Health and social care managers' perceptions of factors affecting the competence of managers in knowledge management: A qualitative study

AIM

To describe health and social care managers' perceptions of the factors affecting the competence of managers in knowledge management.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

A semi-structured interview was conducted with 15 managers from three public health and social care organizations in Finland. Data were collected in the spring of 2022 and analysed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Health and social care managers perceived that the competence of managers working in knowledge management is affected by managers' behavioural and attitudinal characteristics, their interactive network competence in knowledge management, the dimensions of their competence in knowledge management, the knowledge management infrastructure with which they work and the organizational learning culture within which they work.

CONCLUSIONS

The competence of health and social managers in knowledge management is influenced by various factors, including their personal characteristics, management competence and the infrastructure and culture of the organization for which they work. However, their competence is constrained by an absence of clear processes, structures and resources in knowledge management as well as a lack of systematic support and training for managers working in knowledge management.

IMPACT

The study provides valuable information for improving the competence of managers working in knowledge management in health and social care organizations. The competence of managers working in knowledge management is instrumental for successful implementation and sustaining of knowledge management practices and thus, such competence has a positive impact on the overall performance of an organization.

IMPLICATIONS

Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of health and social care managers, as well as establishing organizational structures, is essential for effective knowledge management in organizations.

REPORTING METHOD

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist has been used in the reporting.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Overview of the Knowledge Management Center for Illuminating the Druggable Genome

The Knowledge Management Center (KMC) for the Illuminating the Druggable Genome (IDG) project aims to aggregate, update, and articulate protein-centric data knowledge for the entire human proteome, with emphasis on the understudied proteins from the three IDG protein families. KMC collates and analyzes data from over 70 resources to compile the Target Central Resource Database (TCRD), which is the web-based informatics platform (Pharos). These data include experimental, computational, and text-mined information on protein structures, compound interactions, and disease and phenotype associations. Based on this knowledge, proteins are classified into different Target Development Levels (TDLs) for identification of understudied targets. Additional work by the KMC focuses on enriching target knowledge and producing DrugCentral and other data visualization tools for expanding investigation of understudied targets.

Examining Knowledge Management and the Culture Change Movement in Long-Term Care: A Study of High-Medicaid-Census Nursing Homes

High-quality nursing home (NH) care has long been a challenge within the United States. For decades, policymakers at the state and federal levels have adopted and implemented regulations to target critical components of NH care outcomes. Simultaneously, our delivery system continues to change the role of NHs in patient care. For example, more acute patients are cared for in NHs, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented value payment programs targeting NH settings. As a part of these growing pressures from the broader healthcare delivery system, the culture-change movement has emerged among NHs over the past two decades, prompting NHs to embody more person-centered care as well as promote settings which resemble someone's home, as opposed to institutionalized healthcare settings. Researchers have linked culture change to high-quality outcomes and the ability to adapt and respond to the ever-changing pressures brought on by changes in our regulatory and delivery system. Making enduring culture change within organizations has long been a challenge and focus in NHs. Despite research suggesting that culture-change initiatives that promote greater resident-centered care are associated with several desirable patient outcomes, their adoption and implementation by NHs are resource intensive, and research has shown that NHs with high percentages of low-income residents are especially challenged to adopt these initiatives. This chapter takes a novel approach to examine factors that impact the adoption of culture-change initiatives by assessing knowledge management and the role of knowledge management activities in promoting the adoption of innovative care delivery models among under-resourced NHs throughout the United States. Using primary data from a survey of NH administrators, we conducted logistic regression models to assess the relationship between knowledge management and the adoption of a culture-change initiative as well as whether these relationships were moderated by leadership and staffing stability. Our study found that NHs were more likely to adopt a culture-change initiative when they had more robust knowledge management activities. Moreover, knowledge management activities were particularly effective at promoting adoption in NHs that struggle with leadership and nursing staff instability. Our findings support the notion that knowledge management activities can help NHs acquire and mobilize informational resources to support the adoption of care delivery innovations, thus highlighting opportunities to more effectively target efforts to stimulate the adoption and spread of these initiatives.

Improving the knowledge management of marine megafauna strandings

Although the marine megafauna often strands on beaches around the world, such as sea turtles and whales, stranding data are poorly managed and incorporated into management and conservation strategies. Here we use a knowledge value chain framework to call attention for the urgent need to improve our data architecture and knowledge management on marine megafauna strandings. We use Brazil, a continental megadiverse federative republic, as study model. After describing the main components and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the current Brazilian data architecture, we propose 10 practical measures for its improvement involving researchers, companies, non-governmental organizations, legislators, policy makers, public agents, citizen scientists, and local communities. Although Brazil has notable strengths such as comprehensive environmental legislation, hundreds of scientists and dozens of prestigious research institutions, stranding data is not translated into technical-scientific knowledge; technical-scientific knowledge is not transformed into effective public regulations; deficient regulations lead to bad decisions and limited actions, which in turn result in ineffective management and conservation strategies. In light of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), we propose (1) expanding standardized beach monitoring projects to the entire Brazilian coast; (2) creating a governmental database with FAIR principles; (3) encouraging the development of broad citizen science initiatives; (4) funding scientists and research institutions; (5) boosting outreach activities among researchers to popularize the scientific knowledge; (6) raising awareness among legislators and policy makers on the problem of strandings; (7) updating the existing legal provisions on the environmental licensing of activities developed at sea; (8) hiring new environmental analysts and inspectors and improving the infrastructure of executing environmental agencies; (9) strengthening existing conservation networks with multiple stakeholders; and (10) making the results of the management and conservation strategies broadly accessible to society. These recommendations may also apply to other coastal countries around the world.

The impact of digital technologies on knowledge networks in two engineering organisations

The management and exploitation of knowledge can contribute to the competitive advantage of an organisation and hence can be a driver of its value. This paper examines knowledge management practices within two engineering organisations with an emphasis on barriers to its effectiveness and the influence of current and anticipated deployment of digital technologies. Two methods were used to gather research data across both organisations by combining a series of semi-structured interviews with a quantitative social network analysis. Examination of the acquired data provided insights into the relationship between the knowledge management culture in both organisations and their adoption of digital tools. Hudson's evolutionary model of safety culture has been modified to describe the culture of knowledge management in an organisation and the acquired data used to locate the two organisations on their knowledge management journey. It is proposed that social networks could be used as an indicator of the stage of evolution of knowledge management in engineering organisations more generally with low network densities and dispersed networks representing higher stages of evolution.

Occupational safety knowledge management in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia

This article elaborates the characteristics of knowledge management in the context of occupational safety and presents the results of research based on the assumption that there is a link between knowledge management and occupational safety performance, and that knowledge management can help in improving occupational safety performance. The research involved 645 occupational safety experts from three Balkan countries (Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia). The results showed that the knowledge management in the organization is related to all of the observed aspects of occupational safety performance: number of work-related injuries within the organization; number of lost working days due to injuries; costs caused by work-related injuries and occupational diseases; financial investments in occupational safety; assessment of the state of occupational safety. The practical implications of the article can be seen in the context of meeting the educational needs for continuous learning and improvement of knowledge/lifelong learning in the field of occupational safety.

