Towards an integrated framework for the knowledge transfer process

Abstract

We use the case study style of qualitative research to investigate the current understanding of the theory and practice of knowledge transfer through assessing empirically the transmission mechanisms by which people transfer their knowledge at BMI Laboratory, identifying the factors that influence the choice of knowledge transfer mechanism, discovering the perceived role of knowledge storage and the knowledge administration within the knowledge transfer process, and exploring an integrated and comprehensive framework that might be implemented to promote successful knowledge transfer. The Lab has been chosen purposively to learn more about the issues central to knowledge transfer and to allow themes associated with the research questions to emerge, which are then interpreted to give a grater understanding of the issues, employing Miles and Huberman procedure of data analysis and presentation.

The outcomes of the study provide insights into the phenomena surrounding knowledge transfer, which based on case evidence leads to an interesting decision tree  of media user for different transfer situations. The empirical evidence also suggests a hybrid approach in a sense that one approach, be it personalisation or codification, alone can not meet all the situations. Furthermore, an attempt is also made to develop a sound and robust knowledge transfer framework, integrating knowledge storage and the knowledge administrator within the knowledge transfer process. The framework encompasses five components: the actors engaged in the process; the typology of the knowledge that is transferred; the mechanisms used; the repositories where knowledge is stored; and the knowledge administrator to manage and maintain knowledge. The model explains a systematic and holistic perspective on knowledge transfer implementation, viewing knowledge transfer as an interactive and dynamic process.

Use of the case study is reasonable and appropriate for this kind of exploratory research, and it is likely that given the topic and the research study this thesis yields some very interesting findings concerning knowledge transfer in a real-world setting.

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