Title: Knowledge management support in the engineering change process in small and medium-sized companies

Authors: Jože Tavčar; Janez Benedičič; Roman Žavbi

Addresses: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ' Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Abstract: Knowledge management (KM) in the engineering change (EC) management process is crucial for any manufacturing enterprise. Systematically gathered, analysed, and interpreted professional experiences can prevent technical problems, unnecessary costs, and unnecessary ECs. Successful implementation of KM requires a holistic and transdisciplinary approach. The main contribution of the paper is the five-step KM model that is integrated into the EC process. Failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) and design history files are the documents used to manage the knowledge related to a specific product. A product's design history file should contain explanations of decisions. Supporting activities for applying KM should include a campaign to raise awareness, and special attention should be put on the transfer of tacit knowledge that can be stimulated by mixed teams of senior and up and coming engineers. The content of the acquired knowledge should be checked periodically, and the analysis should be followed by corrective measures.

Keywords: knowledge management; engineering change; tacit knowledge; design history file; lessons learned; knowledge-sharing; medium-sized company.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2019.104587

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2019 Vol.12 No.4, pp.354 - 381

Received: 08 Oct 2018
Accepted: 11 Jun 2019
Published online: 21 Jan 2020 *

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