This case study provides unique model analysis of KM practices in a hybrid, joint-use facility (a library and theater). The innovative success and sustainability of ImaginOn illustrates the application of KM for strategic planning and aligning IC and business assets.

Beginning a journey of knowledge management in a secondary school

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Wing Chu
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Secondary School ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Digital Archive ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Despite the fact that schools should be places where learning occurs, most schools have overlooked the importance of knowledge. In contrast, commercial firms have recognized knowledge as a strategic intangible asset and a key resource of the enterprises. Therefore, enterprises have already harnessed knowledge to a great extent with wide practice of knowledge management (KM). The purpose of this paper is to show that KM could be applied to the education sector similar to the practice in the business world for leveraging intellectual assets. This paper examines how schools can kick off the process of KM implementation. This paper also reports what have been done and what should be done in KM implementation better in a school. This can give insights for schools which will try KM in near future. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a case study in a secondary school to explore how KM can be kicked off and sustained in a school setting. A KM system called knowledge base and a document management system called Digital Archive were developed to serve as the infrastructure for knowledge sharing. Lesson study and communities of practice (CoPs) were adopted to be the platforms for knowledge sharing among teachers in the school. A case study of the processes and lesson learned was done in this paper. Multiple sources of data, including observations, questionnaires and interviews, have been collected for evaluation. Findings In this paper, KM implementation was found to be effective through dual approaches: information-based and people-/interaction-based approaches. A knowledge base and a Digital Archive as knowledge repositories and lesson study and CoPs as platforms for knowledge sharing have been successfully established to facilitate sharing information/knowledge and nurturing a sharing culture and trust. Challenges faced and the related coping strategies during the process of implementation were shared and reflected. It was also found that building sharing culture is the critical turning point of the process of KM implementation. Breaking through the barrier of sharing was found to be very essential to KM implementation. Research limitations/implications This paper adopts case study methodology to report the process of KM implementation in a school. Although these results of the study conducted in one school may not be generalized to other school contexts, the lessons learned in the study will be a strong empirical evidence of research of KM implementation, especially in schools. Because of the limited number of prior studies and the importance of the pioneering work of launching KM implementation, this paper tries to address the research gap by using theory building from cases as a research strategy rather than theory testing research, especially in “how”and“why” in the steps of kicking off KM implementation in an unexplored research area. Practical implications This paper shows a case of KM implementation in a school with thoughtful procedures of implementing information-based and people-/interaction-based approaches. The paper is a showcase that will shed light on the processes and lessons learned and also helps to provide a model for schools who are interested in applying KM in their schools. Social implications Most people might think that KM can be applied only in commercial sector. This paper shows that KM can also be adopted in schools as well as other sectors. Originality/value This paper represents one of the pioneering work of implementing KM in a school. It hopes to make contributions for KM implementation also in the public sector within which are non-profit-making organizations.

scholarly journals Can We Generalize from Case Studies?

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul F. Steinberg
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Political Systems ◽  
Ceteris Paribus ◽  
Large N ◽  
Climate Change Politics ◽  
The Comparative Study

This article considers the role of generalization in comparative case studies, using as exemplars the contributions to this special issue on climate change politics. As a research practice, generalization is a logical argument for extending one’s claims beyond the data, positing a connection between events that were studied and those that were not. No methodological tradition is exempt from the requirement to demonstrate a compelling logic of generalization. The article presents a taxonomy of the logics of generalization underlying diverse research methodologies, which often go unstated and unexamined. I introduce the concept of resonance groups, which provide a causeway for cross-system generalization from single case studies. Overall the results suggest that in the comparative study of complex political systems, case study research is, ceteris paribus, on par with large-N research with respect to generalizability.

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