Evaluation and Analysis of Knowledge Management Dimensions with Structural Equation Modeling Approach in Knowledge-Based Project-Oriented Organizations

Document Type : Original Research Manuscripts

Authors

1 PhD. Student, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, SR.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/kps.2025.528651.1233
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate knowledge management and its components in knowledge-based project-oriented organizations; knowledge management plays an important role in improving performance, innovation, and sustainable competitive advantage. This applied mixed-method research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In the qualitative phase, meta-synthesis and the fuzzy Delphi method were used to identify and validate key components. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was administered using stratified random sampling.  Data were analyzed with SPSS and model fit was assessed via Smart PLS. The validity and reliability of the instrument were confirmed through expert evaluations, and Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.7. Six main dimensions of knowledge management—process, technology, human resources, organizational structure, strategy, and leadership—along with 25 components were identified. The Quantitative results demonstrated that these dimensions were generally in a favorable state. Among them, the process dimension had the highest impact while technology had the lowest. The most influential components included strategy, leadership, and knowledge culture. Evaluating knowledge management enables knowledge-based project-oriented organizations to optimize their resources, enhance productivity, and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

Keywords

Subjects

Akbari, M., Akbari, D., Najibi, F., & Hajizadeh, V. (2022). Knowledge management in a project-oriented organization and its impact on reducing delays of road construction projects in Southern Khorasan. Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering, 9(2), 25–43. https://doi.org/10.22065/JSCE.2021.213337.2032
Amidi, M., Hashemzadeh, G., & Alizadeh, A. (2018). Knowledge management pattern for project-based organizations in energy industry: A grounded theory study. Petroleum Business Review, 52–59. https://doi.org/10.22050/pbr.2018.91320
Argoubi, M., Ammari, E., & Masri, H. (2012). A scientometric analysis of operations research and management science research in Africa. Operational Research, 21(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12351-020-00555-9
Ayatollahi, H., & Zeraatkar, K. (2020). Factors influencing the success of knowledge management processes in healthcare organizations: A literature review. Health Info Libr Journal, 37(2), 98–117. https://doi.org/10.1111/hir.12285
Daders, F., & Habashizadeh, M. (2014). Knowledge management model in project-oriented organizations: With emphasis on holding structures and EPC method in oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Knowledge Management and Information Sciences, 275–299.
Edward, J., & Lönnqvist, A. (2023). The future of knowledge management: An agenda for research and practice. Knowledge Management Research & Practice, 21(5), 909–916. https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2023.2202509
Ekambaram, A., Sørensen, A., Bull-Berg, H., & Olsson, N. (2018). The role of big data and knowledge management in improving projects and project-based organizations. Procedia Computer Science, 138, 851–858. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2018.10.111
Etzkowitz, H., & Zhou, A. (2019). Triple helix: A universal innovation model? In Handbook on Science and Public Policy (pp. 357–375). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-020-09418-1
Fathi, M. R., Sobhani, S. M., Nasrollahi, M., & Abdollahi Nejat, M. (2021). The effect of structured knowledge on the performance of an organization. Health Management and Information Science8(4), 242–247. https://doi.org/10.30476/JHMI.2022.91363.1084
Gemünden, H., Lehner, P., & Kock, A. (2017). The project-oriented organization and its contribution to innovation. International Journal of Project Management, 35(1), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.07.009
Ghasemi, B., & Valmohammadi, C. (2023). Identification and prioritization of critical success factors of knowledge management implementation using a novel hybrid group decision-making model. VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, 53(6), 1086–1118. https://doi.org/10.1108/VJIKMS-02-2021-0023
Gonzalez, R. V. (2022). Innovative performance of project teams: The role of organizational structure and knowledge-based dynamic capability. Journal of Knowledge Management, 26(5), 1164–1186. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-03-2021-0259
Gorji, M., & Barati, S. (2019). Knowledge management implementation model in defense knowledge-based companies. Basij Strategic Studies, 86(23), 150–184.
Khalkati, M., & Fazeli-Kabria, H. (2018). Project-oriented organizational structure: Critical factors and key points for success. Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, 36–40.
Lengnick-Hall, M. L., & Neely, A. R. (2023). Talent staffing systems for effective knowledge management. In Smart Talent Management (pp. 107–127). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802202717.00013
Mirzaei, H. (2023). Investigating the relationship between organizational culture and project knowledge management mechanisms in project-oriented organizations in the oil and gas sector (Master’s thesis). University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Mohd Yunus, A., Zakaria, N., Ridwan Kamarulzaman, M., Kamarudin Abd Kadir, I., & Rafedzi, E. R. K. (2024). New practices to prevent knowledge management projects or programs failure in an organization: A systematic literature review. Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.24191/jikm.v14i1.4685
Rahimzadeh, M., Khalilzadeh, M., & Soltani, R. (2018). Identifying factors affecting the implementation of knowledge management in project-oriented construction organizations (a structural equation approach): Sadad Bonyan Construction Company. Industrial Technology Development Quarterly, 57–72.
Rastegar, M., Arbabi, H., & Sobhiyah, M. (2023). The impact of organizational commitment on knowledge management processes in project-based organizations: Mediating role of employee motivation. Revista GeSec, 14(11), 20586–20611. https://doi.org/10.7769/gesec.v14i11.3086
Rezaeian, A., Nezafati, N., & Bagheri, R. (2018). Formation of knowledge network in knowledge-based companies. Journal of Business Management Explorations, 20(10), 188–213.
Suparwadi, Musadieq, M. A., Riza, M. F., & Hutahayan, B. (2024). Leveraging intellectual capital and knowledge management to drive innovation and organizational performance. International Journal of Engineering Business Management, 16, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1177/18479790241304563
Yavari, E., Mardani, A., Mirarab Razic, M. A., & Fathi, M. R. (2024). Developing a hybrid fuzzy MCDM and MODM model for allocating knowledge management tools and practices to organizational knowledge issues. Fuzzy Optimization and Modeling Journal (FOMJ)5(1), 59–91. https://doi.org/10.71808/fomj.2024.1002662
Zycka, D., Kluczek, A., & Bagiński, J. (2022). Proposal of a multi-faced approach for building a knowledge management-based strategy in SMEs. Advances in Science and Technology Research, 16(3), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.12913/22998624/150238

  • Receive Date 06 June 2025
  • Revise Date 01 August 2025
  • Accept Date 20 August 2025