Critical discussion of the article
Discuss about the Concept of knowledge transfer in the Organization.
Knowledge is a crucial transferrable commodity needs to be implemented in all organizations for them to succeed in their operations. According to Sambasivan (2012, p. 48), proper management of knowledge in organizations enhances understanding and enhanced positive outcome in projects. The concept of knowledge transfer is growing rapidly in most of the organization which have adapted various approach to enhance the communication. For instance, the sender receiver approach has led to the effectiveness of channels for the transfer of knowledge as well as the lessons learned through projects.
The aim of this paper is paper is to discuss various concepts concerning knowledge management basing arguments on success of projects. The paper will cover various aspects such as knowledge management tools and techniques, Knowledge Management models and processes, Knowledge for innovation, and new knowledge creation. It will also discuss various aspects which influence the management of knowledge in organizations such as culture, communities of practice among others.
This article discusses various aspects concerning knowledge management, like for instance, it discusses the concept of learning from projects and how knowledge management influences successful completion of projects and success of organization. Some of the most crucial factors discussed from the article that influence knowledge management include sender/receiver perspective in learning. According to the author, this concept is fundamental because it plays a vital role in engineering communication channels which aid in transferring knowledge from one project to the other. The article also discusses the aspect of social learning approach which is crucial in advancing knowledge management. To deliver clear understanding of the sender/receiver approach and social learning concept, the author uses various cases which helps one to understand their role in knowledge management.
According to the case study, social interaction, as one of the tools for the knowledge management is a crucial aspect because it helps in enhancing the interactions between the individual which in turn result to sharing of ideas and opinions when accomplishing tasks. Generally, the knowledge management helps to improve the performance of the project base organizations.
One of the knowledge management techniques which organizations can use is through implementing systems. The system software used by the construction organization is ERP system which can aid in recording all activities undertaken in the company and the criteria used to accomplish these tasks. This is because in some cases, employees are faced by situations that requires them to base their tactics on what has been done in the past and therefore having sources where they can attain information is quite fundamental.
Knowledge Management Tools and Technique
Another key aspect is community of Practice as a knowledge management tool and technique. In the context of the study, the individuals are united by a common sphere of movement based individual and group learning of the project. The practice drive to a common goal based on sender receiver approach which has improved sharing of knowledge tips and also relevance experience which helps in bringing different technical means.
Another aspect of the knowledge management tool is based on knowledge channel. The case review two channel for the transfer of knowledge which include working document and the transfer meeting. According to Ritika (2013, p. 68), this method of communication in the project phase aspect plays a significant role in connecting the sender to the receiver. It also enables individual and to communicate and also connect to an expert in a precise area of knowledge. The tool provides a basis for seeking advice before obtaining a competence answer, hence improving the possibilities of attaining a positive outcome.
In the case study, there is a bank of ideas collected through the knowledge transfer under the team building sessions. Learning the key aspects concerning a project requires stored ideas and best practices which are generated through the information obtained from a group through the sender receiver approach. The engineering organization have come up with the team session which are beneficial among the peers and which helps them to achieve their brilliant ideas. However, not every idea obtained through knowledge transfer can be instantaneously considered for the implementation.
The use of intranet is essential on the knowledge transfer management. The internet operates with a comparable functionality which advances the use of network technologies such as transmission control Protocol (TCP) (Ramanigopal 2013, p. 81). It also enables the construction of internal networks with widespread internet applications which allow proper communication and effective transfer of knowledge. The intranet is therefore said to be a very useful tool in the knowledge management process because it allows the integration of multimedia communication through acting as a platform for storing essential information.
Decision Support Systems is another valuable tool for the knowledge management in accessing and manipulating data. According to Olubunmi (2015, p. 128), decision support systems enable engineers of the construction organization to provide information that is adequate for project phase and also enables employee to determine information which is essential and relevant for the project. One of the benefits of decision support systems is enables teams to produce a pool od ideas for the strategic decision making (O’Connor 2012, p. 58).
Knowledge Management models and Knowledge Management processes
Knowledge Management models and Knowledge Management processes
Knowledge management model represents the process that helps in defining the strategy and tactics for management which aims at building the project phase. According to Becerra-Fernandez & Sabherwal (2015, p. 54). The strengths of the model rest on its strategic focus, which fundamentally puts knowledge management action into framework of the learning of the project organisation.
