Mapping Methodological Issues in Knowledge Management Research, 2009–2014

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Context Specific

By drawing on the nuances in methodological research literature, this qualitative content analysis study investigated the research procedures employed in knowledge management (KM) research between 2009 and 2014, to gain an understanding of the methodological choices made by KM researchers. In total, 989 articles published in five leading KM-centric journals were reviewed. The results revealed that KM research utilised a variety of research procedures. The predominance of positivist epistemologies varied across the five journals, but mixed methods research was not prevalent. True to the interpretivist presuppositions of this study, these results are not definitive. Deploying multi-methods may result in a deeper understanding of the use of research procedures in the field. The value of this study lies in the fact that it will lead to greater knowledge of research methodologies in the subject field and provide a baseline for future studies that have an interest in reflecting on context-specific methodological practices.

scholarly journals Economic Determinants of Industrial Water Demand: A Review of the Applied Research Literature

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1684
Author(s):  
Pilar Gracia-de-Rentería ◽  
Ramón Barberán
Keyword(s):  
Water Demand ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Industrial Water ◽  
Methodological Issues ◽  
Economic Determinants ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Know How ◽  
Level Of Activity ◽  
Industrial Water Demand ◽  
Available Information

This paper surveys the empirical, economic literature focused on the determinants of industrial water demand. Both the methodological issues and the outcomes of the previous studies are presented and discussed. Attention is given to key methodological issues, such as the available information, the type of data used, the specification of the variables, the choice of the estimated function, its functional form, and the estimation techniques used, highlighting the issues that require greater attention in future studies. Regarding the results, we focus on the estimated elasticities in order to know how the price of water, the level of activity, and the prices of the other inputs influence the demand for water.

Mixed Methods Research in Knowledge Management Studies (2009–2014): A Content Analysis of Journal Articles

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (03) ◽  
pp. 2050016
Author(s):  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Qualitative Approaches ◽  
Complex Design

The purpose of this article is to investigate the adoption and utilisation of mixed methods research (MMR) in an emerging field, such as knowledge management (KM). Methodologies used by researchers have a bearing on the reliability and validity of the knowledge they produce. There is need to explore the prevalence in use of various methodologies over time. Such studies provide researchers time to reflect on their research practices. It is important to reflect on how researchers are adopting and utilising MMR approaches and what can be done to improve methodological approaches in research. A qualitative content analysis of articles from five leading KM-centric journals published between 2009 and 2014 was conducted for the research purpose. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the utilisation of MMR in KM and provide guidance for those seeking to learn about and apply MMR approaches in research in context. Only 1.1% of the studies were classified as representing some form of MMR. Of the eight articles that were sampled, five of them did not explicitly identify themselves as MMR studies. Two of the articles did not give reasons for combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. None of the studies that were examined identified the MMR approach that was employed. Four of the MMR studies were exploratory, three were explanatory and one was convergent. All the articles were partially mixed studies. Few researchers indicated how they prioritised qualitative and quantitative strands. A handful of sampled studies used MMR and employed basic design typologies in contrast to complex typologies. It is recommended that KM research should embrace MMR and use complex design typologies in order to enhance their understanding of the complex problems that KM scholars encounter. Methodological pluralism has the potential of contributing to the growth in knowledge and development of many perspectives in the field: an appreciation of the advantages of using MMR and its potential to provide a holistic, innovative and robust perspective of research phenomena. The selection criteria in this study excluded other journals that cover KM research. Further research may uncover whether the prevalence rates reported in this study are consistent with those journals which were excluded in this study. Methodologies used by researchers for different kinds of research may be different. The research method employed in this study does not have the ability to establish that. Future studies may employ interviews and other data collection techniques in order to triangulate methods to determine why MMR was not prevalent. The future research directions should consider the extent to which personal, interpersonal and social contexts influence researchers to use MMR.

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.

scholarly journals Complex sociotechnical systems as a subject of constructivist epistemology research: a descriptor of subjectivity

2019 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
pp. 04004
Author(s):  
Igor Korotets ◽  
Tat'yana Podshibyakina ◽  
Alexandr Fedoseenkov
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Actor Network Theory ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Sociotechnical Systems ◽  
Social Relevance ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Sociotechnical System ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Constructivist Epistemology

Epistemology began to show some signs of crisis, it touched its scientific paradigm: the object. subject, method, as well as its social relevance. In society, there was a request not only to obtain knowledge about knowledge, but also to use knowledge management technologies as a consumer of information, which is due to the rapid growth of the number of Internet users and its autonomy and independence. The aim of the work is to consider in the subject field of epistemology of technical networks (Internet) as an independent actor and an element of a special sociotechnical system; analysis of the activities of network social actors to establish control over the process of social cognition through knowledge management and attitudes. Bruno Latour's "actor-network theory" (ANT) was chosen as the research method it allows to give theoretical and methodological substantiation of the descriptor of subjectivity of networks in complex sociotechnical systems. The paper assesses the technical networks (Internet) as an independent actor of the sociotechnical system and describes their functioning in this capacity. The analysis of such a sphere in the subject area of epistemology as knowledge management, little studied, but extremely relevant in connection with the perception of the global Internet as a fairly independent area of life of network communities and new network media. It is concluded that a promising direction for modern constructivist epistemology is the study of the problems of establishing control over the production, transfer and accumulation of knowledge in society, as well as the negative manifestations of such control in the form of manipulation of consciousness, the use of open and hidden censorship.

