A case study investigation into an implementation of a techno-driven knowledge management initiative

McWhinnie, DP

Abstract

This thesis reports on an action research study within a global manufacturing
organisation based in the UK and USA, henceforth referred to as XYZ Limited.
The study explores how this organisation undertook an improvement programme
based on the practice of knowledge management and technology. Following the
views of (Walsham 1995) and (Wood-Harper 1985), the research adopts an
interpretive stance towards the role of information technology within knowledge
management. Through two cycles of action research the study develops a model
to facilitate a technology driven knowledge management approach as part of an
organisational improvement programme. In doing so the researcher follows
Checkland's principle of "Purposeful Human Activity" (Checkland 1981), that
suggests that an organisational system is not for example just the nuts-and-bolts
(or bits-and-bytes) that fall off the end of a manufacturing production line, but that
the production line, and all the people that work at the company are a system
themselves.
This study focuses on XYZ Ltd's desire to improve its practice through the
application of principles from knowledge management whilst trying to
accommodate industry's desire for a technology solution. The issues of
collaboration and sharing of knowledge and wisdom are of concern to the
organisation. The industry preferential and expectation was of a technical
solution, however the research explored both the social and technical aspects
before delivering a solution. Within the overall framework it is proposed to view
the perspectives through differing 'lenses' of business, academia and the
embedded researcher.
The research has been undertaken using a qualitative, interpretive approach with
supporting case study data as the chosen research methodology. Thus, the
contexts of action and the experiences of individuals in a single, real-life setting
was considered, providing a complementary perspective to the existing studies. The approach highlights some methodological implications, which contribute to
the development of methods and practice in this field.
The research findings suggest that whilst the use of technology has become
more widespread there is no common framework for evaluating their success.
The resultant framework is useful for practitioners and researchers and provides
guidelines for future implementation in knowledge management environments.
This thesis offer two contributions to the fields of knowledge management and
action research:-
Contribution to Knowledge Management
The development of an approach to introduce knowledge
management into an organisation by using technology solution to
drive an organisation towards a social change.
Contribution to Action Research
The development of a new action research technique utilising the
embedded action researcher, through the development of an
embedded action research framework which offers a merging of the
practitioner and academic roles.

Citation

McWhinnie, D. A case study investigation into an implementation of a techno-driven knowledge management initiative. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2008