Knowledge Management and Its Relationship with TQM Course Coordinator - Annotated Bibliography Example

 Innovation and Knowledge management is regarded as the basis of competitive advantage for firms. Keeping that in view, many organizations are implementing the process of knowledge management, but not all are successful in proper implementation. One of the main reasons of the failure of the organizations to explore the benefits of KM is the lack of proper knowledge regarding the process. The role of Total Quality Management in an organization is to transform it into more competitive, efficient and flexible organization. The bibliography is aimed at providing an overview of the research papers defining the process of knowledge management and different facets in relationship with TQM. The basic theme of the bibliography is to focus on the successful implementation of Knowledge Management Process in different businesses and corporate structures. This bibliography is a collection of papers and research papers related to the topic of Knowledge Management and Total Quality Management. It begins with a research paper from Lim et al., 1999 about the process of managing quality through knowledge management. The second research paper by Hsu, Sheng-hsun and Shen, Huang-pin (2005) explains the objective and process views. It states the similar and differentiating characteristics of knowledge management and total quality management. The bibliography is further extended by inclusion of research paper by Ju et al, (2006). The research paper explored the effects of possible effects of interaction between KM and TQM. The fourth paper is the 'Knowledge Management: The fundamental component for delivery of quality' by Stewart, Deb and Waddell, Dianne (2008). Title of research paper and journal/publication name Lim, K. K.; Ahmed, P. K. and Zairi, M. (1999) “Managing for quality through knowledge management”, Total Quality Management; Vol. 10, 4/5; ABI/INFORM Global pg. S615 Type of research paper Research paper- ABI Inform Global Aim/purpose of research paper The study is aimed that providing information regarding the steps involving in knowledge management. It further describes different knowledge models and matrices. The described matrices include knowledge management matrix, customer matrix, organization matrix supplier matrix and technology matrix. Sample selection, location of study, method of data collection and analytical approach [methodology] Data Collection: The research paper is mainly based on secondary data collected from previous research undertaken in the field. Analysis: The primary analysis is based on defining the process of knowledge management in an organization and the role of different matrices in the process of knowledge management. Findings Key findings include the exploration of several benefits of knowledge management as an important quality management strategy including: Reduction in loss in intellectual capital due to the leaving of employee. Reduce cost of product or service development. Increase level of productivity through knowledge sharing among all the employees. Increased level of employees’ satisfaction. Organizational Culture can play an important part in gaining enduring benefits from the process of knowledge management if all the matrices or aligned together according to the organizational requirements Value added by the research paper in prior research The paper analyses the process of knowledge management from the perspective of organization, employees, suppliers and customers. Limitations of research paper The paper is based on secondary data and no new research has been undertaken. The finding and conclusion of the paper has been drawn by reviewing other research papers and research papers. Hence the paper does not seem to add value to the research undertaken in the field. Strength/s of research paper The strong point of research paper is the logical organization of ideas based on wide literature review. The ideas presented are well synchronized. The term knowledge management is well defined and the process of knowledge management has been clearly explained. The purpose of measuring in monitoring of the value of knowledge management has been clearly defined. Weakness/es of research paper The paper does not explain how different matrices can be arrange together to maximize the benefits of knowledge management. Although the paper defines different measures to capture and share knowledge effectively but it fails to provide practical steps need to be taken to ensure flawless knowledge management in the organization. Title of research paper and journal/publication name Hsu, Sheng-hsun and Shen, Huang-pin(2005) 'Knowledge management and its relationship with TQM', Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 16: 3, 351 — 361 Type of research paper Research paper- Chung Hua University, Taiwan, Graduate Institute of Business Administration, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Aim/purpose of research paper The aim of the paper is to develop clear understanding of knowledge management and knowledge the paper uses tacit view and explicit view for the clarification of different KM perspectives. The objective and process views have been used for the explanation of cyclic interaction of knowledge stock and knowledge process flow. It also aimed at studying the similarities and differences between knowledge management and total quality management. Sample selection, location of study, method of data collection and analytical approach [methodology] The data for research paper has been collected through secondary sources i.e. from different journal and research papers. Instruments: Hard and electronic copy of journal research papers. Analysis: Although there is not significant method for