Fenio Annansingh

Knowledge management issues in knowledge‐intensive SMEs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a study of knowledge management understanding and usage in small and medium knowledge‐intensive enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – The study has taken an interpretitivist approach, using two knowledge‐intensive South Yorkshire (England) companies as case studies, both of which are characterised by the need to process and use knowledge on a daily basis in order to remain competitive. The case studies were analysed using qualitative research methodology, composed of interviews and concept mapping, thus deriving a characterisation of understandings, perceptions and requirements of SMEs in relation to knowledge management.Findings – The study provides evidence that, while SMEs, including knowledge intensive ones, acknowledge that adequately capturing, storing, sharing and disseminating knowledge can lead to greater innovation and productivity, their managers are not prepared to invest the relatively high effort on long term knowledge management goals fo...

Risk management practices in IS outsourcing: an investigation into commercial banks in Nigeria

This research work focuses on the risk management practices adopted by Commercial Banks in Nigeria that are related to the outsourcing of information systems (IS). The need for the research emerged from the lack of studies addressing these problems in developing countries in general and in this country in particular. The research reported in this paper shows that despite the globally increasing trend of IS outsourcing in the sector, Nigerian commercial banks are lacking in both strategic and operational risk management practices. Consequently, they are especially prone to the adoption inappropriate IS solutions and are vulnerable to IS failure and fraud. The research is empirically based drawing on an extensive literature and case study review as well as an extensive survey of banks in Nigeria. The main method of data collection was a questionnaire sent to 15 commercial banks, which was aimed at respondents in three distinct categories: executive management, systems managers and users. The analysis of the data included both a quantitative and an inductive qualitative approach. The latter was used to draw inferences on the current situation. The findings revealed that managers of commercial banks understand the nature of IS outsourcing and that they all agreed that adopting risk management practices is important. Nevertheless, the situation is critical. A significant proportion of the commercial banks have no documented and structured outsourcing strategy or policy; consequently no programme or procedural guidance is available at any level. The study also discovered that contrary to practice in developed countries, the regulatory authorities in Nigeria have not formulated substantive guidelines or procedural rules to be adopted nationally by commercial banks.

Knowledge generation and sharing in UK universities: A tale of two cultures?

Abstract As economies become more knowledge intensive it has become evident to most organizations that knowledge is a valuable resource. This is particularly true in academic organizations, which have the generation and dissemination of knowledge as their principal mission. This research assesses whether path-dependency exists in relation to cultural expectations of knowledge generation and sharing in knowledge intensive organizations. This paper adopts a constructivist approach facilitated by focus group discussions which were conducted in two UK universities, one Russell group university and the other a post-1992. Institutional culture and path dependency play a major role in the willingness of institutions to generate and share knowledge. Each institution exemplified a distinct path-dependency that underpinned cultural expectations but in each case internal and external factors were necessitating changes regarding knowledge sharing and generation which affected individual perspectives and organizational structures. The paper concludes by purporting that certain universities display critical junctures and cultural transformation in terms of knowledge generation, dissemination and sharing.

Knowledge network modelling to support decision-making for strategic intervention in IT project-oriented change management

This paper focuses on knowledge management to enhance decision support systems for strategic intervention in information technology (IT) project-oriented change management. It proposes a model of change management knowledge networks (CMKNM) to support decision by tackling three existing issues: insufficient knowledge traceability based on the relationships between knowledge elements and key factors, lack of procedural knowledge to provide adequate policies to guide changes, and lack of ‘lessons learned’ documentation in knowledge bases. A qualitative method was used to investigate issues surrounding knowledge mobilisation and knowledge networks. Empirical study was undertaken with industries to test the CMKNM. Results are presented from the empirical study on the key factors influencing knowledge mobilisation in IT project-oriented change management, knowledge networks and connections. The CMKNM model allows key knowledge mobilisation factors to be aligned with each other; it also defines the connections between knowledge networks allowing knowledge to be mobilised by tracing knowledge channels to support decision.

Exploring Barriers to Effective E-Learning: Case Study of DNPA

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss a case study which examines and analyses a information communication technology training programme conducted using an e‐learning platform at the Dartmoor National Park Authority, UK.Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a mixed method approach which involved the use of questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews. Data analysis for the survey was accomplished using descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulation, while the interviews utilised coding and data structuring.Findings – The results indicate that an analysis of users needs prior to training is essential. This should involve both trainee and manager to help ensure their commitment to the training. In addition, the provision of sufficient information prior to training is necessary to allay any concerns trainees may have, likewise mentors should be used to reduce user resistance. Knowledge of the characteristics of trainees would also be useful.Research limitations/implications – For comp...

