Development of a New Model to Identify Knowledge Management Problems

Abstract

Technology transfer or knowledge transfer of senior skilled engineers to the younger generation has become one of the common problems for Knowledge Management (Hereinafter called KM) in Japanese industries, as more and more of the experienced seniors retire. However, solving this common KM problem is becoming far too complicated to deal with using conventional KM methods. Conventional methods only aim for specific areas of concern and their methodology for application varies to each method, therefore conventional methods are not sound for industrial application. In this study, simplified comprehensive knowledge transfer model and methodology to apply the model has been established to challenge this industrial KM problem. There are 2 major problems we face, if one of the conventional methods is applied for any specific industrial KM problem: 1st problem is that expected results cannot be obtained; 2nd problem is that quantitative analysis for the effect of the KM method applied cannot be obtained. To solve these problems, the new simplified knowledge transfer model is established as a form of tacit knowledge and/or explicit knowledge based on our knowhow of managing various success factors for knowledge transfer, which are developed inductively throughout our past consulting experience. In this new KM method, complicated knowledge transfer process is simplified by the new KM model incorporating the idea of knowledge transfer from one storage medium to another. This model enables us to understand the true KM problems in each project and therefore easier for us to solve those problems. This model also enables us to quantitatively analyze the effect of the KM activities.