scholarly journals Knowledge Management and Experience Transfer in Major Maintenance Activities: A Practitioner’s Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Lilian. O. Iheukwumere-Esotu ◽  
Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo

Major overhauls, outages, shutdowns and turnarounds (MoOSTs) are significant maintenance interventions needed on a periodic basis to optimise the performance of physical industrial assets (PIAs). However, uncertainties in the forms of emergent and discovery work which sometimes cause delays and cost overruns are quite common partly because, MoOSTs are characterised by inherent challenges such as, but not limited to, short execution spans, volatility in ever-evolving schedules, task complexities as well as huge offline production and/or operation costs etc. Furthermore, in the literature, other complex elements which further constrains decision-makers in MoOSTs from satisfactorily achieving predetermined objectives have been identified, one of which is the lack of a formalised approach for capturing tacit knowledge from experienced practitioners. Consequently, because MoOSTs is an applied discipline, significant human endeavours are required in the planning and management, which makes it pertinent to examine and obtain the perspectives of experienced MoOSTs practitioners. Therefore, the aims of this study are two folds; firstly, to examine the extent of alignment between findings from literature as it relates to the challenges encountered during MoOSTs, as well as probe their underlying causes in practice. Secondly, to show how relevant the findings from this study would be in providing a baseline for establishing a proposal for capturing MoOSTs knowledge and the transfer of experience. The research approach adopted; thematic synthesis of themes which emerged from knowledge management challenges in MoOSTs identified via an earlier systematic literature review (SLR); and then, the identified challenges were validated through conducting interviews with practitioners. Demography analysis as well as specific MoOSTs related questions were administered via questionnaires, which were then analysed using frequency analysis method. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the perceptions of practitioners on pertinent MoOSTs issues. Both questionnaires and interview questions were formulated by findings obtained from the SLR, so as to examine whether the knowledge management challenges identified in the literature exist in practice, and if they do to what extent. In total, the selected responses of 49 practitioners, with origin across five industries were examined to determine the extent of alignment between literature and the practice-based perspectives. Based on the results, nine challenges were identified as critical themes, six of which were associated with managing knowledge. The study identified not only known constraints from literature but also their underlying causes based on the perspective of practitioners involved in multiple MoOSTs, which is crucial for developing sustainable mitigation. A unique contribution of this research is the mapping of demographic information such as industry, country, job class, years of experience, MoOSTs organization size, frequency for performing MoOSTs, etc., to responses obtained from participants, which has not been shown in literature prior to now. The importance of such rigorous efforts in the research design, is crucial for enabling the adoption of holistic approaches to eliminating the underlying causes of challenges encountered in MoOSTs, based on first hand reporting of people involved. In addition, the relevance of such first-hand analyses of responses obtained from this study; serve as baseline for the introduction of the proposal to adequately manage knowledge management issues in this discipline.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. WEERAKOON ◽  
◽  
K.T. WITHANAGE ◽  
V. DISARATNE ◽  
◽  
...  

Construction industry is one of the devoting force of any country's economy. Around the world, Small Scale Contractors (SSC) has been found to play a significant role in creating jobs, infiltrating new markets and growing the economy in an inspired and inventive way. However, performance of SSCs in developing and minor developed countries is still not in adequate level due to various factors. Poor QS practices is one of the significant factor which affect to the current performance of the SSCs. Hence, this research aims to implement better QS practices to mitigate adverse impact to the small scale contractors due to plenty of poor QS practices. Particularly qualitative research approach was used for this study and accordingly data was collected from semi- structured interviews and analyzed using manual content analysis. Project delays, cost overruns of projects, cash flow problems, unable to win tenders, poor construction quality, delays in payments and contractual disputes were identified as major issues caused by the poor QS practices. This research suggests government to impose laws and regulations, offer tax relieves to contractors and impose legal requirements to participate in CPD sessions to minimize poor QS practices. Further clients and consultants can make timely payments to contractors and key suggestions to contractors are hire experienced and qualified professionals, provide well-coordinated training, adopt new technologies, keep clear and completed drawings and specifications, use cost and time controlling techniques and maintain good record keeping system.


Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs retain critical knowledge. Against the background of the underdeveloped body of knowledge regarding knowledge retention, the authors selected an explorative (qualitative) research approach. More precisely, they conducted semi-structured interviews with organization members (i.e. executive and regular staff) of five Austrian SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. This study provides fresh insights into knowledge retention in SMEs. The findings advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding SMEs. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings the authors derive suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in SMEs. These measures may be useful for SMEs operating in other industries as well.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Bashir Memon ◽  
Wajid Hussain Rizvi ◽  
Sumaiya Syed

This exploratory study deals with the core issues related to the operationalization of knowledge management in knowledge-intensive Pakistani banks. In terms of scientific relevance, this study is important, because it contributes to the body of literature on knowledge management issues in the context of banks in Pakistan. A qualitative research approach involving semi-structured interviews with senior managers and HR heads was adopted for the study. A total of sixteen interviews were conducted with senior managers and HR heads. All the interviews were carried out face to face amongst purposively selected participants from four commercial banks. The research findings were derived from the rigorous analytical process based on the qualitative content analysis method for making replicable and valid inferences from data in their context. The findings indicate that the present knowledge management system of the banks in Pakistan has helped members to meet the information needs through capture and to share explicit knowledge.


Mousaion ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Mutsagondo ◽  
Getrude Maduyu ◽  
Godfrey Tsvuura

This paper discusses the challenges of records management that arise from the use of adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, despite the advantages of using such buildings. A qualitative research approach was used as well as a case study research design. Data were collected from seven officers of the Gweru Records Centre through semi-structured interviews. Personal observation was used to triangulate findings from interviews. It was found that the use of adapted buildings as records centres was a cheaper and quicker way of establishing records centres throughout the country. However, a number of preservation, security and management challenges cropped up as the conditions of the buildings and the environment of the adapted buildings were not conducive to the proper and professional management of records. This study is important in that it explores the prospects and challenges of using adapted buildings as records centres in Zimbabwe, an area that has not been researched by many authors. This provokes archival authorities and the government to seriously consider establishing purpose-built records and archival centres.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony KOLA-OLUSANYA

As soon as decision makers are expected to make differences towards sustainable future, young adults’ ability to make informed and sound decisions is considered essential towards securing our planet. This study provides an insight into young adults’ knowledge of key environment and sustainability issues. To answer the key research questions, data were obtained using a qualitative phenomenographic research approach and collected through 18 face-to-face in-depth interviews with research participants. The findings of this study suggest that young adults lived experiences that play a huge role in their level of awareness of topical environmental and sustainability issues critical to humanity’s future on earth. 


2021 ◽  
pp. 089202062199967
Author(s):  
Josephine Marchant

Drawing on data from 116 survey responses by School Business Managers, and 7 semi-structured interviews with education professionals carried out between October 2017 and February 2018, this article reports on findings from a research project focussing on the opportunities and constraints for career progression into leadership roles for School Business Managers (SBMs) in the state sector in England. The article considers the differing roles and responsibilities of SBMs, how leadership is perceived in schools, the visibility of the SBM role, career aspirations of the SBMs who were surveyed, and the perceived constraints to progression to leadership roles. Analysis of the data was carried out using an inductive research approach using mixed methods. Snowballing was used to obtain a meaningful sample size for survey responses. Interviewees were chosen on the basis of judgement sampling. The sampling design for the survey and the interviews was one of non-probability. Findings suggest that leadership roles for SBMs do exist but that there are considerable constraints to these being achieved, not least the lack of appetite amongst SBMs to do so.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Dorren ◽  
Wouter Van Dooren

