James T.C. Teng and Seokwoo Song
Knowledge sharing (KS) has been a central concern in knowledge management (KM) practice and research. However, KS has remained largely a simplistic concept. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge sharing (KS) has been a central concern in knowledge management (KM) practice and research. However, KS has remained largely a simplistic concept. This study aims to differentiate between solicited KS and voluntary KS and also to attempt to examine the role of both types of KS in relation to task, culture, technology and KM processes at the work unit level.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey method was used. The questionnaire was issued to MBA students enrolled in a major southern university's cohort‐based program for working professionals, and a total of 149 usable responses were collected.
Findings
It was found that task routineness and open communication facilitate only solicited sharing behaviors, while perception of solidarity is significantly related to voluntary sharing behaviors. In addition, knowledge tools and tacit‐oriented KM processes were found to play a significant role in both voluntary and solicited KS.
Research limitations/implications
Exploratory analysis points to differentiated influence of these environmental conditions on the two KS types, suggesting further implications for research and practice. With the realization that voluntary sharing is a more proactive form of KS, KM practitioners may find it beneficial to monitor different forms of KS.
Originality/value
While KS has been the focus of intensive research in recent years, the concept itself has remained surprisingly simplistic among researchers. This study differentiates between two forms of KS: solicited KS and voluntary KS.
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Mark E. McMurtrey, James T.C. Teng, Varun Grover and Hemant V. Kher
Since its inception, CASE (computer‐aided software engineering) tools have been hailed as the “silver bullet” of applications development. Although these tools have failed to live…
Abstract
Since its inception, CASE (computer‐aided software engineering) tools have been hailed as the “silver bullet” of applications development. Although these tools have failed to live up to such an advance billing (as do most “fix‐all” solutions), these products remain a viable option for practitioners of modern applications development. This study comments on the use of CASE in modern IS installations, using the results of an in‐depth survey completed by 226 IS professionals from over 30 Fortune 500‐type companies. First, the study identifies the most popular features possessed by respondents’ CASE toolsets. Next, we comment on the “gap” perceived to exist between CASE features actually possessed, and those features needed by these professionals in the performance of their job duties. Finally, implications for practice and research are presented.
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James Poon Teng Fatt and Ng Teng Joo
Focuses on the way in which design and technology students learn at a secondary school in Singapore. Attempts to understand from the heterogeneous mix of student learning styles…
Abstract
Focuses on the way in which design and technology students learn at a secondary school in Singapore. Attempts to understand from the heterogeneous mix of student learning styles the group learning style so that teachers can best adapt their teaching style and materials to suit the students’ needs. Surveys 99 students and shows that most students are analytical and it is effective to teach them by inquiry to stimulate analysis and creativity.
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This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in…
Abstract
This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in the service industry is sparse. This research seeks to examine absorptive capacity and its four capabilities of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation and their impact on effective knowledge management. All of these capabilities are strategies that enable external knowledge to be recognized, imported and integrated into, and further developed within the organization effectively. The research tests the relationships between absorptive capacity and effective knowledge management through analysis of quantitative data (n = 549) drawn from managers and employees in 35 residential aged care organizations in Western Australia. Responses were analysed using Partial Least Square-based Structural Equation Modelling. Additional analysis was conducted to assess if the job role (of manager or employee) and three industry context variables of profit motive, size of business and length of time the organization has been in business, impacted on the hypothesized relationships.
Structural model analysis examines the relationships between variables as hypothesized in the research framework. Analysis found that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities correlated significantly with effective knowledge management, with absorptive capacity explaining 56% of the total variability for effective knowledge management. Findings from this research also show that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities provide a useful framework for examining knowledge management in the service industry. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the perceptions held between managers and employees, nor between respondents in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Furthermore, the size of the organization and length of time the organization has been in business did not impact on absorptive capacity, the four capabilities and effective knowledge management.
The research considers implications for business in light of these findings. The role of managers in providing leadership across the knowledge management process was confirmed, as well as the importance of guiding routines and knowledge sharing throughout the organization. Further, the results indicate that within the participating organizations there are discernible differences in the way that some organizations manage their knowledge, compared to others. To achieve effective knowledge management, managers need to provide a supportive workplace culture, facilitate strong employee relationships, encourage employees to seek out new knowledge, continually engage in two-way communication with employees and provide up-to-date policies and procedures that guide employees in doing their work. The implementation of knowledge management strategies has also been shown in this research to enhance the delivery and quality of residential aged care.
