scholarly journals Knowledge management and cognitive theory: An African case study

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Misch ◽  
P. K.J. Tobin
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Need To Evaluate ◽  
The Hierarchical Structure ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to report on research into whether knowledge can be managed more effectively by taking into consideration the nature and complexity of information being received by members of an organisation; the cognitive abilities of those members; and finally the nature and composition of the hierarchical structure of the organisation within which those members operate. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research reported on in this paper was carried out using a case study approach, with the focus on a single organisation to which the authors had special access. Data was gathered using a combination of interviews and a focus group, with participants drawn from a cross-section of members of the case study organisation. Analysis was conducted within the framework associated with the primary theoretical model (Jaques & Clement, 1991) that underpins this research. Findings: This research helps to further an understanding of how individual and organisational performance may be influenced by issues such as cognitive processes and the relationship to information complexity. The research findings support the work of Jaques and Clement (1991). Implications: This research had important implications for the organisation in the case study investigation. Other organisations would need to evaluate the research findings in terms of their applicability to other organisations in the same industry, in the same country (South Africa) or elsewhere in other industries or in other countries on the African continent. Originality/Value: This research is original in terms of the application of cognitive theory in conjunction with knowledge management principles in the context of the legal profession in South Africa. It has potential value in many other industries and countries.

Analysis of South African universities and communities archives

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 635-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkholedzeni Sidney Netshakhuma
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
National Archives ◽  
Effective Relationships ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study to investigate the relationships between South Africa (SA) universities and universities surrounding communities (USC) for preserving community histories and serve the universities’ mandate to support their local communities and support universities’ teaching and scholarship. Design/methodology/approach The study used a multiple case study approach through interviews. The population of the study comprised representatives from selected universities and their USC. Findings The findings revealed a lack of effective relationships between universities and USC to preserve communities’ histories. Hence, the communities’ archives are tools for teaching and scholarship. Relations between universities and USC are to be built on trust. Accountability and transparency are to be considered by both parties. Research limitations/implications The research is limited to selected SA universities, namely, University of Venda, Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Pretoria and SA and USC. The findings are applicable to all SA universities and USC. Practical implications The relationship between universities and USC has a practical impact on the National archives of South Africa (NARSSA) to collect communities archives because it is in conflict with the mandate of NARSSA. The National Archives’ Act 43 of 1996 obliged NARSSA to collect and preserve communities’ archives on behalf of societies. Social implications Lack of universities and USC can lead to the loss of communities histories or archives. Originality/value This paper appears to be the first to research the relationship between SA universities and USC.

scholarly journals Sustainability and Stakeholder Awareness: A Case Study of a Scottish University

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4186
Author(s):  
Abdulhakeem Raji ◽  
Abeer Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Theory ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Voluntary Exercise ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The University

This paper adopted a case study approach to investigate the sustainability practices of a Scottish university in order to understand if sustainability forms part of its central policy agenda. As such, the paper focuses on the levels of awareness and disclosure of their sustainable practices, measuring the impacts and effectiveness of those initiatives. This paper introduces signaling theory to explore the idea that appropriate communication via integrated thinking can close the gap between the organization and its stakeholders. We believe that the provision of this relevant information will lead to better communication between the organization and its stakeholders, supporting a signaling theory interpretation. Therefore, we are suggesting that integrated thinking is an internal process that organizations can follow to increase the level of disclosure as a communication tool with stakeholders. From the literature reviewed, four themes were identified (definition of university sustainability, sustainability awareness, disclosure framework within universities, and level of accountability). The research adopted a pragmatic view and conducted individual interviews with participants belonging to three stakeholder groups (members of the university’s senior management, the governing council, and the student union executive). Although this study focused on just one Scottish university, it should still provide some insight for the better understanding of the underpinning issues surrounding the sustainability accountability practices of Scottish universities in general. The research findings indicated that the university prioritized only two sustainability dimensions—economic and environmental—and that the university still perceived sustainability as a voluntary exercise. Additionally, it is evident that the university had no framework in place for measuring its sustainability delivery—and therefore had no established medium of communicating these activities to its stakeholders. Moreover, research findings showed that the social and educational context of sustainability was lacking at the university. The university has done little or nothing to educate its stakeholders on sustainability.