AbstractUsing ex ante analysis to predict policy outcomes is common practice in the world of infrastructure planning. However, accounts of its uses and merits vary widely. Advisory agencies and government think tanks advocate this practice to prevent cost overruns, short-term decision-making and suboptimal choices. Academic studies on knowledge use, on the other hand, are critical of how knowledge can be used in decision making. Research has found that analyses often have no impact at all on decision outcomes or are mainly conducted to provide decision makers with the confidence to decide rather than with objective facts. In this paper, we use an ethnographic research design to understand how it is possible that the use of ex ante analysis can be depicted in such contradictory ways. We suggest that the substantive content of ex ante analysis plays a limited role in understanding its depictions and uses. Instead, it is the process of conducting an ex ante analysis itself that unfolds in such a manner that the analysis can be interpreted and used in many different and seemingly contradictory ways. In policy processes, ex ante analysis is like a chameleon, figuratively changing its appearance based on its environment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorien H. Braam ◽  
Sharath Srinivasan ◽  
Luke Church ◽  
Zakaria Sheikh ◽  
Freya L. Jephcott ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Authorities in Somalia responded with drastic measures after the first confirmed COVID-19 case in mid-March 2020, closing borders, schools, limiting travel and prohibiting most group functions. However, the impact of the pandemic in Somalia thereafter remained unclear. This study employs a novel remote qualitative research method in a conflict-affected setting to look at how some of the most at-risk internally displaced and host populations were impacted by COVID-19, what determined their responses, and how this affected their health and socio-economic vulnerability. Methods We conducted a remote qualitative study, using Katikati, a 1-to-1 conversation management and analysis platform using short message service (SMS) developed by Lark Systems with Africa’s Voices Foundation (AVF), for semi-structured interviews over three months with participants in Mogadishu and Baidoa. We recruited a gender balanced cohort across age groups, and used an analytical framework on the social determinants of health for a narrative analysis on major themes discussed, triangulating data with existing peer-reviewed and grey literature. Results The remote research approach demonstrated efficacy in sustaining trusted and meaningful conversations for gathering qualitative data from hard-to-reach conflict-affected communities. The major themes discussed by the 35 participants included health, livelihoods and education. Two participants contracted the disease, while others reported family or community members affected by COVID-19. Almost all participants faced a loss of income and/or education, primarily as a result of the strict public health measures. Some of those who were heavily affected economically but did not directly experienced disease, denied the pandemic. Religion played an important role in participants’ beliefs in protection against and salvation from the disease. As lockdowns were lifted in August 2020, many believed the pandemic to be over. Conclusions While the official COVID-19 burden has remained relatively low in Somalia, the impact to people’s daily lives, income and livelihoods due to public health responses, has been significant. Participants describe those ‘secondary’ outcomes as the main impact of the pandemic, serving as a stark reminder of the need to broaden the public health response beyond disease prevention to include social and economic interventions to decrease people’s vulnerability to future shocks.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Green ◽  
K Ashton ◽  
M Dyakova ◽  
L Parry-Williams

Abstract Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and Social Return on Investment (SROI) are beneficial public health methodologies that assess potential effects on health including social, economic and environmental factors and have synergies in their approaches. This paper explores how HIA and SROI can complement each other to capture and account for the impact and social value of an assessed intervention or policy. A scoping review of academic and grey literature was undertaken to identify case studies published between January 1996 and April 2019 where HIA and SROI methods have been used to complement each other. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine international experts from a range of regulatory/legislative contexts to gain a better understanding of past experiences and expertise of both HIA and SROI. A thematic analysis was undertaken on the data collected. The review identified two published reports which outline when HIA and SROI have both been used to assess the same intervention. Interview results suggest that both methods have strengths as standalone processes i.e. HIAs are well-structured in their approach, assessing health in its broadest context and SROI can add value by monetizing social value as well as capturing social/environmental impact. Similarities of the two methods were identified i.e. a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and common shared principles. When questioned how the two methods could complement each other in practice, the results indicate the benefits of using HIA to explore initial impact, and as a platform on which to build SROI to monetarize social value. HIA and SROI methodologies have cross-over. The research suggests potential benefits when used in tandem or combining the methods to assess impact and account for health and social value. Innovative work is now being carried out in Wales to understand the implications of this in practice and to understand how the results of the two methods could be used by decision-makers. Key messages HIA and SROI methods can be used in tandem to capture both the health impact and social value of policies and proposed interventions. HIA and SROI when used together can provide valuable information to inform decision makers around the health impact and social value of proposed policies and interventions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (02) ◽  
pp. 1550015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saori Ohkubo ◽  
Sarah V. Harlan ◽  
Naheed Ahmed ◽  
Ruwaida M. Salem

Over the past few decades, knowledge management (KM) has become well-established in many fields, particularly in business. Several KM models have been at the forefront of promoting KM in businesses and organisations. However, the applicability of these traditional KM models to the global health field is limited by their focus on KM processes and activities with few linkages to intended outcomes. This paper presents the new Knowledge Management for Global Health (KM4GH) Logic Model, a practical tool that helps global health professionals plan ways in which resources and specific KM activities can work together to achieve desired health program outcomes. We test the validity of this model through three case studies of global and field-level health initiatives: an SMS-based mobile phone network among community health workers (CHWs) and their supervisors in Malawi, a global electronic Toolkits platform that provides health professionals access to health information resources, and a netbook-based eHealth pilot among CHWs and their clients in Bangladesh. The case studies demonstrate the flexibility of the KM4GH Logic Model in designing various KM activities while defining a common set of metrics to measure their outcomes, providing global health organisations with a tool to select the most appropriate KM activities to meet specific knowledge needs of an audience. The three levels of outcomes depicted in the model, which are grounded in behavioural theory, show the progression in the behaviour change process, or in this case, the knowledge use process, from raising awareness of and using the new knowledge to contributing to better health systems and behaviours of the public, and ultimately to improving the health status of communities and individuals. The KM4GH Logic Model makes a unique contribution to the global health field by helping health professionals plan KM activities with the end goal in mind.


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