Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises

2015 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Physical Capital ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Multinational Organizations ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Today, success and worth of a business depend more on intellectual capital than physical capital. Hence, knowledge that exists within an organization is a sustainable source of competitive advantage, which makes Knowledge Management (KM) a critical input in the growth of any organization and more so in the case of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Even though much has been researched and written on the subject of knowledge management in large and multinational organizations, very little focus and research has been done on KM in SMEs. Globalization of supply chains, rapid technological advances, superior returns on intellectual capital, and the growing importance of knowledge-intensive industries make KM a strategic tool in the growth and success of all businesses. Access and integration of SMEs with regional, national, and international supply chains require bridging the gaps between the requirements of supply chains and efficiency of SMEs' KM systems. KM-enabled SMEs are essential for competitive and sustainable growth. Hence, a judicious approach for KM in SMEs is a must in the current scenario. The overall mission of this chapter is to aid researchers in recognizing and understanding the knowledge management spectrum for small and medium enterprises in a globalized world. This would be indispensable for successful goal attainment and sustainable business in a contemporary complex economy.

Role and Room for Knowledge Management in Small and Medium Enterprises

2020 ◽  
pp. 115-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Organizational Growth ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises

In the present day, success and worth of businesses depend more on intellectual capital. So, knowledge is a critical resource, for any organizational growth and sustainability. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) the latent knowledge seen as the principal component for success often tends to be over guarded. That itself is sometimes detrimental to the SMEs growth. This outlook towards knowledge by SMEs has to undergo a change as there is vast room for knowledge management (KM). Abundant studies and research exist on KM, but the focus on SMEs is limited. Current scenario of globalization, technological advances, higher returns on intellectual capital, growing significance of knowledge-intensive industries makes KM a strategic and competitive tool for SME growth, sustainability, and development. KM is indispensable for successful and sustainable business in this contemporary complex economy. Thus, the overall aim of this study done by in-depth literature review and contextual analysis is to enhance the understanding of the role and room for KM in SMEs in this globalized world.

Understanding Knowledge Management Spectrum for SMEs in Global Scenario

2020 ◽  
pp. 1589-1605
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Globalized World

Knowledge that exists within organization is a sustainable source of competitive advantage. Though enormous research on knowledge management (KM) has taken place, little focus has been on KM in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Globalization of supply chains, rapid technological advances, superior returns on intellectual capital, growing importance of knowledge-intensive industries would make KM a strategic tool in the growth and success of all, especially SMEs. KM-enabled SMEs are essential for competitive and sustainable growth. Hence a judicious approach for KM in SMEs is a must in current scenario. Done by an in-depth literature review and contextual analysis, the objective of this paper is twofold - to aid researchers in recognizing and understanding KM spectrum for SMEs in a globalized world and for SMEs to reckon that success and worth of businesses depend more on intellectual capital than physical assets merely.

Understanding Knowledge Management Spectrum for SMEs in Global Scenario

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeta Baporikar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Growth ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Current Scenario ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Globalized World

Knowledge that exists within organization is a sustainable source of competitive advantage. Though enormous research on knowledge management (KM) has taken place, little focus has been on KM in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Globalization of supply chains, rapid technological advances, superior returns on intellectual capital, growing importance of knowledge-intensive industries would make KM a strategic tool in the growth and success of all, especially SMEs. KM-enabled SMEs are essential for competitive and sustainable growth. Hence a judicious approach for KM in SMEs is a must in current scenario. Done by an in-depth literature review and contextual analysis, the objective of this paper is twofold - to aid researchers in recognizing and understanding KM spectrum for SMEs in a globalized world and for SMEs to reckon that success and worth of businesses depend more on intellectual capital than physical assets merely.

scholarly journals Enterprises in Vietnam: The Implementation of CSR

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Phan Van-Thanh ◽  
Szilárd Podruzsik
Keyword(s):  
Business Strategy ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Equal Pay ◽  
Multinational Organizations ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Work Security ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a prominent issue for long-term sustainability, and several enterprises have come to recognize it as a key factor in their success. Organizations that participate in CSR activities construct purchaser trust and pass on a positive organization image. However, CSR activities, up to now, have been in general spotlight chiefly at large and multinational organizations. Under pressures from the society, large companies have integrated CSR either into their short or long-term business strategy strategy in. Similarly, in Vietnam, which is a developing country, numerous huge undertakings know that with the end goal to grow economically, enterprises must conform to ecological assurance norms, indiscrimination policy, workrights, work security, equal pay, ability to advance .the board and network 97 percent, the majority of enrolled ventures are small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The execution and use of CSR in Vietnamese SMEs confront a lot of troubles and restrictions because of constrained monetary assets, personnel, size of the companies, in most cases the owner is also the director. Therefore, the main purpose of this article is to investigate the practice of CSR in Vietnamese enterprises. Also, the article collates the recommendations given by researchers in order to strengthen and improve the implementation of CSR in Vietnam as well as gives some recommendations to help Vietnamese enterprises get success in applying CSR in their sustainable business objectives. The findings of this study are important to Vietnamese enterprises and future researchers in CSRin Vietnam in particular.