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Suggests that there are great opportunities for retailers in the mass rail transit (MRT) malls in Singapore due to their strategic location by bus and train station. States that…
Abstract
Suggests that there are great opportunities for retailers in the mass rail transit (MRT) malls in Singapore due to their strategic location by bus and train station. States that maximum competitive advantage will be gained only if retailers understand consumer’s perception of the malls and how this affects their behaviour. Outlines the results of a survey of 250 shoppers across 5 malls showing that consumers value convenience, variety, cleanliness, and air‐conditioning. Argues that retailers need to advertise and display their merchandise while mall owners need to attract a good mix of tenants, maintain a good environment and provide good facilities. Suggests that communal activities held in the mall would make them more commercially viable.
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Zachary A. Collier, Ujjwal Guin, Joseph Sarkis and James H. Lambert
In the buyer-supplier relationship of a high-technology enterprise, the concepts of trust and risk are closely intertwined. Entering into a buyer-supplier relationship inherently…
Abstract
Purpose
In the buyer-supplier relationship of a high-technology enterprise, the concepts of trust and risk are closely intertwined. Entering into a buyer-supplier relationship inherently involves a degree of risk, since there is always an opportunity for one of the parties to act opportunistically. Purchasing and supply managers play an important role in reducing the firm's risk profile, and must make decisions about whether or not to enter into, or remain in, a relationship with a supplier based on a subjective assessment of trust and risk.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors seek to explore how trust in the buyer-supplier relationship can be quantitatively modeled in the presence of risk. The authors develop a model of trust between a buyer and supplier as a risk-based decision, in which a buyer decides to place trust in a supplier, who may either act cooperatively or opportunistically. The authors use a case study of intellectual property (IP) piracy in the electronics industry to illustrate the conceptual discussion and model development.
Findings
The authors produce a generalizable model that can be used to aid in decision-making and risk analysis for potential supply-chain partnerships, and is both a theoretical and practical innovation. However, the model can benefit a variety of high-technology enterprises.
Originality/value
While the topic of trust is widely discussed, few studies have attempted to derive a quantitative model to support trust-based decision making. This paper advanced the field of supply chain management by developing a model which relates risk and trust in the buyer-supplier relationship.
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This chapter explores the landscape of higher education in Singapore as the nation positions itself to emerge stronger after the pandemic. A focus on three major issues facing…
Abstract
This chapter explores the landscape of higher education in Singapore as the nation positions itself to emerge stronger after the pandemic. A focus on three major issues facing higher education − digital transformation, job readiness of graduates, and access to quality education, describes education-based initiatives for addressing these challenges in Singapore. Local autonomous universities are woven into the tapestry of sustainable growth and development within Singapore’s economy. Connections between the development of education-based initiatives are made to illustrate how these institutions of continuous learning are positioning for relevance considering current developments and to suggest some areas for enhancement for promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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Nan Jiang, Kok Wei Khong, Jen Ling Gan, Jason James Turner, ShaSha Teng and Jesrina Ann Xavier
Nowadays, star athletes are global brand personalities. The increased popularity of the professional sport has contributed to elevating exceptional athletes to international star…
Abstract
Purpose
Nowadays, star athletes are global brand personalities. The increased popularity of the professional sport has contributed to elevating exceptional athletes to international star status. This empirical study aims to assess the impact of athlete performance and brand social value on product involvement with the mediation effect of celebrity athlete endorsement.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative survey was conducted with 399 Chinese participants. PLS-SEM is adopted to examine the associated paths and the mediating effect of celebrity endorsement.
Findings
The results demonstrate the significant impact of athlete performance and brand social value on product involvement. Celebrity endorsement partially mediates the effects of athlete performance and brand social value on product involvement.
Originality/value
This study extends understanding of celebrity athlete endorsement and provides insight into the strategic implications for Chinese social media-based marketing initiatives in the context of the recent Olympic Game in Tokyo 2021.
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Xiangping Jia and Harvey S. James
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role and importance of trust in a type of Chinese farmer cooperative organization called “Farm Bases” (FBs), considering the extent to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role and importance of trust in a type of Chinese farmer cooperative organization called “Farm Bases” (FBs), considering the extent to which trust affects their performance and how the relationship between trust and FB performance is affected by perceptions of risk and uncertainty and other considerations.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors interviewed a random sample of 355 farmers, most of whom are from 42 different FBs in China. The authors operationalized organizational trust by assessing the perception of trustworthiness and competence that farmers have in FB managers. The authors conducted a regression analysis of the data to answer the research questions.
Findings
The findings support a nuanced role of trust for performance measures of FBs. Trust matters but in limited and specific contexts. Specifically, trust does not correlate with the marketing volume of Chinese FBs and only weakly correlates with FB compliance of production standards.
Originality/value
FBs play an essential role in China’s agribusiness policies and are pervasive in Chinese business practices. Very little research has been conducted on Chinese FBs and of the role of trust in organizational performance.