Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Purpose of the Study 5
Introduction to Theoretical Framework 6
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design 7
Research Questions 8
RQ1 8
RQ2 8
Significance of the Study 8
Definitions of Key Terms 10
Medium-Sized Enterprises 10
Summary 10
Chapter 3: Research Method 12
Research Method and Design 13
Population and Sample 17
Materials and Instrumentation 18
Operational Definition of Variables 18
Data Analysis 18
Assumptions 19
Limitations 19
Delimitations 20
Ethical Assurances 20
Summary 21
References 22
Appendix A 25

List of Tables

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Knowledge management is fundamental to all organizations regardless of the product or industry. These organizations rely on the knowledge and expertise of their employees and stakeholders for them to be successful (Mazorodze & Buckley, 2021). Knowledge is an essential asset for organizations .Organizations need to incorporate processes that grow, store, and share the knowledge between stakeholders to increase effective use of knowledge and stakeholder efficiency. According to Priya et al. (2019) an effective knowledge management system is dependent on employees and what they choose to share. Employees ensure a lasting benefit to the organization by implementing efficient knowledge management strategies. Knowledge management can present challenges to the business if the employees are not able to adequately apply knowledge management strategies. These challenges can be highlighted if the search mechanisms of knowledge management within the organization are not powerful and produce inaccurate results or the organization does not have up to date information (Priya et al., 2019).

Medium-Sized Enterprises encounter resource challenges as opposed to large organizations. These resource constraints hinder Medium-Sized Enterprises from implementing knowledge management strategies in their business operations. Limited finances, human resources, infrastructure, and time characterize resource constraints for Medium-Sized Enterprises (Schropfer et al., 2017). This generally leads to knowledge loss and mismanagement of organizational information (Wei et al., 2017). These outcomes generate loopholes for Medium-Sized Enterprises and the inability to take advantage of information retention and analysis. Failure to implement organizational cultural norms that encourage knowledge management efficacy for Medium-Sized Enterprises minimizes their competitive advantage in the market.

This research topic is relevant because investment in knowledge management is an emergent business tactic that improves the competitive advantage of organizations in their respective industries (Rialti et al., 2020). This research will also help develop a detailed analysis of knowledge management, Medium-Sized Enterprises, and organizational culture. This research will enhance scholar knowledge on the benefits of knowledge management in Medium-Sized Enterprises. Knowledge management allows organizational stakeholders to stimulate cultural changes and innovation which helps the organization to evolve to the dynamic business need in their market.

The study of knowledge management impact on Medium-Sized Enterprises is crucial because there is an increasing number of Medium-Sized Enterprises embracing knowledge management strategies in their business operations. This study will provide information that can be used to assess the positive and negative impact of applying certain knowledge management strategies in Medium-Sized Enterprises. Additionally, scholars and researchers can utilize this study as a knowledge base for future research. This research is aimed at contributing to the field of business and organizational leadership that can be referenced by future scholars

There has been various research conducted on knowledge management. A study conducted on the impact of knowledge management in improving organizational effectiveness determined the link between organizational effectiveness and knowledge management and how competitive advantage is generated in the business world (Finn, 2013). Ngulube (2019) maps the methodological issues that arise during knowledge management research. Researchers have conducted studies to determine the factors that influence knowledge management in practice. Existent research by previous researchers will help to create a balance between individual work and collaborative work from the scholar community.

Organizations that apply knowledge management tactics in their business strategies help maximize their gains in multiple ways (Przysucha, 2017). Medium-Sized Enterprise organizational culture is not focused on management investment, strategies, and benefits. ( Chen, Liang, & Lin, 2010). According to Hussain et al. (2021), organizational culture is influential in promoting behaviors fundamental to knowledge management. These behaviors include sharing and creating knowledge and mediating the relationships between individual knowledge and organizational knowledge. Organizational culture shapes employee attitude, behavior, and identity. Knowledge is a fundamental resource for all organizations, including Medium-Sized Enterprises (Castagna et al., 2020). The increase in competition and advanced management strategies in companies has heightened the need for organizations to implement knowledge management strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Knowledge management is mostly referred to as a general improvement practice that is used to enhance the effectiveness of knowledge in organizations especially in intensive companies (Peter, 2002). Medium-Sized Enterprises face risks and problems due to immaturity of knowledge management practices and failure to integrate knowledge management in their organizational culture that will ensure consistent knowledge management practices for the organization. A lack of consistency in knowledge management practices for the organization gradually lowers the capability of Medium-Sized Enterprises to maintain a competitive edge in their industries. If this problem is not addressed, Medium-Sized Enterprises face the risk of instability and inability to foster rapid adaptation to the changing market demands and technology in the business environment (Peter, 2002).