Achieving resilience through knowledge management practices and risk management culture in agri-food supply chains

The problems with the current food distribution system are laid forth in this study. Getting high-quality agricultural and food products to consumers is the goal of what is known as the "agri-food supply chain." Agri-food supply chain knowledge exchange and risk management culture are being studied, as is the effect of supply chain management methods on business success. We are seeing an increase in the regularity of supply chain interruptions. The recent supply chain interruptions and their associated consequences highlight the necessity for robust supply systems. The primary goal of this research is to examine the interplay between critical antecedents of the agri-food supply chain; supply chain resilience (including risk management culture); supply chain connectivity, visibility, collaboration, and agility; and the effect these factors have on supply chain resilience and, ultimately, firm performance. With the same foundational elements and backing from the literature, an empirical model has been suggested. From September 2020 to June 2021, 245 random samples were collected throughout Indonesia for this investigation. The suggested model and the interdependencies among the crucial antecedents have been verified using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings from this study support the notion that agri-food supply chains benefit from increased emphasis on traceability, transparency, information sharing, and a culture of risk management. One major takeaway from this study is that by adopting the suggested methodology, businesses may build and strengthen their supply chain resilience capabilities by institutionalizing a risk management culture, raising employee risk awareness, and holding regular risk assessment drills. The study also suggests that businesses that want to strengthen their supply chains can do so by adopting information and communications technologies and visibility tools to improve their supply chain connectivity and visibility, allowing them to respond to and recover from disruptions in the supply chain more quickly. The model is validated using data from Indonesia's industrial sector. In order to establish supply chain resilience, the suggested model provides a comprehensive perspective that defines the interconnections between key antecedents. We conclude with some thoughts and suggestions for further study.

Analysis of knowledge management process towards minimizing supply chain risks under the green technology: a direct and configurational approach

Adopting green technologies is crucial for a sustainable supply process and organization development. In this construct, the current study analyzes how green technology adoption (GTA) and knowledge management (KM) processes could minimize supply risk in large manufacturing companies. The current study utilizes research techniques based on the resource-based view and contingency theories to minimize supply chain risk. The present study selected green variables (learning, productivity, raw materials, and resource utilization) along with KM processes (acquisition, sharing, and utilization) to investigate these connections to achieve the research objective. The author collected the data (203) from manufacturing firms in Zhengzhou city and used PLS-SEM, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to examine the study aims. The relationship between the adoption of green technologies and the KM process, which may reduce supply risk, was verified via PLS-SEM. fsQCA is employed as a combined strategy with green technology and the KM dimension to examine supply risk. The study results showed a significant correlation between the KM process's ability to reduce supply risk under the GTA. The results of the fsQCA specify the numerous dimensions of green implementation enablers, and the KM process produced superior results in terms of supply risk minimization. This research contributes to bridging gaps and understanding the interrelationship between green measurement and the supply risk process minimization. The current study provides practical and social justification for enlightening the relationship between GTA and the KM process, aiming to minimize the supply risk. Based on the study outcome and ground information, this study reported limitations and future research direction.

[Influence of leadership style on knowledge management and hospital efficiency]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the effect of leadership style on knowledge management in hospitals and hospital efficiency based on the opinion of experts in hospital management, applying fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM).

METHOD

FCM are relational models that can be used to graphically represent expert opinion and knowledge to infer cause-effect relationships between different concepts. The use of FCM as a simulation tool allows the evaluation of possible scenarios based on different leadership styles in hospitals.

RESULTS

In the resulting augmented matrix, standardized effects range from 0.02 to 0.84, with the highest value representing the strongest relationship between knowledge exploitation and hospital efficiency. From the viewpoint of experts, knowledge creation within the hospital also influences hospital efficiency. Regarding variables reflecting leadership characteristics, positive effects have been identified, though with varying intensities, between authority, benevolence, and charisma, both in terms of knowledge creation and exploitation, as well as hospital efficiency. The transformational leadership style is associated with coefficients having higher values for knowledge management and hospital efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Experts suggest that hospitals with authoritarian leadership styles would exhibit lower levels of knowledge creation and management, as well as lower hospital efficiency. On the other hand, they associate hospitals managed with a paternalistic leadership style with better values in both knowledge creation and exploitation, as well as hospital efficiency, compared to the authoritarian leadership style. Finally, they attribute the highest levels in aspects related to knowledge management and hospital efficiency to the transformational leadership style.

Evaluating the performance of an integrated evidence-based nursing knowledge management (I-EBNKM) platform in real-world clinical environments

BACKGROUND

For evidence-based knowledge to be applicable in clinical practice, providing support for and the management of knowledge is required to ensure the effective sharing of appropriate expertise across healthcare organizations. Knowledge management platforms can provide a wide range of benefits related to the activation and establishment of evidence-based practice (EBP) in clinical environments.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we developed an integrated evidence-based nursing knowledge management (I-EBNKM) platform and applied it in real-world clinical environments to evaluate its effectiveness.

METHODS

We designed an I-EBNKM platform with three main functions: (1) clinical questioning and knowledge linkage, (2) systematic knowledge management, and (3) knowledge communication. After a two-month long application of the I-EBNKM platform in real-world clinical environments, we evaluated the changes in the levels of knowledge in EBP, attitude, practice, confidence in clinical questioning, individual innovative behavior, innovative organizational culture, and organizational knowledge management. The experimental and control groups consisted of 198 nurses, who participated in the study.

RESULTS

After applying the I-EBNKM platform, the levels of EBP knowledge and skills (t = 7.16; p <.001), attitude (t = 6.30; p <.001), practice (t = 7.63; p <.001), confidence in clinical questioning (t = 4.57; p <.001), individual innovative behavior (t = 8.72; p <.001), and organizational knowledge management (t = 7.43; p <.001) differed significantly between the experimental group and the control group.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study clearly indicate that the I-EBNKM platform we developed has the potential to enhance nurses' involvement in ensuring effective knowledge management in real-world clinical environments. Therefore, the provision of an innovative digital approach ensuring systematic and timely organizational support among nurses is of critical importance.

Knowledge management tools and mechanisms for evidence-informed decision-making in the WHO European Region: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Knowledge management (KM) emerged as a strategy to promote evidence-informed decision-making. This scoping review aims to map existing KM tools and mechanisms used to promote evidence-informed health decision-making in the WHO European Region and identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS

Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Open Grey. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and conducted narrative analysis of the included studies and categorized studies according to KM type and phase.

RESULTS

Out of 9541 citations identified, we included 141 studies. The KM tools mostly assessed are evidence networks, surveillance tools, observatories, data platforms and registries, with most examining KM tools in high-income countries of the WHO European region. Findings suggest that KM tools can identify health problems, inform health planning and resource allocation, increase the use of evidence by policymakers and stimulate policy discussion.