One of the key aspects of knowledge management models is that they assist in locating the sources of the knowledge in an organization. This is achieved through the use of channel which includes the meetings and also interviews which are undertaken to locate the source of the knowledge. Locating the source of knowledge and ensuring sufficient resources and adequate time budge assists in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of projects, thus avoiding project delays and collusion.
In the case study knowledge management process entails knowledge Sharing and ensuring there is sufficient sources of information in an organization. According to Mildred (2014, p. 128), knowledge management is primarily on the subject of making the right knowledge and the right sources available to the right people at the right time. Knowledge sharing is consequently one of the most significant aspects in attaining positive outcome in projects phase because it aids in making employees to overcome some of the things that challenge them while undertaking tasks through sharing ideas and opinions.
Another process is based on the knowledge Acquisition. From the case, the knowledge can be obtained from both the internal and external sources. Joseph (2014, p. 60) affirms that the external knowledge sources are said to be very imperative. Therefore, it is essential to take a holistic view of the value chain when reviewing a project.
Organization Learning is the way which people create and bring new knowledge and improvement to the new and existing project. From the case study, organizational learning is merely based on applying the knowledge for a rationale which involves learning from the progression and the extension of the project. Learning mechanisms have become manifestation in the planner interface, especially during the work preparation phase.
Learning organization from this case is evidenced in different dimensions. For instance, in the case of Systems thinking where the organization is treated as a complex of system comprising of the smaller system. The systems require an understanding of the whole components to attain recognition of the complexion of the organization, and to have a clear and long-term focus for the people who perform different tasks.
Also through learning organization, an organization improves the quality of workforce because it enables employees to advance their knowledge and also to realize some of the emerging issues concerning how to accomplish tasks. According to Ali (2013, p 214), this concept also makes the employees to be in a constant state of knowledge development, hence being able to overcome challenges which impact successful completion of tasks.
Organizational learning and learning organization
According to Michael & Kellen (2015, p. 59), knowledge can be defined as the flow of information and ideas generated through learning. The knowledge being shared is generated by using what is known, absorbing, new ideas and using technology. To attain the benefits of knowledge sharing, it is essential to ensure the information being passed is right and obtained from right sources.
According to Elena (2015, p. 59), knowledge is one of the most critical aspects of knowledge management. One of the benefits of encouraging knowledge sharing undertaking projects is that it enables employees to accomplish tasks even those that seem to be challenging. This is because knowledge varies from one person to the other and therefore when those who have little understanding concerning some aspects obtain know-how from those who understand some concepts well, the chances of having high-quality output is always high.
From the case study, the term community of practice is referred to as a group of professional off the record bound to one another. The practice comes from side to side exposure to a common class of tribulations and the frequent pursuit of solutions. It consists of members who interact with each other for their quest of a common practice. Through the collective social practice, individuals link together across official organizational boundaries and departments and make up a community.
Knowledge management is derived from the community process of becoming a practitioner. It gives an individual the context of being an integrated part of a community. According to Corney (2015, p. 168), the social construction of identity helps in shaping each person’s view and interpretation of the world. The objective of community practice does not only entail acquiring a specific knowledge but also includes being accepted in the community, its culture, language, and values.
From the case study, knowledge for innovation can be inseparable from each other because it drives economies around the world. According to Gottschalk (2014, p. 49), knowledge for innovation aims at drilling down new knowledge for the learning of projects obtained through the knowledge transfer. This aspect is mostly used in engineering construction as well as other areas to ensure there is adequate knowledge management. From the case study, knowledge for innovation requires expertise because the level of competitiveness depends on the project and the knowledge transfer.
The ability to generate new knowledge is at the heart of every organization because it plays a crucial role in gaining a competitive advantage. According to Costarides (2014, p. 795), the creation of new knowledge in organizations enables the management to continue realizing successful projects and also the satisfaction of customers through advanced products or services. From the case study, knowledge creation is identified through the continuous transfer, arrangement, and translation of the different types of knowledge.
The knowledge creation results from the interaction between the sender and receiver concept. It is mainly influenced by the control of knowledge and realizing the importance of doing research to identify new ideas of doing things. For the management to realize the benefits of knowledge creation, it is important to encourage creativity and continuous research and development in the workplace.
According to Singh (2013, p. 78), organizational culture is one of the critical aspects of building and reinstating knowledge management in an organization. Organizational culture determines principles and beliefs which determines the level at which individuals choose to contribute in knowledge management. It also includes a collective observation of reality with the regard on how things are, and how they should be. Furthermore, the people and group culture are key determinants based on the willingness and surroundings for knowledge sharing with other members of the group.