The target population for this research is a medium-sized information technology company located in the northeastern part of the United States. The organization employs at least 50 participants for it to run normally. A sample of 26 participants will be recruited from the target population to participate in the study because a number slightly above half the population will yield comprehensive results. A sample size is selected based on demographics like physical location, availability, and reliability, (Jenkins et al., 2020).

The research instruments that will be used to collect data from the research participants will include individual in-person and video-conferencing interviews. The interviews will take approximately thirty to forty-five minutes. Interviews will be conducted for data collection purposes. During the interviews, the researcher will describe the purpose of the research and inform the participants that they can stop the interview process at any time. The qualitative data collected for this study will be analyzed using descriptive analysis. Descriptive analysis is the investigation of the distribution of complex and critical data into proper numbers and figures by identifying the association between various numerous and data on knowledge management in the Medium-Sized Enterprise.

The research process of this study will incorporate identifying an ideal sample from the target population at the Medium-Sized Enterprise, defining the sampling frame, data collection, data analysis, and the major processes of the research and the results. All participant information collected during this research will be kept confidential and securely stored. Inductive coding will be used to code the dataset used in this research. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze data collected from this research.

The theory that will be applicable for this study is the Ecological Knowledge Management theory. The Ecological Knowledge Management theory deals with people, relationships, and learning communities (Martins et al., 2019). Knowledge management research can be traced to the 1970s where the early work focused on sociology of knowledge around organizations and technical work in knowledge-based expert systems. Previous knowledge management frameworks focused on knowledge management from a process view. This includes activities like storage, transfer, retrieval, and application of knowledge from one generation to another. Ecology is used to analyze the relationship among members and how they interact with the environment (Martins et al., 2019).

The Ecological Knowledge Management Theory is a model that comprises knowledge interaction, knowledge distribution, knowledge evolution, and knowledge competition. This model is effective in determining the knowledge management strategies and how they are applied in organizations. The theory will be essential in explaining how the interaction of the human resource, clients, and technology can be used to establish knowledge management systems in organizations. The Ecological Knowledge Management Theory applies to this study because it consists of four elements that interact with each other to evolve and enhance a healthy knowledge ecology within organizations (Raudeliuniene et al., 2018). The four elements are knowledge distribution, knowledge interaction, knowledge competition and knowledge evolution. According to Deng-Neng et al. (2010) maintaining an effective knowledge ecology in organizations is fundamental for the success of knowledge management within the organization. The Ecological Knowledge Management Model will guide the researcher in identifying the impact of knowledge management strategies in Medium-Sized Enterprises.

The research methodology applied in this study is qualitative research. Qualitative research is a social science research method used to collect data by working with non-numerical data and seeks to interpret meaning from the data collected. An exploratory case study was selected for this research because it demonstrates the significance of this study and provides factual evidence to persuade the reader (Rhee et al., 2015). Qualitative research methodology for this research is aimed at understanding the impact of knowledge management in Medium-Sized enterprises. The exploratory case study research design is fundamental to this research because it will demonstrate the significance of this research to the industry (Rhee et al., 2015).

This study will be conducted on Medium-Sized Enterprises. By Implementing a qualitative research method will allow the researcher to analyze Medium-Sized Enterprises, organizational culture, and knowledge management amongst other major concepts in this study. The qualitative research method is applicable for this study because it provides the researcher with qualitative data that will be used to analyze the impact of knowledge management strategies on Medium-Sized Enterprises. The data collection process will characterize the use of research instruments like interviews, reading, and observation. The validity of this research will be determined by the appropriateness of the research instruments applied (Aithal, 2017).

This research will focus on how Medium-Sized Enterprises incorporate these knowledge management strategies into their organizational culture. Case study research design, the in-depth study of a phenomenon method, is pertinent for this study because it requires careful formulation, examination, and listing of assumptions of the research in open-ended problems, (Leung, 2015). The research methodology applied in this study will help identify the impact of knowledge management strategies on Medium-Sized Enterprises and how it affects their competitive capability in the industries that they operate in.

How does organizational culture affect knowledge management within the Medium-Sized Enterprise?

How does investment in knowledge management improve the competitive advantage for the Medium-Sized Enterprise?

The findings of this research will contribute to the success of Medium-Sized Enterprises because organizational culture is an essential component in all organizations. This study will aim to identify how organizational culture that promotes knowledge management in Medium-Sized Enterprises can increase competitive advantage. This research is highly significant because the competitive advantage is important to Medium-Sized Enterprises. If organizations generate higher benefits, then the medium-Sized Enterprises could help improve residual value for the same desired value. This will increase the competitive advantage for the enterprise (Jones et al., 2021).

