A methodology for knowledge management implementation

This article describes research work which was directed towards providing the automotive industry with a practical methodology that translates the conceptual ideas of knowledge management (KM) into a working programme with defined objectives, using industry terminology. The research also developed a supporting analysis methodology that enables an effective analysis of the influences on employee activities when creating and sharing valuable corporate knowledge, that spans technical and cultural boundaries. This happens through identifying the factors that impact on defined KM metrics. The analysis identifies the key influencing factors within a working environment. The research benefits are felt when the ground-level drivers of KM behaviour are improved through links to an appropriate KM strategy. KM strategy may emphasise organisational cultural changes or IT changes or both in an endeavour to improve innovation, reduce business costs and reduce time to market of new products. An industrial case study was undertaken to validate the research.