Browsing by Subject "Knowledge management"
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Item A comparative study of task domain analysis to enhance organizational knowledge management: systems thinking and Goldratt's thinking processes(Texas Tech University, 2000-12) Musa, Philip FatingandaThe focus in this research is the evaluation of the effectiveness of two problem solving or task analysis methodologies in order to enhance of knowledge management in organizations. The two methodologies are systems thinking and Goldratt's thinking processes. One of the goals of the research is to investigate the effectiveness of the two theories in managing task domains when controlling for individual differences. The effectiveness of each methodology relative to task domain is investigated. The synergies between the two theories are also investigated. In this research, knowledge management centers more on humans rather than on computers. As a leadoff, a background overview of knowledge and knowledge management is first presented. Within the context of knowledge management, the subject of task analysis or problem solving is then presented. The literature on problem solving is surveyed and a research model using the two methodologies of interest is developed and validated. Fundamentally, knowledge management has to do with the creation of explicit processes that enhance knowledge and learning throughout the organization. Knowledge could be defined more generally as "any text, fact, example, event, rule, hypothesis, or model that increases understanding or performance in a domain or discipline" (Liebowitz and Beckman, 1998, p.49). Maintaining this perspective, knowledge management is defined as "the systematic, explicit, and deliberate building, renewal, and application of knowledge to maximize the enterprise's knowledge-related effectiveness and returns from its knowledge asset" (Liebowitz and Beckman, 1998, p.51). According to Liebowitz and Beckman, knowledge asset refers to the organizational knowledge imbedded in the human resources that make up given organization. Knowledge management requires systematic attention to learning processes, culture, technology infrastructure and measurement (Brown and Massey, 1999). Since organizations are often made of workgroups or teams, and the workgroups are, in turn, made up of individuals, when we speak of organizational learning or knowledge management, aggregation should be preceded by analysis at the individual level. Ten major hypotheses are generated and tested using laboratory experiments. The results of the study would help managers gain a better understanding of how to evaluate programs in general, and the dynamics of the two investigated task analysis methods in particular. Other theoretical contributions and future research plans are discussed.Item An empirical investigation of factors promoting knowledge management system success(2006-08) Thomas, Bobby Dale; Jones, Donald R.; Viator, Ralph E.; Sherif, Karma S.; Westfall, Peter H.The growing popularity of the knowledge-based theory of the firm, the view that organizational knowledge is one of the last remaining sources of long-term sustainable competitive advantage, has led to management’s growing interest in knowledge management (KM) and knowledge management systems (KMS). To date, organizations that have implemented KMS have encountered mixed results. This research contends that existing KM studies fail to give adequate consideration to the importance of KM strategies in determining critical KMS success factors. The rationale behind this research is that by properly considering the moderating effect of KM strategy on the factors that influence KMS success one can explain the success of a KMS (or lack thereof) using a greatly simplified list of success factors. This research draws on existing IS and KM frameworks, models, and literature and selects four organizational factors that are believed to be critical for the success of a KMS; this study hypothesizes which of these factors are more critical for a knowledge exploration strategy (KRS) and which of these factors are more critical for a knowledge exploitation strategy (KIS). A web-based survey utilizing existing scales, some with slight adaptations, and a newly created strategy scale was administered to test the model; 204 complete responses were collected. The results contribute to the literature by empirically confirming the hypothesized positive relationships between the identified success factors and KMS success. This research can serve as a foundation for future studies, which can help identify additional factors critical for KMS success.Item An empirical investigation of factors promoting knowledge management system success(Texas Tech University, 2006-08) Thomas, Bobby Dale; Jones, Donald R.; Sherif, Karma S.; Westfall, Peter H.; Viator, Ralph E.The growing popularity of the knowledge-based theory of the firm, the view that organizational knowledge is one of the last remaining sources of long-term sustainable competitive advantage, has led to management’s growing interest in knowledge management (KM) and knowledge management systems (KMS). To date, organizations that have implemented KMS have encountered mixed results. This research contends that existing KM studies fail to give adequate consideration to the importance of KM strategies in determining critical KMS success factors. The rationale behind this research is that by properly considering the moderating effect of KM strategy on the factors that influence KMS success one can explain the success of a KMS (or lack thereof) using a greatly simplified list of success factors. This research draws on existing IS and KM frameworks, models, and literature and selects four organizational factors that are believed to be critical for the success of a KMS; this study hypothesizes which of these factors are more critical for a knowledge exploration strategy (KRS) and which of these factors are more critical for a knowledge exploitation strategy (KIS). A web-based survey utilizing existing scales, some with slight adaptations, and a newly created strategy scale was administered to test the model; 204 complete responses were collected. The results contribute to the literature by empirically confirming the hypothesized positive relationships between the identified success factors and KMS success. This research can serve as a foundation for future studies, which can help