Governance is one of the primary components of the Knowledge Management Framework. The failure of an organization to have good governance might lead to lack of an assurance that the Knowledge Management system will be beneficial to the company (Corney 2015, p. 168). Based on governance, there should be a set of clear corporate expectations which lay down how knowledge will be managed and practiced in the organization, together with accountabilities for the ownership of key knowledge areas.
From the case study, governance should be utilized in ensuring proper performance of knowledge management. This may include, monitoring and measuring the application of knowledge management which is achieved through the use of the knowledge management metrics linked to reward and other ways of recognizing those who play a crucial role in knowledge management.
Organization memory is connected with the individual’s capability to obtain, retain, and retrieve knowledge (Schimitt 2018, p. 12). Based on the case study, this concept this concept is portrayed the firm’s ability to have data accumulation information and the knowledge which is created during employees existence in an organization. The case study also portrays it as the ability to store and salvage knowledge and information in the knowledge management.
According to Corney (2015, p. 168), organization memory is based on the organization’s history to influenced current decision making based on the knowledge transfer. The advantage of encouraging organization memory to exist in workplaces is that it allows knowledge to be shared among individuals and teams hence becoming beneficial to an organization even when the most knowledgeable individuals reassign. Knowledge memory is fundamental in the concept of knowledge management because it enables organizations to have sufficient information which they can store in their systems.
Conclusion
From the case study, memory consists of the accumulated information regarding past decisions. The information is obtained from the most knowledgeable individuals is centrally stored in the companies information systems for future references. According to Schimitt (2018, p. 12), this information can be stored in two categories namely the organization’s archives, which comprise of electronic databases; or the employees’ memories.
From the article and critical analysis of literature, it was evident that knowledge management is fundamental in organizations and especially in successful accomplishment of projects because it helps staff members to understand how various concepts can be accomplished. It was also identified that various aspects such as organization culture, practices and innovation have a significant impact on knowledge management.
References
Ali, N. (2013). Institutional Perspectives in HRM and MNC Research: A Review of Key Concepts. International Journal of Employment Studies, 21(2), 212-225.
Becerra-Fernandez, I & Sabherwal, R. (2015). Knowledge Management: Systems and Processes. New York and London: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Corney, P. J. (2015). Good knowledge drives good business. Business Information Review, 32(3), 168-170.
Costarides, M. V. (2014). Knowledge Management and E-learning. Health promotion practice. 15(6), 790-794.
Elena, D. (2015). A Framework for Knowledge Management Process. Geopolitics, History and International Relations, 58-79.
Gottschalk, P. (2014). Knowledge Management Strategy in Professional Service Firms. Advances in Management, 7(3), 45-65.
Joseph, C. O. (2014). Big Data Customer Knowledge Management. Communications of the IIMA, 14 (3-4), 58-87.
Michael, M & Kellen, K. (2015). Relating Leadership Processes, Societal Culture and Knowledge Management: A Theoretical Model. Journal of Global Business Issues, 9(1), 54-65.
Mildred, M. (2013). Impact of Knowledge Management Strategies on Organizational Performance in the Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe. Public Administration Research, 2(1), 124-141.
O’Connor, E. (2012). Creating New Knowledge in Management: Appropriating the Field’s Lost Foundations. Stanford, CA: Stanford Business Books.
Olubunmi, O. F. (2015). Knowledge Management as an Important Tool in Organizational Management: A Review of Literature. Library Philosophy and Practice, 124-135.
Ramanigopal, C. (2013). Knowledge Management for the Oil and Gas Industry – Opportunities and Challenges. Advances in Management, 6(8), 78-98.
Ritika, S. (2013). Impact of Knowledge Management Practices on Selected Industries: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Management & Marketing, 8(4), 65-74.
Sambasivan, E. (2012). Managerial Core Competency Perceptions of Business Executives – a Study. Researchers World, 3(2), 45-67.
Schimitt, U. (2018). Supporting the Sustainable Growth of SMEs with Content- and Collaboration-based Personal Knowledge Management Systems. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, 4(1), 1-21.
Singh, S. V. (2013). Strategic Human Resource Management: A Reality Check. Review of Management, 3(1/2), 58-78.
Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free:
Turnitin Report
Formatting
Title Page
Citation
Outline
