Managing knowledge for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of processes and for accelerating innovations is widely recognized as a major source of sustained competitive advantage. The growing importance of knowledge sharing has fostered the development of a growing body of research in different disciplinary areas and in different sectors. The analyses of the barriers that obstruct knowledge flows are paramount for improving organizational performance. The researcher has analyzed the literature on this argument and he has found that knowledge sharing barriers can be grouped into three main macro-dimensions: socio-psychological, technological and organizational. The author has analyzed the predicting power of the barriers that make knowledge sharing ineffective and the subsequent relationship with new product development performance in a big automotive R & D supplier. Raffaele Filieri adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods in an innovative way. The regression analysis and the analysis of a firms’ proprietary process were used to measure the strength of knowledge sharing barriers on knowledge sharing efficacy and new product development performance. The social network analysis was used to map the intra-firm knowledge sharing network and to identify and to solve organizational problems. Through social network analysis, the researcher has obtained a better understanding of the informal work in the organization, showing how effectively engineers and scientists work, and how they structured their knowledge sharing networks. The recognition of a hidden network of collaboration has several implications; one of these is the creation of a community of practice for solving the problems previously identified.

Knowledge Networks: Innovation Through Communities of Practice explores the inner workings of an organizational, internationally distributed Community of Practice. The book highlights the weaknesses of the 'traditional' KM approach of 'capture-codify-store' and asserts that communities of practice are recognized as groups where soft (knowledge that cannot be captured) knowledge is created and sustained. Readers will gain insight into a period the life of a distributed international community of practice by following the members as they work, meet, collaborate, interact and socialize.

This book draws on the experience of people who have worked with CoPs and presents their combined wisdom in a form that is accessible to a wide audience. CoPs are examined from a practica view. The book also examines the benefits that CoPs can bring to an organization, provides a number of case studies, lessons learned and sets of guidelines. It also looks at virtual CoPs and to the future by asking 'what next?'

Communities of Practice are accessible to both experts and new members of a particular community with diverse academic and cultural backgrounds as well as varying social expectations and experiences. Despite the tremendous opportunities for collective learning and knowledge sharing that Communities of Practice offer, not enough is known about these communities in emerging economies and their potential to facilitate cooperation between experts from around the world. Organizational Knowledge Facilitation through Communities of Practice and Emerging Markets seeks to fill the knowledge gap surrounding Communities of Practice and their role within developing nations. Focusing on critical topics related to different types of knowledge communities and the ways in which such communities generate innovation, this research-based publication is an ideal reference source for academics, business professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and those currently studying at the graduate level.

Within the past ten years, tremendous innovations have been brought forth in information technology and knowledge management. Some of the key technical innovations have included the introduction of social media, artificial intelligence, as well as improved network connectivity and capacity. Effective Knowledge Management Systems in Modern Society is a critical scholarly resource that presents an overview of how technical, social, and process changes are impacting the way knowledge systems are being designed. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as knowledge engineering, cognitive ergonomics, and interorganizational knowledge, this book is geared toward consultants, practitioners, and researchers seeking current research on how new approaches in knowledge management impact information technology professionals.

"This encyclopedia will give readers insight on how other organizations have tackled the necessary means of sharing knowledge across communities and functions" -- Provided by publisher.

No matter the industry, the development of information technologies has transformed how information is distributed and used to predict trends. Collecting and identifying the most vital information, however, requires constant management and manipulation. Current Issues and Trends in Knowledge Management, Discovery, and Transfer is an essential reference source that discusses crucial practices for collaborating and distributing work as well as validating accrued knowledge from real-time data. Featuring research on topics such as dynamic knowledge, management systems, and sharing behavior, this book is ideally designed for academics, researchers, librarians, managing professionals, and students seeking coverage on knowledge acquisition and implementation across systems.