A Knowledge Management Process in Communities of Practice of Engineering Based on the SECI Model for Knowledge

Author(s):  
Akila Sarirete ◽  
Azeddine Chikh

With the vast movement toward promoting and developing models, practices, and technological environments in the engineering domain, a need exists to facilitate communication, collaboration, and coordination among its actors. Communities of Practice (CoPs) represent the natural and logical solution to answer these needs. In this paper, the authors propose a knowledge management process to exploit tacit and explicit knowledge in the engineering domain within the framework of a CoP of engineering. The approach used in this work introduces new elements in the Nonaka’s SECI model for knowledge creation. To validate the proposed process, a qualitative case study has been conducted on two CoPs, “CPsquare” and “The Cisco Learning Network”. It has been shown that CoPs and social learning impact learning as well as knowledge sharing. The use of web technologies and socio-technical approach in the management of knowledge is of high importance.

Author(s):  
Akila Sarirete ◽  
Azeddine Chikh

With the vast movement toward promoting and developing models, practices, and technological environments in the engineering domain, a need exists to facilitate communication, collaboration, and coordination among its actors. Communities of Practice (CoPs) represent the natural and logical solution to answer these needs. In this paper, the authors propose a knowledge management process to exploit tacit and explicit knowledge in the engineering domain within the framework of a CoP of engineering. The approach used in this work introduces new elements in the Nonaka’s SECI model for knowledge creation. To validate the proposed process, a qualitative case study has been conducted on two CoPs, “CPsquare” and “The Cisco Learning Network”. It has been shown that CoPs and social learning impact learning as well as knowledge sharing. The use of web technologies and socio-technical approach in the management of knowledge is of high importance.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Grażyna Gierszewska

Abstract The effectiveness of Japanese management methodologies is making them increasingly popular with business organisations all over the world. This paper aims to present one of the least known knowledge management theories: the knowledge creation model by I. Nonaka and H. Takeuchi. In their approach to the theory of organisational learning and knowledge creation, Nonaka and Takeuchi propose a categorisation of knowledge into tacit and explicit (formal) knowledge and explore the relationships between knowledge production, transfer and application; they also address the issue of applying existing and creating new knowledge. Presented SECI model captures the conversion of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge in four steps: Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation. The paper examines case studies that illustrate the practical application of the processes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 922 (1) ◽  
pp. 012030
Author(s):  
D S Jayanti ◽  
S S Arif ◽  
S Susanto ◽  
L Sutiarso

Abstract The concept of knowledge management is required to implicate the management of human resources, natural resources, and information technology to raise the consciousness of agricultural performers of the importance of knowledge-based concepts and strategies. The problem is how to increase knowledge of human resources sustainably to improve performance and competitiveness and create a decision-making process as the first step to implement agricultural management in a more focused and measurable. Knowledge management in Sriharjo Village has begun to be developed but has not been implemented and managed optimally as a knowledge asset. This research used a qualitative approach to identify knowledge gaps and a SECI model approach to determine the implementation and knowledge management strategy. This research aims to implement a knowledge management system strategy based on water and land resources in Sriharjo Village. A Collecting data with questionnaires and interviews with respondents and taking samples of respondents in the purposive sampling method. Knowledge will disappear if only stored in a tacit form, but sharing knowledge and implementing knowledge management through the transformation of tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge can increase understanding, a consciousness of managers and users, and minimize gaps. The application of KM is necessary to share knowledge with each member of the organization, such as organize meetings, discussions, socialization, using internet media, counseling, and training to improve the performance and sustainability of the organization.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1637-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Usai ◽  
Veronica Scuotto ◽  
Alan Murray ◽  
Fabio Fiano ◽  
Luca Dezi

PurposeEntrepreneurial knowledge spurs innovation and, in turn, generates a competitive advantage. This paper aims to explore if entrepreneurial knowledge combined with the attitude to innovate can overcome the key “imperfections” of the innovation process generated by dynamic, current technological progress in the knowledge-intensive sector. The “imperfections” identified in risk management, asymmetric information in the knowledge management process and hold-up problems can all disrupt collaborative partnerships and limit opportunities for innovation.Design/methodology/approachA theory-building approach is applied which offers a case study analysis of two small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These two SMEs operate in Europe but in two different territories: the UK and Italy. The study explores three key imperfections, risk management, asymmetric information in the knowledge management process and hold-up problems, which occur in the innovation process.FindingsThe entrepreneurs face these imperfections by adopting an open innovation model. Notwithstanding, both entrepreneurs had to deal with all “imperfections”, and their skills, attributes, attitude and aptitude allowed them to grow their business and continually develop new products. Therefore, the imperfections do not limit the innovative capacity of an entrepreneur but rather enhance their challengeable attitude. In this regard, the case studies induce a further analysis on entrepreneurial knowledge intertwined with entrepreneurial risk management and networking skills.Research limitations/implicationsThe empirical significance of the two cases does not allow theorisation. However, this research offers interesting results which can be strengthened by a comparative case study with other countries or deeper investigation by applying a quantitative approach.Originality/valueBy leveraging entrepreneurial knowledge, the imperfections noted in the innovation process can be overcome. Entrepreneurial knowledge is recognised as the main asset of an enterprise if it is combined with external talent or human resources. Entrepreneurs aim to develop innovative approaches and ideas through establishing both formal and informal collaborative partnership relationships which are used thanks to the entrepreneurs’ networking skills, knowledge and abilities.


