Case Studies in Knowledge Management

(Michael S) #1

208 Bayer, Enparantza, Maier, Obermair, and Schmiedinger


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interoperability. Moreover, applying the peer-to-peer metaphor to KMS requires a
substantial shift in the perspective on organizational knowledge. Executives might fear
losing control over the organization’s knowledge assets if all documented knowledge is
handled by autonomous knowledge workspaces. Consequently, future KMS solutions
might attempt to include the “best of both worlds.”


Lessons Learned


  • In SMEs, particularly the creation of awareness is an important issue concerning
    the implementation of a KM solution since SMEs are normally not aware of KM and
    its benefits. Thus, the availability of some basic functionalities and a person
    responsible for the implementation is favorable.

  • Referring to the fact that processes and procedures in SMEs are compared to larger
    organizations less formalized and standardized a KM solution that is more rigid or
    directive seems to be appropriate for SMEs.

  • SMEs in general and die and mold makers in particular are less diversified and
    strongly specialized as well as depend often on key employees. These facts
    combined with the state of coopetition require the providing of a secure environ-
    ment for cooperation.

  • Die- and mold-making SMEs are familiar with certain IT, but concerning the design
    of KMS, it has to be considered that the solution is easy to use.


REFERENCES

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Disterer, G. (2002). Management of project knowledge and experiences. Journal of
Knowledge Management, 6(5), 512-520.
Heisig, P. (2002). GPO-WM: Methode und Werkzeuge zum geschäftsprozessorientierten
Wissensmanagement. In A. Abecker et al. (Eds.), Geschäftsprozessorientiertes
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Hinkelmann, K. et al. (2002). PROMOTE, Methodologie und Werkzeug für das geschäfts-
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Maier, R. (2004). Knowledge management systems. Information and communication
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Maier, R., & Sametinger, J. (2003, July 1-3). Infotop – A shared-context information
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Sary, C., & Mackey, W. (1996). Implementing RECALL: A case-based reasoning system
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Schindler, M., & Eppler, M. (2003). Harvesting project knowledge: A review of project
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