A model for a successful implementation of knowledge management in engineering organizations

Obaide, A

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) is an emerging discipline that promises to
capitalize on organizations intellectual capital. KM refers to the process of
managing the life-cycle of knowledge relevant to areas that are mission critical
to the organization. This includes efforts to capture, store, and deploy
knowledge using a combination of information technology and business
processes. In recent years, KM has become a critical subject of discussion in
the business literature. Both business and academic communities believe that
by leveraging knowledge, an organization can sustain its long-term competitive
advantage. Approaches to KM varied form emphasizing the capabilities of
information and communication technologies to the focus on social systems
such as employee training and motivation.
Engineering organizations led the way in KM initiatives realizing the potential of
successful KM implementation in decreasing production time and cost,
increasing quality, making better decisions as well as improve organizations'
performance and provide a competitive advantage. Although some engineering
organizations reported early KM success, other organizations have tried and
failed to implement KM. These failures have been linked to the lack of a
generally accepted framework and methodology to guide successful
implementation of KM in organizations.
This primary aim of this research is to produce a model for a successful
implementation of KM in engineering organizations which integrates the various approaches and key factors to implementing KM. The study has produced a
model which provides a framework that identifies the different types of
knowledge available in engineering organizations, the KM life-cycle which is
needed to manage this knowledge, and the key factors that facilitate this
process. The model also provides management with guidance for implementing
KM in their organizations.
In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this research, a triangulation nonexperimental
approach is adopted using qualitative in-depth case study with
triangulation of data collection methods that uses observation, structured
interviews, unstructured interviews, historical data collection, and document
review. This is followed by a quantitative approach with the use of a
questionnaire to further validate and generalize the proposed KM model. In
building the KM model a thorough review of previous related literature from
different disciplines was conducted. The literature reviewed included various
issues relating to KM, such as KM approaches, perspectives, frameworks, and
methodologies as well as strategic planning, human resources, instructional
design theories, organizational learning, information technology, etc.

Citation

Obaide, A. A model for a successful implementation of knowledge management in engineering organizations. (Thesis). University of Salford, UK

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 23, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 23, 2009
• Additional Information: Additional Information : PhD supervisor: Professor Mustafa Alshawi
• Award Date: Nov 1, 2004