Knowledge reuse in quality systems: An explorative study

Abstract

Given that manufacturing companies are increasingly becoming knowledge intensive, the role of knowledge in quality management cannot be ignored. This study focuses on the questions of how knowledge reuse can affect quality problems as well as how the problem solving mechanisms commonly used to resolve quality problems influence the knowledge reuse. Based on the case studies conducted in a manufacturing plant in China, several frameworks that enable executives to diagnose their quality management system are proposed, of which suitable actions from knowledge reuse perspective can be put in place. The research also reveals that the selection and use of the correct mechanisms in the knowledge reuse processes is also crucial to the success of knowledge reuse.