CONCLUSION

Policymakers and funding agencies are called to support capacity-building activities, and future studies to strengthen KM in the WHO European region particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. An updated over-arching strategy to coordinate KM activities in the WHO European region will be useful in these efforts.

Quality Culture and Knowledge Management in the Japanese Pharmaceutical Industry-A Cross-Sectional Study and Case Report

In the past few years, there have been several instances of illicit pharmaceutical manufacturing in Japan. Insufficient good manufacturing practice compliance and lack of quality culture in some pharmaceutical companies have been suggested as the underlying reasons for such cases. We aimed to focus on knowledge management and fostering of quality culture in pharmaceutical companies in Japan to understand their current situation and find a strategy for the availability of high-quality reliable pharmaceutical products. A wide-ranging questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the issues related to knowledge management and fostering of quality culture across pharmaceutical companies in Japan. A published investigation report on an illicit manufacturing case was closely examined by organizing the available facts using the diagram. Based on 395 responses to the questionnaire survey, we found that although pharmaceutical companies understand the importance of knowledge management and quality culture, issues exist in their operational methods. A total of 94% of the respondents agreed that they mentioned "knowledge management" as an enabler of the Pharmaceutical Quality System of ICH Q10, and 98% of the respondents accepted that insufficient fostering of quality culture leads to corporate risk. However, the survey revealed that many companies are struggling with this approach. Based on a report on an illicit manufacturing case, we analyzed the direct causes of misconduct and prepared a systematic summary that can be easily comprehended. Comparison of the illicit manufacturing case report with our questionnaire results suggests that many pharmaceutical companies do not regard the misconduct case as a situation that could occur in their company. With the revision of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act and good manufacturing practice Ministerial Ordinance, we advocate the need for all employees of pharmaceutical companies to reconsider the priorities of their companies from the patient perspective.

Knowledge Representation and Management 2022: Findings in Ontology Development and Applications

OBJECTIVES

To select, present, and summarize the best papers in 2022 for the Knowledge Representation and Management (KRM) section of the International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA) Yearbook.

METHODS

We conducted PubMed queries and followed the IMIA Yearbook guidelines for performing biomedical informatics literature review to select the best papers in KRM published in 2022.

RESULTS

We retrieved 1,847 publications from PubMed. We nominated 15 candidate best papers, and two of them were finally selected as the best papers in the KRM section. The topics covered by the candidate papers include ontology and knowledge graph creation, ontology applications, ontology quality assurance, ontology mapping standard, and conceptual model.

CONCLUSIONS

In the KRM best paper selection for 2022, the candidate best papers encompassed a broad range of topics, with ontology and knowledge graph creation remaining a considerable research focus.

iCHECK-DH: Guidelines and Checklist for the Reporting on Digital Health Implementations

BACKGROUND

Implementation of digital health technologies has grown rapidly, but many remain limited to pilot studies due to challenges, such as a lack of evidence or barriers to implementation. Overcoming these challenges requires learning from previous implementations and systematically documenting implementation processes to better understand the real-world impact of a technology and identify effective strategies for future implementation.

OBJECTIVE

A group of global experts, facilitated by the Geneva Digital Health Hub, developed the Guidelines and Checklist for the Reporting on Digital Health Implementations (iCHECK-DH, pronounced "I checked") to improve the completeness of reporting on digital health implementations.

METHODS

A guideline development group was convened to define key considerations and criteria for reporting on digital health implementations. To ensure the practicality and effectiveness of the checklist, it was pilot-tested by applying it to several real-world digital health implementations, and adjustments were made based on the feedback received. The guiding principle for the development of iCHECK-DH was to identify the minimum set of information needed to comprehensively define a digital health implementation, to support the identification of key factors for success and failure, and to enable others to replicate it in different settings.

RESULTS

The result was a 20-item checklist with detailed explanations and examples in this paper. The authors anticipate that widespread adoption will standardize the quality of reporting and, indirectly, improve implementation standards and best practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Guidelines for reporting on digital health implementations are important to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of reported information. This allows for meaningful comparison and evaluation of results, transparency, and accountability and informs stakeholder decision-making. i-CHECK-DH facilitates standardization of the way information is collected and reported, improving systematic documentation and knowledge transfer that can lead to the development of more effective digital health interventions and better health outcomes.

Investigating the nexus between information technology capabilities, knowledge management, and green product innovation: evidence from SME industry

The aim of this study to investigate the relationship between information technology capabilities (ITCs) and green product innovation (GPI). The information technology (IT) capabilities with multiple dimensions, such as IT competence, IT integration, and IT infrastructure, were used in this paper. Moreover, to verify the deep relationship between ITCs and GPI, we used knowledge management (KM) as a mediator. The data were collected through a questionnaire from the senior managers, middle-level managers, and operational staff associated with the small- and medium-sized production industry of Pakistan. We collect data in two waves between January 2022 and July 2022. The data were analyzed through the partial least square structural equation modeling through SmartPLS 3.2.2. The findings of this study conclude. First, in the direct relationship, two IT capabilities, such as IT competence and IT infrastructure, have a positive and significant direct relationship with green product innovation, but IT integration has an insignificant relationship with green product innovation. Second, the results show that three IT capabilities have positively influenced knowledge management. Third, the results confirm that KM has a significant positive effect on GPI. Finally, the outcomes confirmed that knowledge management positively and significantly mediates between all IT capabilities and GPI in the indirect relationship.

The moderating role of leadership on the relationship between green supply chain management, technological advancement, and knowledge management in sustainable performance

The escalation of regulatory obligations in order to reshape and implement eco-friendly operations make it essential for firms to execute the related strategies and enhance their position in a competitive market. Scholars and practitioners, thereby, have aligned their search in the area of sustainability to get to know regarding activities that might improve the outcomes of business practices. To contribute in a particular area, the study attempts to explore the critical role of knowledge management, technological advancement, and green supply chain (SC) management on SBP in the presence of a moderator-leadership. China is used as a study sample, and the study model was evaluated through structural equation modelling. Statistical findings indicate that knowledge management, technological advancement, and green SC management have a positive influence on SBP in China. The findings reveal that leadership support significantly moderates knowledge management, technological advancement, green SC management, and SBP in China. These outcomes guide regulators in making regulations related to sustainable performance using the best practice of SC, technology advancement, and knowledge management.

Mechanism of knowledge management process towards minimizing manufacturing risk under green technology implementation: an empirical assessment

Given the critical importance of green technology implementation (GTI) is important for production process improvement and an eco-friendly environment. The present study investigates the connection between GTI and the knowledge management (KM) process to minimize manufacturing risk. This research also validates that an assured combination of green implementation and KM can lead to minimizing manufacturing risk. The sample data (153) was taken from those manufacturing companies that utilize green technologies. Smart PLS 3.2.9 analyzes the relationship between certain variables of GTI and the KM process. Furthermore, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is used for a combined configurational approach to examine manufacturing risk minimization. The study's outcome validated that green implementation positively correlated with KM to minimize production risk. fsQCA approach, KM, and green implementation outcome indicated that production risks are minimized. This study contributes to bridging research gaps in the literature and advances understanding of the interrelationship between green implementation and KM processes to minimize manufacturing risk. In addition, research is vital to combine direct and configurational methodologies to highlight two distinct facets of green implementation and the KM process for minimizing manufacturing risk.