identify additional factors critical for KMS success.Item Assessment of CII knowledge implementation at the organizational level(2002) Kim, Sang Bum; Gibson, G. Edward (George Edward), 1958-The construction industry has become increasingly more competitive and organizations need to continuously improve in order to remain successful. One way of improving organizations is implementing knowledge or existing research products typically developed by various universities and research institutes such as the Construction Industry Institute (CII). Although there are valuable research products available which have tremendous potential to improve construction project performance as well as the organization’s business processes, many of them have not been implemented to a significant extent on real world projects (CII, 1995). Despite the importance of the implementation effort, there is little research focused on the implementation of existing research products or methods of measuring the degree of the implementation effort. The traditional philosophy of construction management places great emphasis on the ability to plan and execute individual projects (Chinowsky, 2000). In contrast, a similar emphasis on the overall ability of an organization is many times lacking in the construction industry. This dissertation focuses on assessing a construction organization’s implementation effort at organizational level using construction-related knowledge that CII has developed. A survey questionnaire was developed based on the information gathered from literature and inputs from industry participants to evaluate organizational implementation status. The survey was validated through two pilot tests and the finalized questionnaire was distributed to 88 CII member organizations including both owner and contractor companies. The data collected from surveys were analyzed by using independentsamples t tests, ANOVA, and reliability tests. Based on the survey data, the CII Knowledge Implementation Index (CKII) was developed to quantify the level of organizational implementation status. Evaluation of the CKII against other implementation indicators, such as project use indices, verified that the CKII is consistent with other related measures. The level of the CII Best Practice implementation was also evaluated in terms of the frequency and intensity. A significant and positive relationship was found between the CKII and project performance as measured in various performance variables. Research procedures, conclusions, and recommendations for industry and for future research are also discussed in this dissertation.Item Collaborative Authoring of Walden's Paths(2012-10-19) Li, YuanlingThe World Wide Web contains rich collections of digital materials that can be used in education and learning settings. The collaborative authoring prototype of Walden's Paths targets two groups of users: educators and learners. From the perspective of educators, the authoring tool allows educators to collaboratively build a Walden's Path by filtering and organizing web pages into an ordered linear structure for the common information needs, which can be extended, tailored and modified into a derivative path from its parent version to meet dynamic and evolving educational requirements. From the students' perspective, Walden's Paths provide a shared knowledge space that facilitates collaborative learning. Specifically, collaborative learners can annotate locally and globally on pages and share among group members, where each annotation fosters the initiation of a thread of discussion. Therefore, knowledge transfer can be achieved in the process of social interaction associated with shared annotations.Item Communication rules and processes of knowledge sharing in a high technology organization(2002-12) Niño, David; Westphal, James; Browning, Larry D.Item Improved regulatory oversight using real-time data monitoring technologies in the wake of Macondo(2014-08) Carter, Kyle Michael; Van Oort, EricAs shown by the Macondo blowout, a deepwater well control event can result in loss of life, harm to the environment, and significant damage to company and industry reputation. Consistent adherence to safety regulations is a recurring issue in deepwater well construction. The two federal entities responsible for offshore U.S. safety regulation are the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), with regulatory authorities that span well planning, drilling, completions, emergency evacuation, environmental response, etc. With such a wide range of rules these agencies are responsible for, safety compliance cannot be comprehensively verified with the current infrequency of on-site inspections. Offshore regulation and operational safety could be greatly improved through continuous remote real-time data monitoring. Many government agencies have adopted monitoring regimes dependent on real-time data for improved oversight (e.g. NASA Mission Control, USGS Earthquake Early Warning System, USCG Vessel Traffic Services, etc.). Appropriately, real-time data monitoring was either re-developed or introduced in the wake of catastrophic events within those sectors (e.g. Challenger, tsunamis, Exxon Valdez, etc.). Over recent decades, oil and gas operators have developed Real-Time Operations Centers (RTOCs) for continuous, pro-active operations oversight and remote interaction with on-site personnel. Commonly seen as collaborative hubs, RTOCs provide a central conduit for shared knowledge, experience, and improved decision-making, thus optimizing performance, reducing operational risk, and improving safety. In particular, RTOCs have been useful in identifying and mitigating potential well construction incidents that could have resulted in significant non-productive time and trouble cost. In this thesis, a comprehensive set of recommendations is made to BSEE and USCG to expand and improve their regulatory oversight activities through remote real-time data monitoring and application of emerging real-time technologies that aid in data acquisition and performance optimization for improved safety. Data sets and tools necessary for regulators to effectively monitor and regulate deepwater operations (Gulf of Mexico, Arctic, etc.) on a continuous basis are identified. Data from actual GOM field cases are used to support the recommendations. In addition, the case is made for the regulator to build a collaborative foundation with deepwater