Knowledge management in Iran aerospace industries: a study on critical factors

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the essential issues of knowledge management adoption, in order to establish a knowledge management program in Iran Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has identified critical factors of knowledge management through Iran AIOs based on a comprehensive review of recent literature. For this purpose, a questionnaire was designed, applied and then analyzed by some statistical methods. The results discussed various perspectives from the knowledge management point of view, and provided some critical factors and a regression model for showing essential issues of subject.

Findings

The statistical analysis determined eight factors as critical issues in this large‐scale case study. These factors are “team working and KM features,” “leadership and commitment of CEO,” “appropriate organizational infrastructure,” “pilot, benchmarking and KM systems,” “job enrichment and security,” “culture, change management and strategy,” “collaborative and flexible organization” and “training and learning.” The overall results from the case study were positive as well, thus reflecting the appropriateness of the suggested regression model.

Research limitations/implications

The extracted factors can act as a guideline for KM adoption in the organizations. This helps to ensure that the essential issues are covered during design and implementation phase of KM program. For academics, it provides a common language to discuss and study the factors crucial for knowledge management.

Originality/value

The paper may present high value to researchers in the knowledge management field and to practitioners involved with KM program in the organizations. This study further provides an integrated perspective of critical issues for KM adoption in the high‐tech industries including the aerospace industry. It gives valuable information and guidelines that hopefully will help the leaders to consider the important issues during knowledge management establishment in the organization.

Citation

Jafari, M., Akhavan, P., Rezaee Nour, J. and Fesharaki, M.N. (2007), "Knowledge management in Iran aerospace industries: a study on critical factors", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 4, pp. 375-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/00022660710758240