bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Narratives of knowledge and intelligence … beyond the tacit and explicit
Authors: Williams Roy 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to revisit the key terms in knowledge management (KM), particularly tacit and explicit, to develop a better framework for a theoretical and practical understanding of KM.Design/methodology/approachWith the help of concepts like articulation and discourse, borrowed from applied linguistics, the relationships between data, information, the components of information in its various forms, knowledge and narrative are explored, to develop an integrated framework for the understanding of the complexities of the domain of knowledge management.FindingsThis study rovides a detailed assessment of the contribution of the tacit/explicit distinction to the KM debate. Develops new distinctions between formal and ante‐formal information, procedural information and contextual analysis, a model of the process of developing objective information, and a model of knowledge as an articulation of procedural information and contextual analysis.Research limitations/implicationsThe usefulness of the framework will only be tested when it is applied in research and in management practice. This will depend on whether the concepts and terms introduced here find their way into more common usage.Practical implicationsThe study provides a useful framework and set of tools for understanding and managing the various different aspects of information, knowledge, intellectual capital, and competitive intelligence.Originality/valueThe paper brings together concepts and analytical tools from different disciplines (KM, applied linguistics, semiotics) to develop a new framework for analyzing how the component elements of KM articulate with each other. In more detail, the paper unpacks the relationships between ante‐formal and formal information, procedural information and contextual analysis, the processes of objectification of information and the formation of knowledge, and the notion of knowledge as inherently narrative.
Strategic knowledge transfer and its implications for competitive advantage: an integrative conceptual framework
Authors: Carlos Bou‐Llusar Juan , Segarra‐Ciprés Mercedes 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to analyze the implications for competitive advantage deriving from strategic knowledge and knowledge transfer process.Design/methodology/approachOne major issue in a knowledge‐based (KBV) view consists of delimiting the source of competitive advantage, that is, knowledge versus knowledge management processes (acquisition, transfer, generation). Based on the KBV and knowledge management literature, the current paper considers the importance of both elements. Specifically, the paper focuses on strategic knowledge and knowledge transfer process.FindingsThe contributions of this paper are the proposal of strategic knowledge characteristics and the suggestion of a theoretical framework to study the internal transfer of strategic knowledge. The main conclusion is that the characteristics of knowledge that generate competitive advantage also create barriers for internal transfer. The research question addressed here is what firms must do to transfer strategic knowledge within the firm while limiting involuntary transfer.Originality/valueIn order to answer this question, this paper suggests a theoretical framework that focuses not only on the implications of knowledge of a strategic asset, but rather takes a much broader perspective, considering the transfer process as a whole and highlighting the role of the different elements of this process (source, receiver and context) in order to facilitate the efficient transfer of strategic knowledge.
Factors influencing knowledge productivity in German research groups: lessons for developing countries
Authors: Wang Junxia , Peters Hans Peter , Guan Jiancheng 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims at studying implicit knowledge management practices in research groups using a theoretical model of knowledge creation. The goal is to identify factors that contribute to high knowledge productivity. Based on the findings of a study of German research groups, implications for developing countries shall be discussed.Design/methodology/approachA total of 15 in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with heads of German academic research groups in the field of physics were conducted. The questions referred to the current practices of knowledge creation and knowledge management and to the subjective assessments of these practices.FindingsThe study identified human resource management as the weakness of the German knowledge management practice. There seems to be an inherent contradiction between the goals of attracting promising students to a career in science and securing mobility. Knowledge management and infrastructure otherwise seems well‐developed and the heads of research groups consider themselves very important for knowledge productivity.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the small sample‐size and the limitation to only one research field and one country the results cannot be generalized. The survey thus has to be regarded as a pilot study.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information on factors influencing knowledge productivity in research groups.