Customer knowledge management competence evaluation of agritourism enterprises by using the balanced scorecard and fuzzy-AHP: Evidence from Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle

This paper provides an evaluation framework to explore the linking mechanisms between customer knowledge management competence (CKMC) and Balanced Scorecard (BSC). With a case study from Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle of China, this paper attempts to empirically justify the framework. An index system was established for evaluating CKMC based on BSC and knowledge management process, the weight design and consistency check of the indexes were implemented by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the overall evaluation value and concrete index scores at all levels were obtained via the fuzzy evaluation method. Empirical results show that CKMC performance measurement indicators were ranked in order of importance as Business process performance dimensions (0.465), System support dimensions (0.289), Customer communication dimensions (0.152) and Market performance dimension (0.094). It also shows that the overall score of CKMC was 3.404, reflecting that the CKMC was in a state of general satisfaction. This research also identifies key factors hindering implementation of CKMC, including Attention from senior leaders (2.871), customer knowledge sharing efficiency (2.928), and information technology level (3.133). This research could contribute to CKM theory by extending customer knowledge management competence research with BSC initiatively. For practitioners, this study may provide useful suggestions to identify key factors promoting business CKMC, and finally promotes sustainable development of Agritourism.

Scientometric Analysis of Hiking Tourism and Its Relevance for Wellbeing and Knowledge Management

Hiking is a sports activity that takes place in the natural environment. From the point of view of well-being, it is an aerobic activity that prevents and improves cardiovascular diseases. According to data provided by the United Nations, within the framework of the International Year of Mountains, mountain tourism represents around 15% to 20% of total world tourism revenue. This approach aims to critically analyze the scientific production on trail tourism (HT) with contributions from authors from around the world from 1991 to 2022, in order to respond to the connection between this research, knowledge management and the sustainable development of the industry. Key knowledge contributions are examined using a scientometric approach as a method (spatial, production, impact, and relational) based on registry data stored in the Web of Science (JCR and ESCI). Regarding the results, there has been an increase in scientific production in the last decade, which is manifested in the quality of the publications.

Intergenerational knowledge management in a cutting-edge Israeli industry: Visions and challenges

Knowledge management is a multifaceted, complex, end-to-end organizational process dealing with collecting and using data, information, and knowledge generated by a group of individuals. The current study examines the changes required in companies’ quality systems to enhance intergenerational learning and knowledge retention. Our primary objective was to understand the factors that influence the development of an organizational culture encouraging innovation, knowledge sharing, organizational learning, openness, and providing opportunities to create up-to-date knowledge. We collected the viewpoints and needs of industry professionals by using interviews and a survey. Then, we analyzed the factors that influence knowledge management quality and transfer between workforce generations. The professionals’ primary goal is to introduce, integrate, and improve knowledge in their organization. Their second goal is to facilitate knowledge sharing and transfer between workforce generations. Improving transgenerational knowledge sharing and reducing the loss of knowledge are challenges for all industries. A cutting-edge industry such as the defense field deals with sensitive data, and knowledge management is a strategic need in a competitive context. Quality management standards propose guidelines for developing and enhancing the overall knowledge-related processes. However, implementing them requires a shift in the corporate culture team. Organizational knowledge resilience must be developed by involving the workforce in implementing knowledge management systems.

The Influence of Knowledge Management Capacities on Pharmaceutical Firms Competitive Advantage: The Mediating Role of Supply Chain Agility and Moderating Role of Inter Functional Integration

This study investigates the factors such as knowledge management capacities and their positive influence on firm competitive advantage or the supply chain agility of the firm and the underlying mechanisms (supply chain agility) that facilitate the firm's performance and leads to firm competitive advantage. It also explores the moderating role of inter-functional integration. We have collected the data from the 308 supply chain managers of pharmaceutical firms in Pakistan and questionnaires were used for data collection with multi-item scales already developed and validated. The findings suggest that knowledge management capacities significantly influence a firm's competitive advantage or supply chain agility. The supply chain agility fully mediates between absorptive capacity, transformative capacity, and firm competitive advantage. Further, supply chain agility partially mediates between inventive capacity and firm competitive advantage. Meanwhile, inter-functional integration moderates the relationship between supply chain agility and firm competitive advantage, with their positive relationship strengthening when inter-functional integration is high. The study provides empirical evidence that knowledge management capacities (such as absorptive capacity, transformative capacity, and inventive capacity), supply chain agility, and inter-functional can be important factors in improving firm performance.

The LOTUS initiative for open knowledge management in natural products research

Contemporary bioinformatic and chemoinformatic capabilities hold promise to reshape knowledge management, analysis and interpretation of data in natural products research. Currently, reliance on a disparate set of non-standardized, insular, and specialized databases presents a series of challenges for data access, both within the discipline and for integration and interoperability between related fields. The fundamental elements of exchange are referenced structure-organism pairs that establish relationships between distinct molecular structures and the living organisms from which they were identified. Consolidating and sharing such information via an open platform has strong transformative potential for natural products research and beyond. This is the ultimate goal of the newly established LOTUS initiative, which has now completed the first steps toward the harmonization, curation, validation and open dissemination of 750,000+ referenced structure-organism pairs. LOTUS data is hosted on Wikidata and regularly mirrored on https://lotus.naturalproducts.net. Data sharing within the Wikidata framework broadens data access and interoperability, opening new possibilities for community curation and evolving publication models. Furthermore, embedding LOTUS data into the vast Wikidata knowledge graph will facilitate new biological and chemical insights. The LOTUS initiative represents an important advancement in the design and deployment of a comprehensive and collaborative natural products knowledge base.

Temporal Medical Knowledge Representation Using Ontologies

Representing temporal information is a recurrent problem for biomedical ontologies. We propose a foundational ontology that combines the so-called three-dimensional and four-dimensional approaches in order to be able to track changes in an individual and to trace his or her medical history. This requires, on the one hand, associating with any representation of an individual the representation of his or her life course and, on the other hand, distinguishing the properties that characterize this individual from those that characterize his or her life course.

Using knowledge brokering activities to promote allied health clinicians' engagement in research: a qualitative exploration

INTRODUCTION

Engaging clinicians in research can improve healthcare organisational performance, patient and staff satisfaction. Emerging evidence suggests that knowledge brokering activities potentially support clinicians' research engagement, but it is unclear how best they should be used.

OBJECTIVES

This study explores how embedded researchers utilised knowledge brokering activities to engage research interested clinicians in research.

DESIGN

A longitudinal qualitative interview based study was co-designed to investigate how experienced research fellows utilise knowledge brokering activities to facilitate allied health clinicians' engagement in research.