Biographical Studies of G.I. Gurdjieff

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-35
Author(s):  
Joseph Azize
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Research ◽  
Source Material ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Third ◽  
The Subject

The various published biographies and biographical notices of G.I. Gurdjieff (c.1865-1949) are of diverse style, quantity and content. While some have made considerable contributions to the subject, most attempts have reacted for or against Gurdjieff’s status as what might call an ‘Enlightened Master’. Little biographical writing on Gurdjieff has questioned the scope, reliability and prejudices of the sources. Further, possible resources have been neglected. The development in Gurdjieff’s ideas is often overlooked, his life is not sufficiently related to that development, and the lack of comparative research has failed to highlight Gurdjieff’s unique contributions. This article is structured in four parts. The first is an introduction, followed by an overview of existing biographical studies of Gurdjieff. The third part addresses bias in these studies, and this is followed by suggestions for future studies. It is concluded that fieldwork regarding the biography of Gurdjieff has been hampered by imperfect methodology. However, with better use of the source material, some of which has only recently been discovered, and a rigorous use of sources, a more balanced and nuanced picture of Gurdjieff’s life, and the development of his ideas and methods, should emerge.

The Impact of Quantitative Easing on Emerging Markets – Literature Review

e-Finanse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Piotr Bartkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Quantitative Easing ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sufficient Precision

AbstractThe article presents the results of the review of the empirical literature regarding the impact of quantitative easing (QE) on emerging markets (EMs). The subject is of interest to policymakers and researchers due to the increasingly larger role of EMs in the world economy and the large-scale capital flows occurring after 2009. The review is conducted in a systematic manner and takes into consideration different methodological choices, samples and measurement issues. The paper puts the summarized results in the context of transmission channels identified in the literature. There are few distinct methodological approaches present in the literature. While there is a consensus regarding the direction of the impact of QE on EMs, its size and durability have not yet been assessed with sufficient precision. In addition, there are clear gaps in the empirical findings, not least related to relative underrepresentation of the CEE region (in particular, Poland).

“It’s not just a diet, it’s a lifestyle”: An Exploratory Study into Community Preferences of Vegan Definitions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madelon North ◽  
Emily Jane Kothe ◽  
Anna Klas ◽  
Mathew Ling
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Advocacy Groups ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Ranking Order ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Community Preferences ◽  
Positivist Approach

Veganism is an increasingly popular lifestyle within Western societies, including Australia. However, there appears to be a positivist approach to defining veganism in the literature. This has implications for measurement and coherence of the research literature. This exploratory study assessed preference rankings for definitions of veganism used by vegan advocacy groups across an Australian convenience sample of three dietary groups (vegan = 230, omnivore = 117, vegetarian = 43). Participants were also asked to explain their ranking order in an open-ended question. Most vegans selected the UK definition as their first preference, omnivores underwent five rounds of preference reallocation before the Irish definition was selected, and vegetarians underwent four rounds before the UK definition was selected. A reflexive thematic analysis of participant explanations for their rankings identified four themes: (1) Diet vs. lifestyle, (2) Absolutism, (3) Social justice, and (4) Animal justice. These four themes represent how participants had differing perceptions of veganism according to their personal experience and understanding of the term. It appears participants took less of an absolutist approach to the definition and how individuals conceptualise veganism may be more dynamic than first expected. This will be important when researchers are considering how we are defining veganism in future studies to maintain consistency in the field.

PLACE AND ROLE OF NON-ACADEMIC EDUCATION IN THE SUBJECT FIELD OF PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

2020 ◽  
pp. 44-54
Author(s):  
Galyna Zhukova
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Education ◽  
Academic Education ◽  
Educational Activities ◽  
Subject Field ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Existing Structures ◽  
Academic System ◽  
The Subject

Growing problem of inconsistency of the academic system of education with the new needs of society and individual, lack of existing structures of education contribute to the emergence of a different approach for the organization of educational activities, which is non-academic. As a philosophical phenomenon, it fully complies with the students' diverse interests and possibilities. Nonacademic education functions outside the academic education, free from strict rules and regulations, it focuses on specific educational requests of different social, professional, demographic groups.

Turning Fear of Boron Toxicity into Boron-containing Drug Design

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (26) ◽  
pp. 5005-5018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa ◽  
Eunice D. Farfán-García ◽  
Simonetta Geninatti-Crich
Keyword(s):  
Drug Design ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Biological Action ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Bibliographic Databases ◽  
Boron Toxicity ◽  
Withdrawal Period ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
Toxicological Data

Background: Despite the historical employment of boron-containing compounds (BCCs) with medicinal purposes, the reported cases of BCC toxicity in humans during the twentieth-century drived us towards a “boron-withdrawal” period. Fortunately, the use of boric acid for specific purposes remains, and the discovery of natural BCCs with biological action attractive for therapeutic purposes as well as the introduction of some new BCCs for clinical use has reactivated the interest in studying the properties of these BCCs. Methods: We carried out a structured search of bibliographic databases for scientific peerreviewed research literature regarding boron toxicity and linked that information to that of BCCs in drug design and development. A deductive qualitative content analysis methodology was applied to analyse the interventions and findings of the included studies using a theoretical outline. Results: This review recapitulates the following on a timeline: the boron uses in medicine, the data known about the toxicological profiles of some BCCs, the pharmacological properties of some BCCs that are employed in cancer and infectious disease therapies, and the known properties of BCCs recently introduced into clinical assays as well as the identification of their structure-activity relationships for toxicity and therapeutic use. Then, we discuss the use of new approaches taking advantage of some toxicological data to identify potent and efficient BCCs for prevention and therapy while limiting their toxic effects. Conclusion: Data for boron toxicity can be strategically used for boron-containing drug design.

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