Knowledge flows in self‐organizing processes
Authors: Laihonen Harri 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis article aims to point out the essential role of knowledge flows when studying new ways of organizing in a knowledge‐intensive service sector where organizations operate in rapidly changing markets. The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of self‐organization and its basic characteristics from a knowledge flow point‐of‐view.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual analysis and literature review are provided.FindingsThe article offers a way to understand how self‐organization emerges from lower‐level or local interaction, i.e. knowledge flows. The results of earlier studies indicate that if experts working in customer interface are empowered to make independent decisions and to adjust their working according to the ongoing situation, i.e. to self‐organize, co‐operation with customers becomes more active.Originality/valueThe article presents a new way of looking at self‐organization and its basic characteristics as managerial tools in knowledge‐intensive organizations. The article brings up the fundamental role of knowledge flows in a self‐organization process.
Community of practice in a small research institute
Authors: Pavlin Samo 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims to examine a community of practice (CoP) of a small research organization is examined and compare it with CoPs in large organizations that are broadly described in the literature of knowledge management..Design/methodology/approachThe argumentation includes a case study of a small research institute (public), which performs the CoP related activity. For that purpose three community meetings were attended in the period of four months (attendance with observation). Five formal in‐depth interviews with the organizational staff (mostly with the CoP's coordinator) have been conducted.FindingsThe paper finds that a higher degree of community engagement, overlapping of organizational roles such as sponsor and coordinator, scare resources, more dispersed and heterogeneous membership are the main aspects that differentiate a community based on the social network of small organizations from a CoPs in large organizations.Originality/valueThe paper looks at CoPs from a different angle – asking whether CoPs in small organizations share the same theoretical characteristics as those in large organizations. As there is not much literature about the application of knowledge management in small organizations the theoretically‐based case study adds originality to the paper.
Knowledge management: securing the future
Authors: Randeree Ebrahim 
Published: July 2006

PurposeIncreased focus on knowledge within firms has not addressed the security implication. This paper aims to examine the implications of knowledge management for security.Design/methodology/approachThis approach highlights the competitive advantage of knowledge with an emphasis on security. This paper reviews security for data and information and explores the dimensions of secure knowledge systems. The emphasis is on knowledge security and the development of future knowledge management systems.FindingsThis paper finds that there exists a general lack of focus on security in the knowledge management framework – both in a research setting and in practical applications. Knowledge is different from information and data and needs special consideration in firms.Research implications/limitationsDesigners of knowledge management systems can implement levels of security for different types of knowledge that reside within the organization. The concept of “secure knowledge management” has provided nascent models to address the management and protection of knowledge resources. Information systems researchers that are investigating knowledge have to include the protection and security of knowledge.Originality/valueKnowledge management has moved to the forefront of both the research and corporate agendas. Harnessing the information and knowledge contained within firm data warehouses is one method to achieve competitive advantage. Various types of knowledge require different solutions. Designers of knowledge management systems can implement levels of security for different types of knowledge that reside within the organization. Future developments need to address securing the knowledge of a corporation, its most valuable asset.
The use of multi‐attribute utility theory to determine the overall best‐in‐class performer in a benchmarking study
Authors: Collins Terry R. , Rossetti Manuel D. , Nachtmann Heather L. , Oldham James R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo investigate the application of multi‐attribute utility theory (MAUT) to aid in the decision‐making process when performing benchmarking gap analysis.Design/methodology/approachMAUT is selected to identify the overall best‐in‐class (BIC) performer for performance metrics involving inventory record accuracy within a public sector warehouse. A traditional benchmarking analysis is conducted on 14 industry warehouse participants to determine industry best practices for the four critical warehouse metrics of picking and inventory accuracy, storage speed, and order cycle time. Inventory and picking tolerances are also investigated in the study. A gap analysis is performed on the critical metrics and the absolute BIC is used to measure performance gaps for each metric. The gap analysis results are then compared to the MAUT utility values, and a sensitivity analysis is performed to compare the two methods.FindingsThe results indicate that an approach based on MAUT is advantageous in its ability to consider all critical metrics in a benchmarking study. The MAUT approach allows the assignment of priorities and analyzes the subjectivity for these decisions, and provides a framework to identify one performer as best across all critical metrics.Research limitations/implicationsThis research study uses the additive utility theory (AUT) which is only one of multiple decision theory techniques.Practical implicationsA new approach to determine the best performer in a benchmarking study.Originality/valueTraditional benchmarking studies use gap analysis to identify a BIC performer over a single critical metric. This research integrates a mathematically driven decision analysis technique to determine the overall best performer over multiple critical metrics.