SETTING

In one large tertiary level, regional Australian health service, research fellows were matched with research interested clinicians.

METHODS

Qualitative analysis of three longitudinal semi-structured interviews for each research fellow was undertaken. Initial descriptions of their utilisation of knowledge brokering activities were deductively coded. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to generate a shared explanation of clinicians' engagement in research.

RESULTS

Three research fellows facilitated 21 clinicians' participation in and leadership of clinical research projects over 12 months. They utilised all ten key knowledge brokering activities with each clinician, with differing patterns and examples. Research fellows described using linkage and exchange activities of communicating and collaborating with key stakeholders, and they tailored knowledge management products for individual's engagement. Further, they described a broader learning journey where they clarified and monitored individuals' capabilities, motivation and their contextual support for research engagement.

CONCLUSION

When research fellows chose and tailored knowledge brokering activities to align and extend clinicians' research capabilities and motivation, they created individualised learning curriculums to support clinicians' participation in and leadership of local research projects. Health and academic leaders should consider structuring embedded researcher positions to include knowledge brokering roles and activities, specifically for research interested clinicians who are ready to participate in and lead research projects.

Systematic Knowledge Management of Construction Safety Standards Based on Knowledge Graphs: A Case Study in China

Construction safety standards (CSS) have knowledge characteristics, but few studies have introduced knowledge graphs (KG) as a tool into CSS management. In order to improve CSS knowledge management, this paper first analyzed the knowledge structure of 218 standards and obtained three knowledge levels of CSS. Second, a concept layer was designed which consisted of five levels of concepts and eight types of relationships. Third, an entity layer containing 147 entities was constructed via entity identification, attribute extraction and entity extraction. Finally, 177 nodes and 11 types of attributes were collected and the construction of a knowledge graph of construction safety standard (KGCSS) was completed using knowledge storage. Furthermore, we implemented knowledge inference and obtained CSS planning, i.e., the list of standard work plans used to guide the development and revision of CSS. In addition, we conducted CSS knowledge retrieval; a process which supports interrogative input. The construction of KGCSS thus facilitates the analysis, querying, and sharing of safety standards knowledge.

Embedding Learning in a Learning Health Care System to Improve Clinical Practice

PROBLEM

In an ideal learning health care system (LHS), clinicians learn from what they do and do what they learn, closing the evidence-to-practice gap. In operationalizing an LHS, great strides have been made in knowledge generation. Yet, considerable challenges remain to the broad uptake of identified best practices. To bridge the gap from generating actionable knowledge to applying that knowledge in clinical practice, and ultimately to improving outcomes, new information must be disseminated to and implemented by frontline clinicians. To date, the dissemination of this knowledge through traditional avenues has not achieved meaningful practice change quickly.

APPROACH

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) developed QuizTime, a smartphone application learning platform, to provide a mechanism for embedding workplace-based clinician learning in the LHS. QuizTime leverages spaced education and retrieval-based practice to facilitate practice change. Beginning in January 2020, clinician-researchers and educators at VUMC designed a randomized, controlled trial to test whether the QuizTime learning system influenced clinician behavior in the context of recent evidence supporting the use of balanced crystalloids rather than saline for intravenous fluid management and new regulations around opioid prescribing.

OUTCOMES

Whether spaced education and retrieval-based practice influence clinician behavior and patient outcomes at the VUMC system level will be tested using the data currently being collected.

NEXT STEPS

These findings will inform future directions for developing and deploying learning approaches at scale in an LHS, with the goal of closing the evidence-to-practice gap.

The Evolution of Clinical Knowledge During COVID-19: Towards a Global Learning Health System

OBJECTIVES

We examine the knowledge ecosystem of COVID-19, focusing on clinical knowledge and the role of health informatics as enabling technology. We argue for commitment to the model of a global learning health system to facilitate rapid knowledge translation supporting health care decision making in the face of emerging diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We frame the evolution of knowledge in the COVID-19 crisis in terms of learning theory, and present a view of what has occurred during the pandemic to rapidly derive and share knowledge as an (underdeveloped) instance of a global learning health system. We identify the key role of information technologies for electronic data capture and data sharing, computational modelling, evidence synthesis, and knowledge dissemination. We further highlight gaps in the system and barriers to full realisation of an efficient and effective global learning health system.

CONCLUSIONS

The need for a global knowledge ecosystem supporting rapid learning from clinical practice has become more apparent than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continued effort to realise the vision of a global learning health system, including establishing effective approaches to data governance and ethics to support the system, is imperative to enable continuous improvement in our clinical care.

Modeling the mediating roles of self-directed learning and knowledge management processes between emotional intelligence and learning outcomes in higher education

OBJECTIVE

Drawing on the knowledge-based view and ability-based theories of emotional intelligence (EI), in this study, we investigate the effects of EI on learning outcomes related to academics and administrators in Chinese research universities and we also test the direct association between learning outcomes and creative performance. In addition, we examine the mediating role of self-directed learning (SDL) and knowledge management processes (KMPs) on the relationship between EI and learning outcomes.

METHODS

The sample, for this study, consisted of 547 academic and administrative personnel at Chinese higher educational institutions (HEIs), and the hypothesized associations were examined through partial least squares structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that EI has no significant influence on learning outcomes. However, an indirect relationship between EI and learning outcomes is established through SDL and KMPs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study strengthens the professional understanding of EI and supports that the personnel at HEIs should value SDL and KMPs, which in turn enhances their learning outcomes. Although EI has received increased importance in higher education institutions, there are few studies that have investigated the relationship of EI, SDL, KMP, and learning outcomes. This is one of the initial studies that has empirically examined the interface of EI and learning outcomes in HEIs and also provides timely insights into the understanding of the mediating role of SDL and KMP.

How Environmental Knowledge Management Promotes Employee Green Behavior: An Empirical Study

As environmental protection has gradually become the focus of enterprises' development, employee green behavior becomes an important and key antecedent to study this issue, but there have been less studies conducted with knowledge management. As a result, drawing on the theory of planned behavior and the organizational support theory, this study investigates how environmental knowledge practices (environmental knowledge sharing and environmental knowledge application) affect employee green behavior by using a questionnaire survey administered to 266 employees in China to reveal their complex relationship mechanism. The results show that environmental knowledge application and environmental knowledge sharing have a positive effect on employee green behavior; environmental behavioral intention mediates the relationship between environmental knowledge application and employee green behavior, and between environmental knowledge sharing and employee green behavior; green perceived organizational support positively moderates the relationship between environmental behavioral intention and employee green behavior. The findings shed new light on the development of employee green behavior literature and provide practical reference for strategies related to environmental protection for managers.