analysis and interpretation of data has been used, the researchers have the method of literature review in order to gain knowledge regarding the different aspect of knowledge management and TQM. Findings The study found that knowledge management is a key for competitive advantage for firms. The role of KM is misunderstood as being information technology; rather it is human knowledge application. KM is not possible without interaction of individual and organizational learning process there are many similarities between KM a TQM as KM initiatives require quality management throughout the process. However both have distinctive focus as TQM is based on continuous improvement based on fact while KM is aimed that the development of culture supporting knowledge creation and sharing. There is also a complementary relationship between KM and TQM. The Kanji’s Business Excellence Model (KBEM) can be used for the implementation of TQM program in a company. Value added by the research paper in prior research The significance of paper is the exploration of the role of human in the process of KM. The research paper describes the critical role played by the people in the acquisition, creation and usage of knowledge. It demonstrates the similarities and references between KM and TQM. The paper also describes the third generation has being the stage where the benefits of KM are maximized. It also explains the complimentary role KM and TQM in an organization. Limitations of research paper The paper is based on the review of previous written journal research papers. Now new primary data is collected to add value. The contents of the paper provide general overview of the ideas presented rather than providing in-depth information regarding the ideas. The theories presented are much generalized without any special recommendation regarding the genre of organization. Strength/s of research paper The strength of research paper includes the exploration of human facet of KM and TQM. It successfully explores the importance of organizational culture in creation and sharing of knowledge. Weakness/es of research paper It does not explain the process of complementary implementation of KM and TQM in an organization. The similarities and differences between KM and TQM are not explored in depth. The paper mentioned the use of KBAM for the achievement of TQM in an organization but it does not provide information regarding the process details. Title of research paper and journal/publication name Ju, Teresa L. , Lin, Binshan , Lin, Chinho and Kuo, Hao-jung(2006) 'TQM critical factors and KM value chain activities', Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 17: 3, 373 Type of research paper Research paper- Aim/purpose of research paper The aim of the paper is to examine the relation between TQM and KM with a more practical approach by using the combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Sample selection, location of study, method of data collection and analytical approach [methodology] Sample size: The case study was conducted by collecting the data from samples in ASE Inc. and AIDC, two manufacturing companies in Taiwan. The quantitative research was undertaken through the collection of data from samples of thirty different companies related to different industries. Instruments: Case studies and questionnaires have been used for the collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Analysis: Literature review was undertaken in order to develop the main theme of the study. The questionnaire for the interview was designed according to the framework provided by Strauss and Corbin (1990). The data collected through interviews is used for the development of questionnaire for quantitative study. Findings The study found that high level of commitment should be shown by the management to ensure knowledge creation in an organization. The results further states that TQM can be facilitated by KM it has much similar positive effect. Many manufacturing companies in the world have started realizing the importance of knowledge management in the business process. Nine factors have been found which are important for the successful practice of KM in value chain activities. 1) Top management support. 2) Employee commitment. 3) Quality measurement setup. 4) Bench marking role model companies. 5) Application of concept of process management. 6) Emphasis on quality customer involvement employee participation. 7) Provision of training employee. 8) Authorization of organization of formal and informal KM communities to the employees. 9) Provision of value to customer feedback. TQM and KM or complementary to each other. Value added by the research paper in prior research Most of the studies state that KM leads to innovation. Other researchers have studied how TQM and innovation are interlinked with each other. There are very few studies which have undertaken the investigation of the how innovation, KM and TQM are interlinked. The paper studies the relationships between KM, TQM and innovation. The study attempted to determine the effectiveness of KM in the implementation of TQM leading to organizational innovation. Limitations of research paper, e.g. location, industry, focus The study has used only two cases, which has reduced the chances of inclusion of enough information regarding the different facets of KM. Strength/s of research paper The strength of research paper lies in the fact that it provides suggestions to the organization to achieve sustainable competitiveness through integration TQM and KM. It provides practical frame work for the businesses for the implementation KM and TQM. Weakness/es of research paper The findings of the study are only for the Taiwanese manufacturing Industry. It should have included other international industries. Limited