Author(s):  
Jill Owen ◽  
Frada Burstein

This chapter explores how an engineering consulting company creates, manages, and reuses knowledge within its projects. It argues that the informal transfer and reuse of knowledge plays a more crucial role than formal knowledge in providing the greatest benefit to the organization. The culture of the organization encourages a reliance on networks (both formal and informal) for the exchange of tacit knowledge, rather than utilizing explicit knowledge. This case study highlights the importance of understanding the drivers of knowledge transfer and reuse in projects. This will provide researchers with an insight into how knowledge management integrates with project management.


Author(s):  
Markus Haag ◽  
Yanqing Duan ◽  
Brian Mathews

The concept of culture and its relationship with Nonaka’s SECI model, a widely used model of organizational knowledge creation, is discussed in this chapter. Culture, in various forms, is argued to impact on the SECI model and the model itself is embedded in a certain context. This context determines the characteristics of the knowledge creation modes as described by SECI and therefore makes the model either more, or less, pertinent in a given context. This is regardless of whether that context is primarily determined by national culture, organizational culture or other factors. Differences in emphases in a given contextual environment on either tacit or explicit knowledge also impacts on knowledge creation as defined by SECI. Finally, it is emphasized that being conscious of the cultural situatedness of the SECI model can lead to a more adequate use of the model for organizational knowledge creation.


Author(s):  
Eng K. Chew ◽  
Petter Gottschalk

As described in Chapter X, fundamental to the company’s innovation capabilities is the level of collaboration and knowledge management capabilities available to support the innovation process. The ability of an organization to identify, acquire, and utilize external knowledge, known as knowledge absorption, can be critical to the firm’s operational success (Adams, Bessant, & Phelps, 2006). A survey by Adams et al. (2006) shows that three areas of knowledge management are critical for innovation management: idea generation, knowledge repository (including the management of tacit and explicit knowledge), and information flows (including information gathering and networking). Further they note that several researchers have found that the firm’s ability to “absorb and put to use new knowledge,” known as knowledge “absorptive capacity,” has direct impact on the firm’s innovation and performance (Chen, 2004; Tsai, 2001). Popadiuk and Choo (2006) have further shown that innovation and knowledge creation are related. Innovation is a result of knowledge creation. Innovation is related to the firm’s ability to combine new knowledge with existing knowledge to create new knowledge that is unique to the firm. It is also related to the firm’s ability to diffuse knowledge throughout the organization so that the organization as a whole increases its absorptive capacity. Knowledge diffusion can be facilitated by IT infrastructure and knowledge management system. Knowledge management is aimed at leveraging internal and external knowledge to create value from the firm’s intangible assets. According to Metaxiotis and Psarras (2006), knowledge management contributes to value creation by enhancing: intellectual asset management, operational efficiency, customer and competitor intelligence, continuous improvement, organizational learning, innovation in products and services, and time to market. They report of findings from American Productivity and Quality Center that greater emphasis should be made by firms on “using knowledge management to become more efficient innovators.” To leverage knowledge management for business innovation, IT managers must first understand the basic principles, theories, and practices of knowledge management. Next, they must understand how knowledge management will contribute to innovation. This chapter aims to address both topics to help make IT managers become the IT innovators.


2010 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 119-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomoyoshi Yamazaki ◽  
Katsuhiro Umemoto

Healthcare is a knowledge-intensive service provided by professionals, such as medical doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. Clinical-pathways are used by many healthcare organisations (HCOs) as a tool for performing the healthcare process, sharing and utilising knowledge from different professionals. In this paper, case studies were performed at two HCOs that use clinical-pathways actively in the healthcare process. Theoretical model construction, sharing, utilisation, and creation of the knowledge by different professionals, were tested by the case study of two HCOs which use clinical pathways actively. The theoretical model was a knowledge creation model which creates new knowledge continuously. In this theoretical model, clinical-pathways are suggested to be an effective tool for knowledge management in healthcare.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niclas Erhardt ◽  
Carlos Martin-Rios

This paper aims to identify two different knowledge management (KM) systems and their underlying capabilities by accounting for two contextual factors: organisational structures and type of knowledge. Specifically, it seeks to explore how two different organisational structures (mechanistic and organic) shape the way explicit and tacit knowledge is shared, created, and learned. The paper uses a case-based approach of two sports teams as archetypal contexts to inform management research. Findings suggest that a mechanistic structure (American football) emphasises explicit knowledge for sharing of specific directives, centralised, incremental knowledge creation, and organisational learning through memorisation and repetitious actions. In an organic structure (ice hockey), sharing of tacit knowledge, decentralised novel knowledge creation, and organisational learning through empowered experiential learning episodes are emphasised. Findings illustrate the importance of accounting for organisational structures and knowledge needed for different KM systems geared towards efficiency and routine work, and flexibility and non-routine work.


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