scholarly journals Selected Cognitive Abilities in Elite Youth Soccer Players

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 267-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Baláková ◽  
Petr Boschek ◽  
Lucie Skalíková
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Test System ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Soccer Teams ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices ◽  
Year 2000 ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The identification of talent in soccer is critical to various programs. Although many research findings have been presented, there have been only a few attempts to assess their validity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between talent and achievement variables in the Vienna Test System. The participants were 91 Czech soccer players, representing four youth soccer teams, who were born in the year 2000. These boys were divided into two groups according to their coaches’ assessments using a TALENT questionnaire. A two-factor model (component 1: “kinetic finesse”; component 2: “mental strength”) was designed to interpret the responses of the coaches on the questionnaire. The Vienna Test System was used to determine the level of players’ cognitive abilities. In total, the subjects performed seven tests in the following order: Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM), a reaction test (RT), a determination test (DT), a visual pursuit test (LVT), a Corsi Block-Tapping Test (CORSI), a time/movement anticipation test (ZBA), and a peripheral perception test (PP). To analyze the relationship between talent and achievement variables within the Vienna Test System, correlation analyses were performed. The results revealed that the talented group attained significantly better results on only 1 of the 16 variables, which was ZBA2: movement anticipation - deviation of movement median (r = .217, p = .019). A comparison of the two talent components showed that component 1 (“kinetic finesse”) was a more significant factor than component 2 (“mental strength”). Although we observed statistically significant correlations, their actual significance remains questionable; thus, further research is required.

scholarly journals The Connection between Education and Religious Insight with Madrasah Teachers’ Work Motivation in Indonesia

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
Anis Fauzi ◽  
Eni Nur’aeni
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Quantitative Data Analysis ◽  
Statistical Approaches ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Regression Correlation ◽  
Descriptive Method

This study aimed to determine the reality of education and religious insight of madrasah teachers as well as the relationship between education and religious insights with madrasah teachers’ work motivation in Serang District, Banten Province. The method used is descriptive method with case study approach and quantitative data analysis. The research sites were at Sultan Agung Madrasah Tirtayasa, Nurul Huda Madrasah Baros and Raudhatul Ulum Madrasah Anyer. The respondents were 50 councilors in each madrasah. Data collection techniques used in the study were questionnaires, observations, and interviews. Based on the data analysis using statistical approaches and the development of a linear regression formula and multiple regression, correlation values are quite high among the variables of educational insights (X1) with the variables of madrasah teachers’ work motivation (Y); and between variables of religious insight (X2) with the madrasah teachers’ work motivation (Y); as well as between the variables of religious and education insight (X1 and X2) with the variables of madrasah teachers’ work motivation (Y).

scholarly journals The Underlying Motives of University Student Volunteers Participating in Community Service Activities in Custodial Settings in South Africa: A Philosophical Perspective

Phronimon ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 44-58
Author(s):  
Johannes H Prinsloo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Spiritual Growth ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Philosophical Perspective ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Student Volunteers ◽  
The University ◽  
Security Science

Socrates pronounced that “An unexamined life is not worth living” and maintained the belief that the purpose of human life was personal and spiritual growth. This article explores, against this background, the motives and experiences of 12 student volunteers who assisted with the assessment of sentenced offenders in custodial settings in South Africa, as part of the “third mission” of the Department of Criminology and Security Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa). A case study approach was followed to explore the underlying social context and thereby gain an understanding of the students’ experience in terms of their exposure to the correctional milieu. The article relates the student volunteers’ experiences regarding their expectations and motives at the outset, their personal experiences and the benefits that involvement in this project holds for them.

scholarly journals Connecting Inward and Outward Internationalisation of Malaysian SMEs: A Learning Approach