Role of human factors in TQM: a graph theoretic approach
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Agrawal V.P. , Khan I.A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo represent the effect of ‘human factors in total quality management (TQM) environment’ in terms of a single numerical index by considering their inheritances and interactions.Design/methodology/approachVarious human factors affecting the TQM culture in an organization are identified and discussed for the sub factors affecting them. These factors are interacting with each other and their overall effect helps an organization in attaining TQM enabled needs. The paper attempts to represent the overall effect of human factors quantitatively by developing a mathematical model using graph theoretic approach. In this approach, interaction among identified human factors is represented through digraph, matrix model and a multinomial.FindingsThe extent of human aspects present in an organization, conducive to TQM culture is represented in terms of the “human index”. It provides an insight into the human factors at system and subsystem level. The developed procedure may be useful for self‐analysis and comparison among organizations.Research limitations/implicationsSince, human behaviour is difficult to predict, so are the human factors. The paper considers general factors, which may vary depending on type of organization, size of organization and geographical location. There is a scope of research in factor specific organizations.Practical implicationsIt provides a useful methodology for organizations to assess human aspects and improve upon therein. Procedure for stepwise application of methodology is given with example that may help an industry to implement it.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to quantify the intangibles through systematic approach and is of value to industries to improve upon their work environment.
Tourism services quality (TourServQual) in Egypt
Authors: Eraqi Mohammed I. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis research paper aims is to evaluate the customer's views related to tourism quality in Egypt. It attempts to measure the extent to which tourism business environment is creative and innovative as necessary conditions for internal customer satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe objectives of this research have been achieved through reviewing a number of literatures in the fields of services quality management and tourism quality measurements. The paper's outcomes have been obtained through two surveys, one to measure the satisfaction of the internal customer (employees) and the second to measure the external customer satisfaction (tourists).FindingsThe main conclusions of this research paper are: quality can be considered as a philosophy for guiding tourism organization/destination when taking decisions related to tourism services; tourism business environment in Egypt does not support the internal customer satisfaction because the absence of a suitable system for encouraging people to be creative and innovative; and in the area of the external customer satisfaction there is still a need for things to be done such as the environmental conditions improvements, internal transport quality enhancement, increasing people awareness, and improving the level of safety and security conditions.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a number of limitations which faced this paper research they are: the sample size is small, compared with the size of total population, that was reflected on the level of reliability of the research results; and the limited time allowed to the respondents was reflected on the validity of the research outcomes, because they interviewed at the last time of their journey by the time they are ready for departure.Practical implicationsA useful source of information about total quality management (TQM) and how practitioners can measure it. It provides wide guidelines for improving the quality of tourism services in total manner in Egypt.Originality/valueThis paper provides useful information that are needed for tourism services quality improvement. It offers a practical help to tourism planners and marketers in Egypt to understand the concept of TQM and how they can improve their services continually.
A worldwide analysis of ISO 9000 standard diffusion
Authors: Franceschini F. , Galetto M. , Cecconi P. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo provide a cross‐section of International Standardization Organization (ISO) 9000 quality certification diffusion over time and its impact on industrial systems.Design/methodology/approachThe starting point of the analysis is “The ISO survey of ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 certificates” document. Available data concur to trace a synthesis of what has happened and what is in process all over the world. Five main aspects are discussed: the correspondence between ISO 9000 standards and total quality management strategy; the effects of ISO 9000 certification on business performance; the ISO 9000 certificates diffusion in the world; the comparison between economical and entrepreneurial structure of different countries and certificates diffusion; the proposal of a prediction model for the diffusion of ISO 9000 certificates.FindingsThe evolution curve of the number of certificates over time in each country presents a “saturation effect.” This behavior has been analyzed by a diffusion forecasting model. The analysis of regional share certificates evolution evidences a sensible increase of Far East countries. The analysis of ISO 9000 certificates' share by industrial sector highlights a growth for the most sectors; only a few of them show a negative trend in last two years. A relationship between ISO 9000 certificates and socio‐economic indicators of a country (human development index, gross national product) has been individuated.Practical implicationsThe stunning growth of ISO 9000 certifications all over the world confirms a strong polarization of enterprises' interest in this practice. Looking at the empirical data, some questions come out about the future. Will the certification market go on? Will certified enterprises continue to be interested to the certification process?Originality/valueThis paper analyzes the worldwide evolution of ISO 9000 certification and suggests a new prediction model for the diffusion of ISO 9000 certificates.