The European Challenge of KM and Innovation

2004 ◽  
pp. 252-284
Author(s):  
Ana M.R. Correia ◽  
Anabela Sarmento
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Management Function ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Enabling Institutions ◽  
Intensive Work ◽  
Knowledge Manager

Globalization, bringing about universal and dynamic transformations in every sector of the economy, is placing organizations everywhere in new and different competitive situations. In this context, the improvement of enterprise performance and economic growth makes increased demands for timely knowledge in the workplace to deliver competitive, knowledge-intensive work, enabling institutions and nations to maintain their vitality through economic growth and increased productivity. This chapter highlights the European strategy towards a knowledge-based society where innovation and competitiveness are the goals to be achieved. The Portuguese scenario concerning small and medium enterprises and the creation of a Portuguese knowledge and information economy are also described. Some approaches to knowledge management (KM), contributing to understanding the scope of this emergent domain, are introduced. The skills and competencies that a knowledge manager should develop in order to perform his/her job are discussed. The chapter concludes by mapping the main areas of study and practice that the authors consider as relevant to performing an effective knowledge management function.

scholarly journals The Influence of Knowledge Management Processes on Intellectual Capital and Innovation Performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-187
Author(s):  
Wendra Wendra ◽  
Fadhliah M. Alhadar
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Apparel Companies ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Knowledge Management Processes

Objective – Low amounts of management research have taken into account the link between knowledge management processes and intellectual capital in innovation success. This study empirically investigates the mediation role of intellectual capital in the relationship between knowledge management processes and innovation performance. Methodology/Technique – The research questionnaires were distributed to 297 small and medium enterprises wearing apparel companies in Indonesia. The primary statistic methodology for data analysis was Partial Least Square. Findings – The study found that knowledge management processes and intellectual capital significantly influence innovation performance. Furthermore, intellectual capital mediated knowledge management processes impact on innovation performance partially Novelty - IC partially mediates the impact of knowledge management processes on innovation performance. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: L67, L25, M19. Keywords: Knowledge Management Processes; Intellectual Capital; Innovation Performance; Small and Medium Enterprises; Wearing Apparel Companies. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Wendra, W. and Alhadar, F.M. 2020. The Influence of Knowledge Management Processes on Intellectual Capital and Innovation Performance, J. Mgt. Mkt. Review 5(3) 179 – 187. https://doi.org/10.35609/jmmr.2020.5.3(6)

scholarly journals A Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability in Family Firms

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 3824
Author(s):  
Carla Curado ◽  
António Mota
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Futures Studies ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Market Pressures

In this study, we explore the research published from 2015 to 2020 on the importance of family firms (FFs) to sustainability. Our results come from a content analysis of 28 studies on this topic. Further, they deal with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry in Italy and Spain. These studies mainly follow a quantitative approach with data from a survey. This study’s main contribution regards the identification of three sorts of aspects associated to sustainability in FFs which match the three pillars of the triple bottom line approach that supports sustainable business development: social inclusion, economic development, and environmental protection. Our findings show that the family’s religiosity, reputation, and image play relevant roles in the FFs’ adoption of sustainable practices. Moreover, the CEO and their successor’s choices also have consequences for sustainability. These studies demonstrate how the family’s control, its values, and the industry influence the adoption of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. FFs go green by adopting eco-innovation to adapt to the constantly changing environment and market pressures. We acknowledge the limitations of the study. We offer advice to colleagues when developing future futures studies to address the influence of cultural differences between FFs and non-FFs and suggest they perform comparative analyses. This research could lead to further investigation of the effects of other variables that may influence sustainability in the context of FFs.

scholarly journals From Barriers to Enablers: The Role of Organizational Learning in Transitioning SMEs into the Circular Economy

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1021
Author(s):  
Sara Scipioni ◽  
Meir Russ ◽  
Federico Niccolini
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Contextual Elements ◽  
Transfer And Retention ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Medium Enterprises

To contribute to small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) sustainable transition into the circular economy, the study proposes the activation of organizational learning (OL) processes—denoted here as multi-level knowledge creation, transfer, and retention processes—as a key phase in introducing circular business models (CBMs) at SME and supply chain (SC) level. The research employs a mixed-method approach, using the focus group methodology to identify contextual elements impacting on CBM-related OL processes, and a survey-based evaluation to single out the most frequently used OL processes inside Italian construction SMEs. As a main result, a CBM-oriented OL multi-level model offers a fine-grained understanding of contextual elements acting mutually as barriers and drivers for OL processes, as possible OL dynamics among them. The multi-level culture construct—composed of external stakeholders’, SC stakeholders’, and organizational culture—identify the key element to activate CBM-oriented OL processes. Main implications are related to the identification of cultural, structural, regulatory, and process contextual elements across the external, SC, and organizational levels, and their interrelation with applicable intraorganizational and interorganizational learning processes. The proposed model would contribute to an improved implementation of transitioning into the circular economy utilizing sustainable business models in the construction SMEs.

The procurement process in the Virtual Vertical Enterprise scenario: the point of view of Large Enterprises

1999 ◽  
Vol 18 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 187-191
Author(s):  
Roberto Santoro
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Delivery Time ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Large Enterprises

The extraordinary development of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allows for innovative relationships among enterprises, organised in extended networks and regardless of their location. In this scenario, Large Enterprises can re-organise their traditional supply chains (generally formed by Small and Medium Enterprises) according to VIrtual Vertical Enterprise concepts and methodology, in order to obtain: (1) better control of subcontractors activities; (2) cost and delivery time reduction; (3) decrease of subcontractors number.

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.

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