operators, academia and other stakeholders, through the employment of state-of-the-art knowledge management tools and techniques. This will allow the regulator to do “more with less”, in order to address the fast pace of activity expansion and technology adoption in deepwater well construction, while maximizing corporate knowledge and retention. Knowledge management provides a connection that can foster a truly collaborative relationship between regulators, industry, and non-governmental organizations with a common goal of safety assurance and without confusing lines of authority or responsibility. This solves several key issues for regulators with respect to having access to experience and technical know-how, by leveraging industry experts who would not normally have been inaccessible. On implementation of the proposed real-time and knowledge management technologies and workflows, a phased approach is advocated to be carried out under the auspices of the Center for Offshore Safety (COS) and/or the Offshore Energy Safety Institute (OESI). Academia can play an important role, particularly in early phases of the program, as a neutral playing ground where tools, techniques and workflows can be tried and tested before wider adoption takes place.Item Knowledge management and culture at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center (JSC)(2011-08) Toon, Katherine Parker; Lewis, Kyle, 1961-; Nichols, Dr. StevenA critical component needed to maintain National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) mission will be Johnson Space Center’s (JSC) ability to build off previous space program’s lessons learned by utilizing knowledge management (KM) activities and practices. Currently, at the local level of NASA JSC, employees lack cultural enablers that can stimulate behaviors that promote knowledge management practices that within the organization. Through surveys conducted with current NASA civil servant employees, this thesis investigates current involvement and attitudes in knowledge management activities/programs and practices of NASA JSC employees at the local level. By understanding the local employee’s involvement and attitudes of knowledge management, recommendations can be made on how to create a culture change that stimulates behaviors that promote knowledge management within the local level’s of NASA JSC.Item Knowledge transfer techniques for dynamic environments(2006) Rajan, Suju; Ghosh, JoydeepItem Rationale management as the basis of knowledge preservation for enterprise systems value-added resellers(2010-12) Otero Lanuza, Miguel Angel; Barber, K. Suzanne; Graser, ThomasEnterprise systems (ES) implementation, especially Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP), is an extensively researched topic in recent years. Existing papers focus mainly on the success or failure of the project analyzed from the client’s standpoint. Although authors agree that a successful implementation requires the participation of consultants from a Value-Added Reseller (VAR), little or no work has been published that examines the topic from this perspective. While it is true that this kind of implementation is not strictly related to the traditional software development lifecycle, the two have many things in common and the former can benefit from software engineering techniques. Intellectual capital found in the heads of consultants, developers, project managers, and all other project stakeholders is VAR’s main asset as well as in most of software-related organizations. Hence, it is critical to preserve it in order to safeguard the foundation of these organizations. The goal of this paper is to propose rationale management as the basis of knowledge preservation for enterprise systems VARs. Enterprise systems implementation process, including its actors, challenges, and the knowledge that surrounds it, is examined to justify the proposal. To assess the perception of real-world VARs about knowledge management applicability and their existing strategies, a questionnaire was applied to 3 executives. Their answers confirmed that knowledge is considered vital to their organizations but the methodologies as well as the tools currently utilized to preserve it are rudimentary and distant from the theoretical literature.Item Strategic orientation, organizational structure, and the management of market knowledge(Texas Tech University, 2008-08) Levin, Michael A.; Arnett, Dennis B.; Wilcox, James B.; McDonald, Robert E.; Walden, Eric A.Knowledge management has gained the attention of scholars as a source of competitive advantage. Most work in knowledge appears as a theoretical discussion. This study represents an empirical examination of the relationship between a firm’s positional advantage and market knowledge management. Consistent with work in market orientation, strategic orientation and organizational structure appear as antecedents to market knowledge management. Using techniques associated with structural equation modeling, data collected from a survey are analyzed. Conclusions associated with the study’s findings, limitations, and future research are presented.Item Teaching an old economy company new economy tricks: knowledge management at a multinational information technology services firm(Texas Tech University, 2001-05) Wick, Corey WynnIn recent years, issues traditionally associated with the field of Technical communication have been increasingly referred to in business settings as "knowledge management." Technical communicators generally contribute to knowledge management through their skills of audience analysis, interviews, and research— synthesizing relevant knowledge from volumes of information and compiling that knowledge into printed and electronic forms. Their skills allow people to (1) access it quickly, (2) understand it with relative ease, and (3) apply this knowledge within the context of their work. Technical communicators, however, also possess in-depth knowledge of pedagogy, learning theory, and rhetoric—in other words, an understanding of how humans learn, understand, and communicate—which enable them to facilitate organizational learning and sharing of knowledge through social means as well, not just through documentation. Technical communicators, then, are logical professionals to lead organizational knowledge management efforts. Organizational knowledge management initiatives generally take one of two approaches. Codification approaches