Knowledge Management: Case Studies in SMEs and Evaluation of an Integrated Approach

2005 ◽  
Vol 04 (02) ◽  
pp. 95-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuan Yew Wong ◽  
Elaine Aspinwall
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Implementation Effort ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Way

To date, very few publications have been found that describe how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are adopting knowledge management (KM). The same is true concerning attempts to develop a framework to help them implement it. To redress this, this paper presents the results of four case studies conducted in UK SMEs to examine their KM implementation effort. In addition, a new integrated framework developed by the authors was evaluated to determine its applicability in this business sector. The methodology employed to conduct the studies is described and each of the cases is then presented. The results are analysed and key lessons or findings gathered from the companies are highlighted. Comments received from the companies with respect to the integrated framework were positive and favourable. It is hoped that the information accrued from the case studies, together with the integrated framework, will help to pave the way for SMEs to accomplish KM.

Prototyping Robotic Systems

2013 ◽  
pp. 715-760
Author(s):  
Andrew Goldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Faculty Member ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Robotic Systems ◽  
Management Technology ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This chapter provides an experience-based framework of prototypes development and commissioning. It introduces elements learned directly from the practice that encompass aspects of project management, technology development process, and commercialization in the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The contents of this chapter are based mainly on the author’s practical experience of leading an SME technology developer. The author is also a faculty member working as a researcher and teacher. Because of the interrelationship between research and technology development, his views and perception of the topic may be unique, and they are personal. The chapter presents a general framework for robotic systems prototyping. To back up the points made in the chapter, three case studies of robotic prototyping are included to help the reader perceive the outlined concepts.

Prioritizing quality problems in SMEs: a methodology

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humberto Nuno Teixeira ◽  
Isabel Lopes ◽  
Sérgio Sousa
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Longitudinal Case Studies ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodology to be used by small and medium enterprises to characterize their performance in quality, highlighting weaknesses and areas for improvement. The methodology aims to identify the main causes of quality problems and help to prioritize improvement initiatives. This is a methodology that intends to be easy to implement by companies with low maturity level in quality. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review a methodology for diagnosing and prioritizing quality problems is proposed. Then two longitudinal case studies are performed to refine and validate the proposed methodology. The methodology is organized in six different steps which include gathering information about predetermined processes and sub-processes of quality management, defined based on Juran’s trilogy, and about predetermined results categories. Findings – The application of the methodology was successful in two case studies and a report was produced on the quality state of each industry, including a prioritization of the causes of poor performance. Research limitations/implications – The methodology may have to be adapted to better suit the needs of companies from different sectors, either by reviewing the processes, by integrating new tools or refining the existing ones. Practical implications – This paper presents a new methodology for identifying and prioritizing quality problems. Originality/value – Due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness, it is believed that the developed methodology can be applied periodically by companies as self-diagnostic and prioritization tool, aimed at continuous improvement.

A Comparative Study of SME Policies: Bangladesh and Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (02) ◽  
pp. 93-120
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mizanur Rahman ◽  
Nabeel Muhammad ◽  
Léo-Paul Dana
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Government Policies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Political Turmoil ◽  
Empirical Case Studies

This article attempts to understand the developments in policy making and financing for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Bangladesh and Pakistan. From 1947–1971, Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan, as East Pakistan, while the remaining current Pakistan, is referred as West Pakistan. However, in 1971 a political turmoil resulted in a separation of two parts into two different nations. Since then, both have taken different routes to develop their economies along with heavy reliance on SMEs. This paper explores the key differences in financing and policy for SMEs in Bangladesh and Pakistan with a comparative study based on literature, empirical case studies and analysis of government policies and regulations, trying to identify some main takeaways from Bangladesh and Pakistan’s market for entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers.

