Knowledge Transfer through Computer-based Systems in Manufacturing Networks: A Study on Albanian Plants (original) (raw)

The Role of ICT-Based Information Systems in Knowledge Transfer Within Multinational Companies

2017

This paper focuses on the internal network of multinational companies (MNC) and aims to investigate the role of information systems (IS) based on modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in transferring knowledge between different plants of the MNC, a subject still debated in the literature. To shed more light on this relationship, we propose that in the context of the MNC, the plant’s role in the knowledge network has to be taken into consideration.

Prerequisites for a beneficial knowledge transfer between manufacturing plants

Vezetéstudomány / Budapest Management Review

The paper aims at exploring the prerequisites for a beneficial knowledge transfer between manufacturing plants of multinational companies (MNCs), by taking the characteristics of the knowledge sending and knowledge receiving plant into consideration. This research seeks to understand how efforts undertaken by manufacturing plants, and how collaborative tools and coordination mechanisms influence a successful knowledge transfer. The study includes thirteen case studies conducted in manufacturing plants from four different European countries (i.e., Switzerland, Romania, Albania, and Macedonia). Given the exploratory nature of this study, the authors used a qualitative research approach. The main method of data collection involved multiple semi-structured interviews at manufacturing plants, uniformly applied in each country in order to observe general patterns across different cases. Their results show that the personal interaction between knowledge sending and receiving plants is more...

Electronic communication and knowledge transfer

International Journal of Technology Management, 2000

The paper focuses on the process of inter-organizational knowledge transfer and on the potential of Electronic Communication systems (ElCom). First, the different forms of knowledge exchanged by firms are classified. Then, different models are proposed of inter-organizational communication, in order to describe each particular kind of knowledge transfer process. As a result, it is argued that, although today various ElCom applications are available, a universal communication tool is far from being available, so that different applications may be necessary for any specific communication need of the users. In particular, since the most critical challenge is represented by tacit communication, it is discussed that the development of ElCom systems for such kind of communication depends on the availability of a wide range of tools for carrying a large variety of contents. At the same time, any effective solution requires customizing in accordance with the specific needs.

How to Extend the ICT Used at Companies for Transferring and Sharing Knowledge

2010

Knowledge sharing (KS) is recognized today as an increasingly important management problem because it reflects the capacity of organizations to absorb and profit from individual knowledge and to transform it to company market value proposition. Knowledge transfer (KT) is defined as the process of more general and abstract knowledge exchange via ICT. ICT plays an important role for KT, but in practice they are moderately used within the organization. The present paper aims to overview the concepts of KS and KT. As a result it will propose a model for KS ́s impact on KT. After this an empirical research conducted among 200 HU and 157 BG managers will present how these managers rank competences, motivation practices and techniques for KS and how it influences KT and thus reflect on the use of ICT.

Information technology management: a knowledge-based perspective

Technovation, 1999

In management studies knowledge is increasingly recognised to be a primary source of firms' competitiveness. The creation, management, and transfer of knowledge are regarded as central issues by scholars and practitioners. In the process of knowledge transfer a vital role is also ascribed to computer and telecommunication systems. Based on recent theoretical approaches to knowledge management, and in particular Nonaka's perspective, the paper examines the critical issues associated with the inter-organisational transfer of knowledge. The various kinds of knowledge generated and exchanged by the firms are compared and contrasted, as well as the specific problems of knowledge management which arise. The implications of the applications of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are then illustrated. In particular, it is discussed that different ICT systems, which are designed to handle different kinds of information and data, are appropriate to the transfer of different kinds of knowledge. The interpretative framework proposed here is then applied to a number of case studies of various ICT applications implemented in the northeast of Italy.