Title: Technology as knowledge – towards a new perspective on knowledge management in electronics

Authors: Andrew Taylor, Tom Oates

Addresses: University of Bradford Management Centre, Emm Lane, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 4JL, UK. ' Department of Information Management, The Queen's University of Belfast, Lanyon Building, University Road, Belfast BT7 INN, UK

Abstract: This paper gives practical examples of the concept of knowledge management with reference to an SME in the electronics sector. The study covers collaboration with the authors over a six year period. Whilst recognizing the relatively immature stage of this emerging subject|s development, three practical demonstrations are given of its potential for enhancing the new product introduction process by analysing circuit designs in the light of subsequent manufacturing data. In particular, the power of inductive learning techniques is applied to thick film component design. One particular example highlights its capacity to uncover new knowledge directly from such data. The implications of this work are discussed, firstly for the management of the technology of design and manufacture and secondly for the improvement of business performance. Significant improvement in defect rates, process yields, stockturns per annum and turnover per head are reported.

Keywords: knowledge management; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; electronics industry; component design process; new product introduction; NPI; circuit designs; inductive learning; thick film components; technology management; business performance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1996.025434

International Journal of Technology Management, 1996 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.296 - 314

Published online: 22 May 2009 *

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