numbers of facets have been explored in the study. Title of research paper and journal/publication name Stewart, Deb and Waddell, Dianne(2008) 'Knowledge Management: The fundamental component for delivery of quality', Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 19: 9, 987 — 996 Type of research paper Research paper- Aim/purpose of research paper The paper was aimed at the exploration of the relationship between the Knowledge Management and Quality Management. It further examined the mechanism of the processes of Knowledge Management and Quality Management and the value added by both the processes in the organization. The paper further explored how Knowledge Management plays role in the revival of Quality Management. The study has been undertaken with the assumption of resurgence of Quality Management. Sample selection, location of study, method of data collection and analytical approach [methodology] Sample size: The survey was conducted at national level in 1000 quality certified organizations in Australia. Rate was 23%. The questions included in the survey were regarding the process Knowledge Management in the organization, the quality culture practiced in the organization and the performance measures used by the organization for quality. Instruments: The questionnaire was consisted of 32 questions. Eight of which were regarding the profile of respondents and rest were regarding the processes of KM, QM and QP in the organization. Analysis: For analysis, seven-point Likert Scale was used with the grading of strongly agree being at 1 and 7 Strongly disagree at 7, the options of do not know/not applicable were also provided in the questionnaire. Findings The analysis of data led to the conclusion that in order to get competitive advantage in today’s dynamic environment, Knowledge Management should be regarded as the basic element of delivery by a quality culture. Value added by the research paper in prior research The study explores the significance of both Knowledge Acquisition (KA) and Knowledge Dissemination (KD) in the delivery of quality goods and services to the customer. The paper in comparison with other research papers defined the how KA and KD can play an important role (through a quality culture) in the delivery of true Quality Management. Limitations of research paper, e.g. location, industry, focus The response rate for the survey was very low i.e. 23%, which shows lack of interest from the people to respond to the survey. This also leads to suspicions regarding the true provision of information from the respondents. Strength/s of research paper The paper explored the origins of Knowledge Management and looked at the dual perspectives of Knowledge Management. The results of the paper were authenticated by undertaking comparisons with the data resulted from a National Survey of Quality certified organizations in Australia. Weakness/es of research paper The research paper defines the process of knowledge management by undertaking a generalized approach. It takes knowledge information and dissemination as a process without addressing the human involvement. Title of research paper and journal/publication name Hung, Richard Yu-Yuan , Lien, Bella Ya-Hui , Fang, Shih-Chieh and McLean, Gary N.(2010) 'Knowledge as a facilitator for enhancing innovation performance through total quality management', Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 21: 4, 425 — 438 Type of research paper Research paper Aim/purpose of research paper The aim of the study was to examine how KM initiatives, TQM and innovation performance are related. Sample selection, location of study, method of data collection and analytical approach [methodology] Sample size: The sample size for the study consisted on 223 managers from 1139 Taiwanese high-tech companies. Instruments: The data was collected through survey questionnaire from the samples. Analysis: The study used structural equation modeling for simultaneously examination of the relationships between the processes of Knowledge Management, Total Quality Management and innovation performance. Findings The study reached the findings that there is positive relationship between KM, TQM and innovation performance. TQM acts as the mediator between KM and innovation performance. Value added by the research paper in prior research Many studies have been undertaken in the field of Knowledge Management, but they studied the process in isolation from other related concepts. The Significant characteristic of the study is the analysis of KM initiatives in relation to the TQM and innovation performance of organization. The bibliography leads to the exploration of several benefits attached with knowledge management such as: reduced loss in intellectual capital in case an employee leaves organization, reduced cost of product and service development, improved level of employee productivity and employee satisfaction. The culture of an organization plays an important role in the successful implementation of the process of knowledge management. Knowledge management not only leads to improvement within organization but it also facilitates the delivery of quality goods and services to the customer through Knowledge Acquisition (KA) and Knowledge Dissemination (KD). There are nine different factors which are important for the successful practice of KM in value chain activities. As a conclusion of the annotated bibliography, it can be stated that despite all the innovative efforts most of the companies fail to leverage the benefits of Knowledge management. This can be avoided by the development of proper knowledge base regarding the process and importance of knowledge management. The relationship between the process of Knowledge management and Total Quality should be fully explored. Read More