The influence of machine learning-based knowledge management model on enterprise organizational capability innovation and industrial development

The aims are to explore the construction of the knowledge management model for engineering cost consulting enterprises, and to expand the application of data mining techniques and machine learning methods in constructing knowledge management model. Through a questionnaire survey, the construction of the knowledge management model of construction-related enterprises and engineering cost consulting enterprises is discussed. First, through the analysis and discussion of ontology-based data mining (OBDM) algorithm and association analysis (Apriori) algorithm, a data mining algorithm (ML-AR algorithm) on account of ontology-based multilayer association and machine learning is proposed. The performance of the various algorithms is compared and analyzed. Second, based on the knowledge management level, analysis and statistics are conducted on the levels of knowledge acquisition, sharing, storage, and innovation. Finally, according to the foregoing, the knowledge management model based on engineering cost consulting enterprises is built and analyzed. The results show that the reliability coefficient of this questionnaire is above 0.8, and the average extracted value is above 0.7, verifying excellent reliability and validity. The efficiency of the ML-AR algorithm at both the number of transactions and the support level is better than the other two algorithms, which is expected to be applied to the enterprise knowledge management model. There is a positive correlation between each level of knowledge management; among them, the positive correlation between knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing is the strongest. The enterprise knowledge management model has a positive impact on promoting organizational innovation capability and industrial development. The research work provides a direction for the development of enterprise knowledge management and the improvement of innovation ability.

Informing epidemic (research) responses in a timely fashion by knowledge management - a Zika virus use case

The response of pathophysiological research to emerging epidemics often occurs after the epidemic and, as a consequence, has little to no impact on improving patient outcomes or on developing high-quality evidence to inform clinical management strategies during the epidemic. Rapid and informed guidance of epidemic (research) responses to severe infectious disease outbreaks requires quick compilation and integration of existing pathophysiological knowledge. As a case study we chose the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak that started in 2015 to develop a proof-of-concept knowledge repository. To extract data from available sources and build a computationally tractable and comprehensive molecular interaction map we applied generic knowledge management software for literature mining, expert knowledge curation, data integration, reporting and visualization. A multi-disciplinary team of experts, including clinicians, virologists, bioinformaticians and knowledge management specialists, followed a pre-defined workflow for rapid integration and evaluation of available evidence. While conventional approaches usually require months to comb through the existing literature, the initial ZIKV KnowledgeBase (ZIKA KB) was completed within a few weeks. Recently we updated the ZIKA KB with additional curated data from the large amount of literature published since 2016 and made it publicly available through a web interface together with a step-by-step guide to ensure reproducibility of the described use case. In addition, a detailed online user manual is provided to enable the ZIKV research community to generate hypotheses, share knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and interactively explore and interpret data. A workflow for rapid response during outbreaks was generated, validated and refined and is also made available. The process described here can be used for timely structuring of pathophysiological knowledge for future threats. The resulting structured biological knowledge is a helpful tool for computational data analysis and generation of predictive models and opens new avenues for infectious disease research. ZIKV Knowledgebase is available at www.zikaknowledgebase.eu.

Toward Business Process Innovation in the Big Data Era: A Mediating Roles of Big Data Knowledge Management

While recent debate recognizes the importance of big data (BD) and knowledge management (KM) in firm performance, there has been a paucity of literature regarding big data analytics technological (BDAT) and knowledge exploration-exploitation capabilities (KEEC) in the context of business process innovation (BPI). This study aims to identify whether BD and KM can be established in these emerging issues. We used a survey questionnaire to collect data from various firms and industries. We used structural equation modeling (SmartPLS and SPSS) to validate the research model with a sample of 155 companies in a developing country such as Indonesia. The result demonstrates a positive relationship between KEEC and BPI, followed by several significant findings such as BDAT with KEEC; KEEC on big data knowledge management (BDKM); BDKM and BPI; and BDAT on BDKM. In contrast, BDAT is nonsignificant for direct relationship on BPI, and interestingly, it becomes a significant result after mediated by BDKM. Similarly, BDKM has successfully mediated the relationship between KEEC and BPI. The management level ideally develops and increases such a knowledge creation/acquisition practices and BDAT in an organization to gain more meaningful benefits from these two capabilities. BDAT, KEEC, and BDKM simultaneously are a clear antecedent approach, which ultimately results in flexibility, effectiveness, and effectivity of BPI. The cases of this research are profit firms in a developing country such as Indonesia. A future study could be considered in different settings such as type of industries or more specific company's type, the economy level of countries (comparing between developed and developing countries), and environmental dynamical. A novel field of study is the inclusion of knowledge exploration-exploitation and BDAT that drives BPI.

The legacy of MeNZB and possible implications for COVID-19 vaccination

It is now over a decade since the meningococcal B vaccine, MeNZB, was in routine use in New Zealand. From July 2004 until June 2008 it was administered in a three-dose schedule to over a million individuals, aged six weeks to 20 years, to provide protection against the epidemic strain of group B Meningococci. The cost of the campaign, including the development of the vaccine was substantial, in excess of $200M, but it contributed to a reduced incidence of meningococcal infections along with a reduction in morbidity and mortality. The campaign led to the development of a national immunisation register (NIR), which is still in existence today. As well as considering the legacies of the MeNZB vaccination programme, this paper examines whether there are any lessons to be learned, specifically concerning active vaccine safety monitoring, which may be important if, and when, a COVID-19 vaccine is developed and a national immunisation campaign instituted.

Exploring the knowledge translation of domestic violence research: A literature review

There is growing recognition of the links between knowledge translation, policy and practice, particularly in the domestic violence research area. A literature review applying a systematic approach with a realist lens was the preferred methodology. The review answered the following question: What are the mechanisms of change in research networks which 'work' to support knowledge translation? A search of eight electronic databases for articles published between 1960 and 2018 was completed, with 2,999 records retrieved, 2,869 records excluded and 130 full-text articles screened for final inclusion in the review. The inclusion criteria were purposefully broad, including any study design or data source (including grey literature) with a focus on domestic violence knowledge translation. The analysis of included studies using a realist lens identified the mechanisms of change to support knowledge translation. A disaggregation of the included studies identified five theories focused on the following outcomes: (1) develop key messages, (2) flexible evidence use, (3) strengthen partnerships, (4) capacity building and (5) research utilisation. This review adds to our understanding of knowledge translation of domestic violence research. The mechanisms of change identified may support knowledge translation of research networks. Further research will focus on exploring the potential application of these program theories with a research network.

The interaction between social media, knowledge management and service quality: A decision tree analysis

The existing literature fails to identify to which extent the utilization of social media could be relevant for increasing the effectiveness of knowledge management, in respect to overall business operations. In order to shed some light on this area we define three goals. Firstly, we investigate to what extent the different activities of clients on social media (SM), are important to the processes of knowledge management (KM) in companies. Secondly, we examine to what extent KM functions can be relevant in attaining the quality of IT services. Thirdly, we analyze to what extent KM mediates between SM and the quality of IT services, that is, which client activities on SM should be formalised in the form of KM processes so as to influence the quality of IT services. In order to asses these goals, the decision tree method was used at the sample of B2B companies, more specifically at the sample of those companies offering Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS). The study has shown that: (i) SM client activities have the largest importance for building efficient KM; (ii) KM functions are relevante to the overall quality of IT services, and (iii) those SM options and activities have been identified, whose importance for the assessment of the quality of IT services is indirectly transmitted through KM. This paper offers new empirical evidence which can lead to a better understanding of the role of KM in KIBS. Thanks to the obtained findings, managers will be able to define the goals of their companies in relation to the utilization of SM, more specifically: their presentation on SM, monitoring the outcomes of the SM, usage improving their KM practices and, thus, define strategies to increase the quality of the IT services they offer.

