Evaluation of a strategy-oriented method to identify and prioritise knowledge management initiatives in SMEs

  1. Juan Ignacio Igartua López 1
  2. Javier Retegi 2
  3. Maria Ruiz 3
  4. Maitane Mindegia 4
  1. 1 Mechanical and Industrial Production Department Mondragon University - Faculty of Engineering
  2. 2 Mondragon Unibertsitatea & Orkestra - Basque Institute of Competitiveness
  3. 3 ISEA S.Coop.
  4. 4 Piarres Larzabal High School. Ciboure
Revista:
Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management

ISSN: 2013-0953

Año de publicación: 2021

Volumen: 14

Número: 1

Páginas: 3-14

Tipo: Artículo

DOI: 10.3926/JIEM.3277 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openAcceso abierto editor

Otras publicaciones en: Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management

Resumen

Purpose: This article presents the process followed for the definition, application and evaluation of a Strategy oriented method of identifying and prioritising Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives in small to medium enterprises.Design/methodology/approach: To develop the method, the research team conducted a review of literature about existing business strategies and processes and models of maturity in KM. Based on that, a first version of a method was proposed. Subsequently, a contrast was made through a focus group composed of regional development centres, new company promotion agencies and industry representatives. Then, a four-step method, named KM-EZAGUTUZ, for the identification and prioritisation of KM initiatives in SMEs was proposed. Then, a field test was performed in five companies.Findings: The conclusions obtained through the research show the validity of the method for SMEs to identify and prioritise KM initiatives.Research limitations/implications: More field test should be done to confirm the validity of the method and improve it.Practical implications: The method, developed and supported in a prototype tool, helps companies to determine and prioritise actions for a better KM in accordance with company strategies, in a short period of time. In addition, the method supports a common understanding of the strategic vision of the organisation among the participants in the process.Social implications:  Management practices are usually designed for medium and large companies. The significant resources required make it difficult for SMEs to benefit from their implementation. Given that SMEs account for a large share of employment in countries and that they need to manage knowledge effectively, this research helps to address this important socio-economic need.Originality/value: The method described in the article combines Strategy, Knowledge Management and a user friendly identification and prioritization tool adapted to SMEs.