Identification and Ranking of Key Success Factors in Knowledge Management Implementation in Comprehensive Public Universities in Iran: A Case Study of Kharazmi University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master's student, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Master's degree, Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.48308/jimp.15.1.101

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives: Key Success Factors (KSFs) refer to activities that, through the convergence of various organizational units, enhance competitive performance within institutions. In the implementation of Knowledge Management (KM), these factors significantly impact an organization’s success when applied accurately and effectively. The primary objective of this study is to identify and rank the KSFs in the implementation of KM in comprehensive public universities in Iran. As a case study, this research examines the results obtained from Kharazmi University as a comprehensive public university. Additionally, weighting and ranking of the identified key factors have been conducted as a secondary objective of the study.
Methods: This research is applied in nature and employs a descriptive exploratory mixed-methods design. Initially, a systematic review was conducted using 30 articles that adequately covered the research topic based on relevant keywords and fell within the 2010–2024 timeframe. Subsequently, using the fuzzy-grey Delphi method, a panel of experts identified the key success factors for KM implementation in comprehensive public universities in Iran, based on the keywords extracted from the literature review and expert recommendations. Next, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to determine the study’s latent constructs. A single-dimensional questionnaire was designed and distributed to 150 experts. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha, while Bartlett's test and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) index validated the sample adequacy. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed in LISREL 8.80 using convergent validity. Descriptive data analysis was conducted in SPSS, dimension weighting was carried out using the Critic technique (stakeholder-oriented) and Shannon’s entropy model (expert-oriented), and the ranking of dimensions was determined using the ELECTRE technique.
Findings: The systematic review identified 37 unique factors. After eliminating irrelevant factors in the expert panel, 30 key factors were finalized, including 27 factors from the literature review and 3 additional factors suggested by experts. Exploratory factor analysis identified nine key dimensions, ranked in order of priority: knowledge-generating social capital, role-driven motivations, fulfillment of supported needs and expectations, knowledge-enabling and knowledge-expanding organizational infrastructure, transparency and alignment in shared knowledge, commitment-driven information systems, monitoring of generated knowledge, policy-making in indigenous knowledge, and a knowledge-utilization culture. These factors can be strengthened through measures such as enhancing organizational trust, forming specialized teams, and structuring knowledge effectively. Moreover, appropriate organizational infrastructure and requirements can facilitate the organization of specialized knowledge groups, thereby enabling a mutual definition of responsibilities among knowledge providers and recipients.
Conclusion: The scope of this study has contributed to a deeper understanding of various aspects of successful KM implementation that were not addressed in previous research. Specifically, this study has identified the KSFs for KM implementation in comprehensive public universities in Iran. Additionally, multi-criteria decision-making techniques have been employed to rank the identified factors. Therefore, this research provides a broader perspective for evaluating and ranking KSFs for the successful implementation of KM in academic and research institutions, particularly in comprehensive public universities in Iran.

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References

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