Design and Use of Semantic Resources: Findings from the Section on Knowledge Representation and Management of the 2020 International Medical Informatics Association Yearbook

OBJECTIVE

To select, present, and summarize the best papers in the field of Knowledge Representation and Management (KRM) published in 2019.

METHODS

A comprehensive and standardized review of the biomedical informatics literature was performed to select the most interesting papers of KRM published in 2019, based on PubMed and ISI Web Of Knowledge queries.

RESULTS

Four best papers were selected among 1,189 publications retrieved, following the usual International Medical Informatics Association Yearbook reviewing process. In 2019, research areas covered by pre-selected papers were represented by the design of semantic resources (methods, visualization, curation) and the application of semantic representations for the integration/enrichment of biomedical data. Besides new ontologies and sound methodological guidance to rethink knowledge bases design, we observed large scale applications, promising results for phenotypes characterization, semantic-aware machine learning solutions for biomedical data analysis, and semantic provenance information representations for scientific reproducibility evaluation.

CONCLUSION

In the KRM selection for 2019, research on knowledge representation demonstrated significant contributions both in the design and in the application of semantic resources. Semantic representations serve a great variety of applications across many medical domains, with actionable results.

[Exploration on Knowledge Management Construction of Medical Device Evaluation]

Knowledge management is an important method for the organization to manage information and knowledge systematically and make knowledge innovate continuously. Knowledge management includes the stages of knowledge acquisition, sharing and use, and finally achieves the goal of taking knowledge as the production factor and improving work efficiency in an organization. The core work of technical evaluation of medical devices is typical knowledge work, and the knowledge management system is of great significance to the review agency in improving work efficiency, promoting talent training, improving management level and service quality. This study briefly introduces the framework of the knowledge management system of medical device technical evaluation in the Center for Certification and Evaluation, SHFDA, and provides reference for relevant organizations to carry out knowledge management of medical device technical evaluation.

Knowledge Gains and Changing Attitudes from the Anatomy Education Research Institute (AERI 2017): A Mixed Methods Analysis

The inaugural Anatomy Education Research Institute (AERI 2017) was held in Bloomington, Indiana in July of 2017. This workshop style conference paired experienced educational researchers (invited speakers) with individuals interested in learning more about the field (accepted applicants). In 2017, AERI was held over a five-day period and entailed plenary style presentations, break-out sessions, and specific times for small group mentorship. All participants (applicants and invited speakers) completed a pre-conference survey at the beginning of the institute and a post-conference survey at the end of the institute. Both surveys included categorical and Likert scale questions as well as open-ended questions for participant feedback. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicate that both applicants and speakers increased their knowledge of anatomy education research, but that additional obstacles remain. Funding, time, and a lack of respect for the field remain problematic for faculty that wish to complete educational research. Mentorship and a community of practice also emerged as major themes necessary for educational research to be successful.

Development and validation of a questionnaire for the assessment of the knowledge, management and reporting ADR in paediatrics by healthcare teams (QUESA-P)

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop and validate a new instrument called Questionnaire for the assessment of the knowledge, management and reporting ADR in Paediatrics by Healthcare teams (QUESA-P).

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

Teams of healthcare professionals (HCP) that lead with pharmacological therapy in Paediatrician's sector (Paediatric-HCP) in seven public hospitals in Brazil.

OUTCOME

An assessment of the knowledge and current management of ADR in Paediatric-HCP.

METHODS

We developed and validated QUESA-P, using a standardised procedure which included item development and psychometric prevalidation using Cronbach's Alpha, item-total correlation and test-retest validity for internal consistency and reliability. External criterion was used as criterion validation (the instrument was applied to the focus group expert vs focus group team of Paediatric-HCP in hospitals). The focus group of experts who participated in psychometrics was asked to respond to the QUESA-P twice in order to assess test-retest reliability. The content validity of the initial questionnaire was assessed by the Delphi method and pilot test. Subsequently, we made minor revisions and finalized the QUESA-P RESULTS: Selection of domains and facets were based on literature review made in duplicate by authors. Content validity was done by trial of different examiners (panellists, n=16), conducting analysis through Delphi method (three rounds). The QUESA-P was constructed with three domains. The intraclass correlations (0.80) and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient (0.82), indicated adequate test-retest reliability and internal consistency for each domain. The application of the QUESA to 61 Paediatric-HCP in hospital resulted in lower mean score of 42.1 ± 3.4 in all domains when compared with expert teams (n= 46) 48.2 ± 3.7 (p <0.001) indicating that the instrument is valid to discriminate QUESA experts and Paediatric-HCP.

CONCLUSION

The selected domains can be used to check weaknesses in the identification, management and reporting of suspected ADR by Paediatric-HCP in Brazil.

Open and Linkable Knowledge About Management of Health Information Systems

Given a care delivery organization, its health information system can be defined as the part of the organization that processes and stores data, information, and knowledge. There is an enormous number of frameworks, textbooks and articles that describe the scope of health information system management from the perspective of medical informatics. Transforming this knowledge to Linked Open Data results in a structured data representation that is accessible for both humans and machines, the Semantic Network of Information Management in Hospitals (SNIK). We present interfaces that are useful for researchers, practitioners and students, depending on their objectives and their Semantic Web skills.

A rapid research needs appraisal methodology to identify evidence gaps to inform clinical research priorities in response to outbreaks-results from the Lassa fever pilot

BACKGROUND

Infectious disease epidemics are a constant threat, and while we can strengthen preparedness in advance, inevitably, we will sometimes be caught unaware by novel outbreaks. To address the challenge of rapidly identifying clinical research priorities in those circumstances, we developed and piloted a protocol for carrying out a systematic, rapid research needs appraisal (RRNA) of existing evidence within 5 days in response to outbreaks globally, with the aim to inform clinical research prioritization.

METHODS

The protocol was derived from rapid review methodologies and optimized through effective use of pre-defined templates and global time zones. It was piloted using a Lassa fever (LF) outbreak scenario. Databases were searched from 1969 to July 2017. Systematic reviewers based in Canada, the UK, and the Philippines screened and extracted data using a systematic review software. The pilot was evaluated through internal analysis and by comparing the research priorities identified from the data, with those identified by an external LF expert panel.