Internet Marketing and SMEs

E-Marketing ◽  
2012 ◽  
pp. 814-835
Author(s):  
Daniel John Doiron
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Web Sites ◽  
Web Site ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Internet Marketing ◽  
Online Marketing ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been adopting the internet at a feverish pace. Recent studies have shown that up to 85% of SMEs in industrialized countries have web sites, yet less than half are utilizing these web sites to securely transact with their customers. Consumer media consumption is moving away from traditional media, like newspapers, to the internet. These revelations coupled with the growth of tools and techniques available to support online marketing, make it a perfect time for SMEs to market their web sites and ultimately succeed online. In this chapter we will present and support the hypothesis that SMEs should stop investing in their web site’s design and functionality and start investing in efforts to market their web sites online, no matter how lousy their web site may be in comparison to today’s standards. With the support of two case studies, illustrating the successful utilization of internet marketing by two very different SMEs, we will relate how a SME can effectively market their web site online. We will also discuss the tools and techniques available to help an SME successfully begin a journey of internet marketing.

Prototyping Robotic Systems

2012 ◽  
pp. 1-50
Author(s):  
Andrew Goldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Faculty Member ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
General Framework ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Robotic Systems ◽  
Management Technology ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This chapter provides an experience-based framework of prototypes development and commissioning. It introduces elements learned directly from the practice that encompass aspects of project management, technology development process, and commercialization in the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The contents of this chapter are based mainly on the author’s practical experience of leading an SME technology developer. The author is also a faculty member working as a researcher and teacher. Because of the interrelationship between research and technology development, his views and perception of the topic may be unique, and they are personal. The chapter presents a general framework for robotic systems prototyping. To back up the points made in the chapter, three case studies of robotic prototyping are included to help the reader perceive the outlined concepts.

scholarly journals Improving the evaluation of software development methodology adoption and its impact on enterprise performance

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 165-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damjan Vavpotic ◽  
Tomaz Hovelja
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Enterprise Performance ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Study Experience ◽  
Software Development Methodologies ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Although the literature studying software development methodologies (SDMs) lists several significant positive effects of the deployment of SDMs, investments into SDMs by the enterprises remain relatively limited. Strategic investments decisions, such as SDMs investments, are mostly taken with the goal of improving enterprise performance. In this paper a model for evaluation of the adoption of SDMs that focuses on the abovementioned SDMs impact on enterprise performance is proposed. The model was empirically tested in four case studies in software development small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Slovenia. The case studies confirmed that the use of the proposed model enabled SMEs to improve SDMs related investment and adoption decisions and enabled SMEs to invest their limited resources in the most productive and competitive way. The case study experience with the proposed model suggests that its use would also bring similar benefits to larger software development enterprises.

scholarly journals Innovative Tools and Techniques as a Factor Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises in the Agri-Food Sector

2018 ◽  
Vol 18(33) (4) ◽  
pp. 192-198
Author(s):  
Sebastian Jarzębowski ◽  
Natalia Bezat
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Food Sector ◽  
Packaging Design ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Tools And Techniques

The goal of the paper was to focus on the agri-food sector from a perspective of innovation. In the article, the current situation related to innovative tools and techniques identified in the agri-food sector was presented. The attention was focused on the benefits resulting from the application of innovative solutions in three areas: food safety, mechatronics, and packaging design. The empirical part of the paper includes a description and a summary of case studies on innovations implementations conducted within the framework of the Interreg I-CON project.

scholarly journals Towards a theory regarding open innovation and entrepreneurship: a meta-synthesis from qualitative studies in small and medium enterprises and start-ups

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14
Author(s):  
Eduardo Gomes Carvalho ◽  
Joel Yutaka Sugano
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Entrepreneurial Orientation ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Qualitative Case Studies ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Start Ups ◽  
Innovation And Entrepreneurship

<p>Open innovation is still after a decade an emergent topic in literature and, because of this, there are few gaps to be explored. Two of these gaps are the relationship between open innovation and entrepreneurship and open innovation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), because most studies focus on large enterprises. Our research question in this study is: what do case studies report in terms of open innovation in start-ups or SMEs that would be related to entrepreneurial orientation? Our study is a meta-synthesis of qualitative case studies following the stages presented by Hoon (2013). A theory was developed and presented considering the entrepreneurial orientation dimensions and open innovation activities. In the concluding section, limitations and suggestions in terms of future works were presented.</p>

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