Intention and effect of IS solutions: does risk management stifle creativity?

This paper considers the impact of information systems (IS) solutions on creativity and innovation within organizations and the associated role of risk assessment. It does this through an analysis of the results of two diverse studies. The studies are, respectively, an investigation of the relationship between the intention behind the initiation of an IS project and the post-implementation effect of the system on the organization; and an analysis of tensions that appear to exist between creativity and the norm of software systems. Both studies are empirically based, but take data from very distinct and diverse areas, i.e. large financial and manufacturing organizations, and composers of electroacoustic music, respectively. The final part of the paper argues that better IS project management and risk management in particular has the potential for reducing divergence between intended and actual IS project outcomes evident in the first study, but this may also have adverse effects. Organizations in all walks of life rely on the creativity and innovation of their employees, but risk management is concerned with applying constraints on the nature and implementation of IS solutions. Specifically, results from the second study suggest that conservative IS solutions that may result from rigorous risk management may impede creative activities. Thus, the paper identifies a need for further research into creativity and its implications for IS solutions and their management.

A Knowledge System for Integrated Production Waste Elimination in Support of Organisational Decision Making

This paper discusses a knowledge system for organisational decision making on waste elimination to achieve lean production. The system is named Production Waste Elimination Knowledge System (ProWEKS). An empirical study was undertaken to obtain production engineers and managers’ empirical knowledge and expertise. A knowledge acquisition matrix has been designed for the knowledge elicitation activity. A waste elimination knowledge model is proposed which captures the inter-relationships between different knowledge components across four knowledge layers including know-what, know-how, know-why and know-with. A knowledge base has been developed based on the knowledge model through constructing a decision tree. The system is demonstrated and evaluated using a quality control decision case from the electronics industry. The main contribution of the paper is that it proposes a new knowledge architecture which comprehensively captures not only the know-what and know-how, but also the know-why and know-with of the waste elimination knowledge for lean production.

Academics’ perception of knowledge sharing in higher education

Higher education (HE) institutions create, disseminate, share and exchange knowledge through relationships among people, processes and technologies. Knowledge sharing (KS) in academia enables people within the institute to develop practices which allow them to collect and share what they know. This often leads to actions that improve services and outcomes. Despite the opportunities, this sharing is not without implications as it exposes the knowledge sharer and recipient to a number of vulnerabilities and risks, which hinders the knowledge-sharing process. The paper aims to discuss these issues.,This paper adopted a constructivist approach, which utilised focus group discussions within three UK universities. These were identified to improve the usefulness and effectiveness of the knowledge-sharing process.,The paper concluded by purporting that by developing an understanding of the risks and opportunities of sharing HE, institutions will continue to grow, regenerate and develop knowledge. The results highlighted the plethora of risks and opportunities resulting from KS. These were further grouped into the political, social and organisational culture.,This paper addresses the gap of risks perceptions of KS in HE institutions.

An investigation into risks awareness and e-safety needs of children on the internet: A study of Devon, UK

Purpose This paper aims to investigate children interaction in cyberspace and their use of Web 2.0 technologies. It sought their perception of internet risks as well as their knowledge and experience with electronic safety (e-safety) measures. It also considered parents’, teachers’ and other stakeholders’ perception of internet risks, e-safety procedures and children’s practices while online. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a mixed method approach which involved the use of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics, while the interviews utilised coding and data structuring. Findings This research highlighted that e-safety policies and procedures have not kept up to date with technological advances. Children were also developing an online presence, and because it was considered normative behaviour, they were not always cautious. Consequently, society was reactive when dealing with the internet risk issues. Hence, more resources were needed to educate parents and children on safe practices on the internet. Research limitations/implications This is an exploratory study and further research should be conducted for broader generalisations. Practical implications The paper makes a number of practical recommendations for education providers and parents to raise awareness of internet risks and e-safety initiatives. Originality/value This paper further extends the body of theory on e-safety and provides new insights into the risks exposure of children on the internet. It also highlights the limitations of e-safety initiatives.

Striving for Market Dominance in UK's Private Healthcare Sector: A Case of Cygnet Healthcare

The role of the private sector in the provision of publicly funded healthcare services is the subject of increasing debate and discussion at the heart of the British Government. This paper examines the competitive strategy and knowledge management policy within the context of a private healthcare organization operating in the UK and providing psychiatric care (Cygnet Healthcare). Data collection is done using interviews of key personnel within Cygnet Healthcare. The findings of this piece of work leads to the conclusion that for Cygnet Healthcare to succeed in its quest for market dominance, the organization would have to prioritize knowledge management to ensure that staff are trained and developed to a high standard so that they can understand their role in the business process.