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EVALUATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES: RESULTS OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Abstract
Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) wanting to meet the demand of extremely competitive environment, more and more often appreciate the importance of knowledge management (KM), which fosters their innovation and development. Yet, due to their character (resulting, among others, from limited human, financial and material resources and a lack of time for creativity development) they require different tools and practical recommendations than large enterprises in terms of knowledge management. Quite often, knowledge shared informally or by accident can be a strategic inspiration, while on the other hand the risk of its loss or leakage is quite significant, which in turn can result in lost opportunities. The goal of this paper is to present the evaluation of knowledge management processes and to present both the implementation of changes as well as the obtained results. Qualitative research was carried out empirically with the use of multiple case study. The SMEs of the following industries were included in the research (1) production of stone processing machines, (2) rubber products, (3) consulting and accounting services. The research conducted in each company was carried out according to the same scenario: (1) evaluation of the status of knowledge management in SME (that was carried out with the use of the authors own questionnaire both among managers and employees), (2) indication of knowledge management processes to be improved, (3) implementation of changes, (4) analysis of the obtained results. The research was carried out in the years 2015-2017.The results of the implemented changes were analyzed by the organizations members (managers and employees). Moreover, it was assessed how the financial results of the companies changed in the covered period (the following indicators were used: total turnover, net profit, return on sales).
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