2018 ◽  
pp. 264-275
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

When SMEs are part of global value chain, the flows of information in cross-border buyer-supplier relationships which emerge from inward-outward internationalisation connections should be addressed. This study therefore investigates the learning processes of internationalising small and medium enterprises that engage in inward and outward internationalisation. Hence, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach based on ten cases of the internationalising SMEs in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews with the Managing Directors of the selected SMEs were conducted over a two-year period. Additionally, participant observations were conducted by attending the meetings related to import-export activities and documentations were gathered for data triangulation Findings of this study highlights that the relationship with key foreign suppliers empowered case firms to connect inward to outward internationalisation through collaborative knowledge sharing. The distribution of knowledge through tacit-tacit and tacit-explicit knowledge sharing underpinned by formal planning was a prerequisite for inward-outward internationalisation connections to be established.

scholarly journals Financial development and growth in Hungary

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 205-213
Author(s):  
Kunofiwa Tsaurai
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Financial Development ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Single Study ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between financial development and economic growth in Hungary using a case study approach. Majority of previous studies on the same or similar topic have so far used regression and or econometric methodologies to examine the nature of the relationship between financial development and economic growth. Not a single study the author is aware of used a case study approach to discuss the relationship between the two variables. It is against this background that the author decided to use the case study approach that allows the author to really deepen an understanding of the relationship between the two variables in Hungary. Apart from being narrowly focused on regression or econometric approaches, previous studies on the same or similar topic in Hungary excluded a broad range of financial development variables. The current study departs from these previous studies as it used a case study approach and taken into account a broad range of financial development variables. From the trend analysis done in section 3, it appears that the relationship between financial development and growth in Hungary during the period under study is not clear. A definite and clear cut conclusion could not be reached about the relationship between the two variables in Hungary hence the use of econometric data analysis approaches in conjuction with the case study approach is recommended.

Family businesses: fertile environments for conflict

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 294-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Großmann ◽  
Arist Von Schlippe
Keyword(s):  
Social Systems ◽  
Theoretical Background ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Business Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Holistic Understanding ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an innovative study with a twofold focus: on highly escalated family business (FB) conflicts and on the interactions between conflicts and the failure of the company as FB. The authors devoted this paper to the question of how family-related conflicts are connected with the demise of FB. Conflicts constitute an essential part of every FB and may definitely have the power to superimpose the performance of the FB as well as the family life in a destructive way. Especially, highly escalated so called relationship conflicts can be seen as one reason for the failure of FB. Design/methodology/approach – The research aims at analysing the meaning of conflict in FB with respect to the failure of the FB. Therefore, the authors use an explorative case study approach. The study is based on a total of five case studies. As the authors use theory of social systems as a theoretical background, the authors focused in the analysis in all cases on patterns rather than on individual characteristics. Findings – As an essential part of the study the authors formulated eight hypotheses describing specific patterns of the conflict process as a communicative system. These hypotheses convey a comprehensible impression of the effects conflicts may have within FB and present a number of new facets of conflict dynamics and patterns of escalation in FB. Originality/value – In particular, the authors provide new insights into the dynamics of highly destructive forms of conflicts in FB and the relationship between family-related conflicts and the failure of FB. The authors also pave the way for future research that aim to develop a more holistic understanding about when and why the outcomes from family and business systems will conflict or be harmonious.

Should knowledge management in organizations be rebranded?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maayan Nakash ◽  
Dan Bouhnik
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Qualitative Research Methodology ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Strategic Perspective ◽  
First Time

Purpose This study aims to examine the relevance of the term “knowledge management” (KM) in the organizational context, and deliberates whether there is a need for rebranding of this field. It also enriches the understanding regarding the appropriateness of the term “KM,” which was chosen to represent the discipline. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, and a case study approach was followed by conducting 19 semi-structured in-depth interviews with international KM experts working in a global consulting firm. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis method based on the grounded theory approach. Findings The findings provide empirical evidence that attempts are being made to move away from the label “KM” in certain knowledge-intensive organizations. This study sheds light on the challenges associated with this term, which leads some to believe that the name of the discipline needs to change. Originality/value The present pioneering research contributes to empirical knowledge through investigation of an unexplored scientific field. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, its uniqueness can be established by the fact that the opinions of KM professionals are being heard regarding the “KM” label, as well as the need for a rebranding of this discipline in the organizational context. From a practical and strategic perspective, this study suggests that the research community and practitioners pay attention to attempts to shift away from the existing title identified in organizational practice.

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