IT-Based Knowledge Management Systems to Support the Design of Product Development Processes - Information Technology and Product Development - page 55

information as possible for reuse and application. In addition, as can be seen from
the previous section the DOE process is highly dependant on existing knowledge
to enable experiments to be executed. Also in the different steps in the process sev-
eral types of information are generated, reused, and re-absorbed. The whole DOE
process is reliant on the use of existing knowledge and the generation of new knowl-
edge. Thus, without the management of the knowledge creation process it would be
impossible to conduct the DOE procedure. In short, KMS is critical to enable the
diverse stakeholders to access existing information and to reuse them during DOE.

3.5.2 Issues for Knowledge Management in DOE

DOE is a process of innovation as it discovers new development processes and
methods. Several studies have highlighted the relationship between innovation and
organizational performance and survival (Cavusgil, Calantone, & Zhao, 2003).
Prajogo and Ahmed (2007) argue that “the most commonly held concept of inno-
vation refers to the newness and novelty of products or processes.” In terms of
knowledge, innovation can be identified as “the application of knowledge to produce
new knowledge” (Drucker, 1993).
However, over-reliance on existing information inhibits innovation (Darroch,
2005). Ozanne, Brucks, and Grewal (1992) stated that knowledge workers are often
exposed to incomplete information and have the option to search for additional
information in order to update. Thus it is important that a KMS to encourage innova-
tion does not provide the complete picture. Traditional expert systems that provide
complete answers to problems are inappropriate.
The IT-based KMS outlined in this chapter will take account of these issues as
well as those identified by Cooper (2003) as supportive of innovation (given below):

• KMS should be integrated into current work practices and complement the

individuals work rather than distract them. The IT system should enable the indi-
vidual to work at different levels of abstraction scanning, brief evaluation, and
in depth analysis. Furthermore, Grant (1996b) highlighted the role of embedding
KMS into organizational routines to encourage knowledge use.

• KMS should take into consideration contextualization (i.e., what is relevant

and when).

Much research has linked knowledge management to both radical and incremen-
tal innovation. Studies have found that there is a positive link between knowledge
acquisition (internal and external) and innovation but not between knowledge dis-
semination and innovation (Darroch & McNoughton, 2002). This suggests that one
should focus on models that facilitate the acquisition and creation of knowledge
rather than dissemination or codification of knowledge. Experimentation is in effect
a knowledge creation or acquisition activity. The following section examines the
role of information technology in facilitating knowledge management for DOE.