emphasize knowledge codified into documents and distributed to vast audiences through high-powered information systems. Personalization approaches emphasize learning and the sharing of knowledge through close social interaction and collaboration among professionals. Efforts to integrate these approaches to knowledge management, however, have traditionally met with limited success, and little is understood about the factors impeding successful integration. This dissertation presents a case study conducted at a multinational information technology services firm, a company attempting to implement a knowledge management initiative that integrates both codification and personalization approaches. The firm will be referred to as Acme IT to protect its anonymity, and the names of all personnel have been changed. The purpose of the case study was to identify the barriers impeding the successful integration of these approaches. Acme IT'S difficulties in integrating codification and personalization and codification approaches can be best summarized as the growing pains of an old economy company attempting to implement new economy practices. The limited success of knowledge management at Acme IT was largely the result of a socio-organizational environment that stifled the efficacies associated with personalization knowledge management approaches. These efficacies were ultimately filtered out of the knowledge management initiative as a result of several characteristics frequently present in old economy companies: *Restrictive control over communication and employee behavior; *An organizational culture and social climate that impeded trust, jeopardizing effective collaboration among employees; *And excessive concerns over documentation, bureaucracy, and intermediation that misdirected resources toward activities that added little value to the initiative. This dissertation ends by discussing the multiple core competencies of technical communicators that enable them to lead knowledge management, connecting those competencies to the outcomes of the knowledge management initiative studied. The dissertation concludes with a discussion of the near and intermediate future of knowledge management, the leadership opportunities this future presents for technical communicators, and strategies technical communicators must employ to claim these leadership opportunities.Item Transferring experiential knowledge from the near-retirement generation to the next generation(2013-05) Elkington, Richard William Talis; Caldas, Carlos H.; O'Connor, James ThomasThis thesis delves into the issues associated with the aging workforce in the capital projects industry and proposes a methodology for mitigation of the loss of experiential knowledge. In the context of the capital projects industry the thesis examines the dynamics of the aging workforce, the nature of experiential knowledge, and the risks associated with the loss this knowledge. The thesis reviews state-of-the art literature surrounding these issues, and goes on to discuss the mitigation program developed by the Construction Industry Institute’s research team RT 292, of which the author was a key investigator. The combined industry experience of the research team was used to guide the development of the program and was supplemented by interviews and surveys with industry experts. The program proposes a methodology for effectively pairing a retiree with an effective experiential knowledge transfer strategy. A broader goal of the program is to instigate a cultural shift within organizations to a more proactive approach to experiential knowledge retention.Item An understanding of the capabilities and limitations of technology-based solutions to Child Protective Services : using a knowledge-based and process-oriented mediation model(2010-12) Jang, Kyeonghee; Schwab, A. James; Jarvenpaa, Sirkka L.; Landuyt, Noel G.; Lauderdale, Michael L.; Streeter, Calvin L.One important research direction that has emerged in Child Protective Services (CPS) is the potential of information technology (IT) to be used by CPS agencies in order to enhance organizational effectiveness by addressing the barriers that caseworkers face in integrating multiple stakeholders’ knowledge. Based on empirical findings with regard to numerous unsuccessful IT development initiatives, the present study strives to gain an in-depth understanding of the research question: How can CPS caseworkers be supported by their agency in the integration of knowledge resources, thereby contributing to organizational effectiveness? A literature review to answer this question revealed the following two major research gaps: the adoption of a technology-focused perspective of intervention and the use of direct research models to evaluate this kind of intervention. In order to bridge these research gaps, this study presented a knowledge-based and process-oriented mediation model, built around the concept of knowledge integration that involves related processes at the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic levels. In this model, a process-oriented Knowledge Management System (KMS) stemming from a Socio-Technical System (STS) perspective was proposed as an alternative intervention model consisting of knowledge management intervention in three dimensions: techno-structural, socio-cultural, and inter-organizational practices. This mediation model partitions the effect of this KMS on outcome (organizational effectiveness) into two components: the direct effect and the indirect effect that is mediated by its output (a CPS caseworker’s knowledge integration ability). This research model was empirically tested using Structural Equation Modeling. This analysis used a sub-set of the 2008 Survey of Organizational Excellence (SOE) data set, which includes the perceptions of CPS caseworkers in the Texas DFPS about their work environment. Results indicate that each of the three dimensions of knowledge management practices enhanced a CPS caseworker’s knowledge integration ability. This ability was a critical factor in determining organizational effectiveness. The mediation effects of a caseworker’s knowledge integration ability were found to mediate the relationship between three dimensions of knowledge management practices and organizational effectiveness. Overall, this mediation model was more useful in explaining the complex relationships among the variables of interest than other direct models.