RESULTS

The RRNA pilot was completed within 5 days. To accommodate the high number of articles identified, data extraction was prioritized by study design and year, and the clinical research prioritization done post-day 5. Of 118 potentially eligible articles, 52 met the data extraction criteria, of which 46 were extracted within the 5-day time frame. The RRNA team identified 19 clinical research priorities; the expert panel independently identified 21, of which 11 priorities overlapped. Each method identified a unique set of priorities, showing that combining both methods for clinical research prioritization is more robust than using either method alone.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows that it is feasible to carry out a systematic RRNA within 5 days in response to a (re-) emerging outbreak to identify gaps in existing evidence, as long as sufficient resources are identified, and reviewers are experienced and trained in advance. Use of an online systematic review software and global time zones effectively optimized resources. Another 3 to 5 days are recommended for review of the extracted data and to formulate clinical research priorities. The RRNA can be used for a "Disease X" scenario and should optimally be combined with an expert panel to ensure breadth and depth of coverage of clinical research priorities.

HEARTEN KMS - A knowledge management system targeting the management of patients with heart failure

The aim of this work is to present the HEARTEN Knowledge Management System, one of the core modules of the HEARTEN platform. The HEARTEN platform is an mHealth collaborative environment enabling the Heart Failure patients to self-manage the disease and remain adherent, while allowing the other ecosystem actors (healthcare professionals, caregivers, nutritionists, physical activity experts, psychologists) to monitor the patient's health progress and offer personalized, predictive and preventive disease management. The HEARTEN Knowledge Management System is a tool which provides multiple functionalities to the ecosystem actors for the assessment of the patient's condition, the estimation of the patient's adherence, the prediction of potential adverse events, the calculation of Heart Failure related scores, the extraction of statistics, the association of patient clinical and non-clinical data and the provision of alerts and suggestions. The innovation of this tool lays in the analysis of multi-parametric personal data coming from different sources, including for the first time breath and saliva biomarkers, and the use of machine learning techniques. The HEARTEN Knowledge Management System consists of nine modules. The accuracy of the KMS modules ranges from 78% to 95% depending on the module/functionality.

Factors associated with possession of accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management among operations leaders of radiation decontamination workers in Fukushima, Japan: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

An operations leader (OL) takes an important role in occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers in Japan, and candidates for the position must participate in a training session to acquire the necessary knowledge as required by law. However, it has not been clarified whether the candidates for the OL position actually possess accurate knowledge regarding occupational health management for such work after the training session. We, therefore, aimed at examining the current occupational health management knowledge among the candidates and investigating factors related to the knowledge, with hypothesis that possession of accurate knowledge is associated with prior experience of having worked in radiation decontamination.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The training sessions held by Fukushima Prefecture Labor Standard Associations in Fukushima, Japan, in 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty male candidates participated in the training sessions.

OUTCOME

The number/proportion of correct answers to the questions regarding occupational health management, such as those on working environment management, control of operations and health management.

RESULTS

The proportion of those who possessed accurate knowledge regarding working environment management, control of operations and health management was 68.8%, 55.0% and 51.2%, respectively. Experience of radiation decontamination work was associated with the possession of inaccurate knowledge regarding working environment management (OR 0.140 (95% CI 0.042 to 0.464)), and the uncertainty of future radiation decontamination work schedules in difficult-to-return zones was associated with the possession of accurate knowledge regarding health management (OR 4.344 (95% CI 1.509 to 12.50)).

CONCLUSIONS

Previous experience in radiation decontamination work may hinder the ability to acquire accurate information regarding working environment management among candidates for an OL position. To promote adequate occupational health management for radiation decontamination workers, it is required to establish an effective instructional method for the OL candidate training sessions with consideration of previous relevant experience.

Knowledge management awareness assessment in Nigerian tertiary institutions

Background: Knowledge management (KM) is a recipe for increasing performance and promoting innovation in tertiary institutions. However, some scholars argue that the Nigerian educational sector is yet to fully appreciate the importance of KM as their KM awareness level is still low. Since measurement is the basic foundation to accomplish success, this paper assesses the KM awareness level in tertiary institutions of south-west Nigeria. Methods: The study applied a survey method using a closed ended questionnaire administered to 50 participants from each of the 10 institutions measured by Likert scaling. Employing SPSS for data analysis, frequency count and percentage score were adopted to analyse the demographic data, and the research hypotheses were analysed with chi square test, Pearson chi square and bivariate correlation (Pearson) analysis. Results: A positive relationship between awareness, current status and level of familiarity was noted. KM awareness level in the institutions is high even though there is a significant difference between the public and private universities, as well as between the students and academic staff. Conclusions: Since an increase in the awareness level increases both current status and level of familiarity which often account for KM success, it is recommend that KM awareness level should continuously be improved upon in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Promoting Ethics and Integrity in Management Academic Research: Retraction Initiative

In the management academic research, academic advancement, job security, and the securing of research funds at one's university are judged mainly by one's output of publications in high impact journals. With bogus resumes filled with published journal articles, universities and other allied institutions are keen to recruit or sustain the appointment of such academics. This often places undue pressure on aspiring academics and on those already recruited to engage in research misconduct which often leads to research integrity. This structured review focuses on the ethics and integrity of management research through an analysis of retracted articles published from 2005 to 2016. The study employs a structured literature review methodology whereby retracted articles published between 2005 and 2016 in the field of management science were found using Crossref and Google Scholar. The searched articles were then streamlined by selecting articles based on their relevance and content in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Based on the analysed retracted articles, the study shows evidence of ethical misconduct among researchers of management science. Such misconduct includes data falsification, the duplication of submitted articles, plagiarism, data irregularity and incomplete citation practices. Interestingly, the analysed results indicate that the field of knowledge management includes the highest number of retracted articles, with plagiarism constituting the most significant ethical issue. Furthermore, the findings of this study show that ethical misconduct is not restricted to a particular geographic location; it occurs in numerous countries. In turn, avenues of further study on research misconduct in management research are proposed.

Modeling the Pathways of Knowledge Management Towards Social and Economic Outcomes of Health Organizations

Despite the increasing emphasis placed on knowledge management (KM) by the business sector and the common belief that creating, acquiring, sharing, and the use of knowledge enable individuals, teams, and communities to achieve superior performance, within the healthcare context, there is still room from improvements from both the theoretical and empirical perspectives. The purpose of this paper is to outline the contribution of KM process to the social- and economic-related outcomes in the context of health organizations. Given the theoretical approach on the considered concepts and their relationships, a conceptual model and seven research hypotheses were proposed. The empirical data were provided by a cross-sectional investigation including 459 medical and nonmedical employees of Romanian heath organizations, selected by a mixed method sampling procedure. A partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was selected to provide information on the relevance and significance of the first- and second-order constructs, test the hypotheses, and conduct an importance performance matrix analysis. The PLS-SEM estimation showed positive and significant relationships between KM process and quality of healthcare, and organizational-level social and economic outcomes. Moreover, the research results provided evidences for the complex complementary mediation of the quality of healthcare and social-related outcomes on the relationships between KM process and social and economic outcomes. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided at the end of the paper.