Next generation mobile telecommunications networks: challenges to the Nordic ICT industries
Authors: Palmberg Christopher , Bohlin Eric 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers in the special issue on “Next generation mobile telecommunications networks challenges to the Nordic ICT industries”.Design/methodology/approachThis introductory paper summarises the key points of each paper.FindingsThe competitive environment of the Nordic ICT industries has changed and is far more complex now compared to the previous single‐standard environment of 2G. The avenues for influencing competition between basic technology platforms and standards are much narrower and involve interaction with a much greater number of stakeholders and technologies on a global level.Originality/valueThe six papers of this Special Issue highlight interesting viewpoints both on the possible future evolution of the mobile telecommunications industry in general, as well as on the past development and present challenges that the Nordic countries face.
3G Standards: the battle between WCDMA and CDMA2000
Authors: Saugstrup Dan , Henten Anders 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to analyze which standard/technology will win the 3G mobile markets. In addition, two sub topics are examined. First, which kind of victory will it be – will one technological solution be all‐dominating or is co‐existence more likely? Second, which are the most decisive factors in the battle between the different standards – which roles do respectively technology path‐dependence, network effects and strategic concerns play?Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken in the paper is to examine the different kinds of stakeholders – in this field, first and foremost, equipment manufacturers, network operators, policy makers/administrators and end users; to analyze how such stakeholders are intervening in the different relevant steps – technology development, technology deployment and technology take‐up – and to analyze these issues from different angles – technology, markets and economy, policy and regulation, and other social aspects.FindingsThe paper concludes that WCDMA will dominate the markets, but that there will be a co‐existence of different solutions – also inside individual countries where more than one solution is implemented.Originality/valueThe paper is based on the understanding that a vast array of different factors in a complex dynamic environment goes into the determination of the outcome of such standardization games. However, the battle between 3G standards has already reached a level, where relatively certain predictions can be made. And, the paper contributes with a methodologically based discussion concerning the outcome of the battle between 3G standards.
Innovation system dynamics in the Swedish telecom sector
Authors: Lindmark Sven , Andersson Erik J. , Bohlin Erik , Johansson Mattias 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo analyse the evolution of the Swedish telecommunications sector (1970‐2003), with a focus on barriers and drivers of innovative activity.Design/methodology/approachDeveloping a functional approach to innovation systems analysis, where six basic interdependent functions need to be served for a new technology to be developed and diffused and for a supporting industry to evolve. The sector is divided into four major sub‐sectors: traditional fixed telecom; mobile telephony; fixed data communications (including internet); and mobile data communications (including mobile internet).FindingsRelate to two questions: first, how did it happen that Sweden developed a leading innovation system for mobile telephony but not for data communication; and second, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation system for mobile data communications? Findings include that early developments mattered, innovative search direction is crucial as are the provision of incentives for innovative activity.Research limitations/implicationsFunctional analysis of innovation systems useful for guiding policy actions, which should have the purpose of strengthening weak functions, removing bottlenecks and stimulating inducement mechanisms, in particular if used to stimulate the transition from one phase to another. It needs further development, in particular with respect to the understanding of diffusion processes.Practical implicationsThe stimulation of innovation in, and diffusion of, mobile and broadband data services is crucial to development of the innovation system, globally, in Europe and in Sweden. An innovation system which allows for entrepreneurial experimentation should be fostered. Early stage financing and diffusion of services are major system weaknesses. Regulatory authorities should consider addressing innovation explicitly.Originality/valueNew (adapted) approach for guiding policy action. Better understanding of dynamics in the telecom sector, and the comparative success and failure of Swedish industry in sub‐sectors.