The data collected in will help evaluate how the organizational culture can be used to improve the competitive advantage of Medium-Sized Enterprises. This study will prepare organizational leaders in dealing with competitive advantage issues that are brought about by an organizational culture that does not support knowledge management in Medium-Sized Enterprises. Also, the study will contribute to the body of knowledge in business administration and organizational leadership and business by investigating how the organizational culture of Medium-Sized Enterprises can be used to increase their competitive advantage. The findings of this study will highlight the aspects of knowledge management that enhance competitive advantage for Medium-Sized Enterprises in their industries. The aspects of knowledge management that will be studied include process, people, content information technology, and strategy. The aspects of knowledge management are vital in determining how knowledge is handled, shared, analyzed, and used to make decisions within organizations.

The study’s purpose is to explore and address the challenges that face Medium-sized Enterprises as they work towards establishing knowledge management systems. Medium-sized enterprises have failed to launch knowledge management systems successfully and this research could be a turning point (Hussain et al., 2021, Mazorodze, & Buckley, 2021). The aim of the study is to highlight how the problems associated with implementing knowledge management systems could be solved by the relevant stakeholders. Solutions could include government interventions or a Medium-size Enterprise commitment to Knowledge Management Systems (Mazorodze & Buckley, 2021). Lastly, research on this topic could provide opportunities for future research by other scholars in the field of organizational culture and strategic management.

Medium-Sized Enterprises are enterprises that employ 250 or fewer employees. These enterprises do not exceed an annual turnover of $50 million (Chen, 2006).

Knowledge Management

Knowledge management is the process of structuring, defining, sharing, and retaining knowledge and employee experience within an organization (Maier et al., 2011).

Medium-Sized Enterprises face resource constraints in terms of human resources, finances, and time. This inhibits their capability of takingto take advantage of knowledge management benefits that give provide them a competitive advantage in the market. The research problem for this study isto be addressed in this study is why Medium-Sized Enterprises experience lowered competitive advantage when faced with the inability to utilize organizational cultural strategies that promote knowledge management. The current challenge is that Medium-sized Enterprise?s experience lower competitive advantage when faced with the inability to utilize organization culture strategies that promote knowledge and management. The purpose of this study (include your Purpose Statement here) The study examines the impact of organizational cultural strategies that promote investment in knowledge management within Medium-Sized Enterprises. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Do not use the word give

This chapter will cover the qualitative research methodology to be usedthat will be used to in collecting thecollect the data as well as the design, in order to create a better understanding of the topic. The population sample from which the data is collected. Materials and instrumentations used in the process of collecting the data. The research method used in this study is qualitative research.

The chapter will provide a clear and complete description of the specific steps to follow during the research process. In order to gain a better awareness of the topic, the chapter will also describe the mechanisms and approaches that will be used in gathering data and proof for analysis. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Rephrase this into one cogent paragraph that provides a brief overview of the contents of this chapter. Include a statement that identifies the research methodology and research design (case study)

Scholars develop research design from research questions and purposes (Dina, 2012). The questions and purpose provide basic information on what the author(s) should research (Dina, 2012). There is also a difference between a methodology and a method, with a methodology referring to a roadmap while a method denotes a set of steps that guide researchers (Dinah, 2012). An appropriate research design and method ensures that the data collected is ideal and relevant towards answering the research questions in place (Dina, 2012). The determination of which research method to use and why fundamentally depends on the research goal. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Rule of thumb – the same author should only be cited 2-3 times in one paragraph. You cited Dina four times. Please conduct additional research.

Checklist:

Describe the research methodology and design. Elaborate upon their appropriateness in relation to the study problem, purpose, and research questions.

1. Discuss Qualitative Research

2. Discuss Quantitative Research

Identify alternative methodologies and designs and indicate why they were determined to be less appropriate than the ones selected. Do not simply list and describe research methodologies and designs in general.

Discuss each case study design. Each design should be at least 5-6 paragraphs and then conclude with why they were determined to be less appropriate.

The research methodology applied in this study is qualitative research. It refers to market research that focuses on obtaining data through open-ended questions whose answers are not easily put into numbers such as ?how? and ?why?. Qualitative approaches are majorly used to provide and explore deeper insights into real world problems. It gathers answers on experiences meaning and perspectives, often from the standpoint of the participant. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Please do not begin a sentence with It. Eliminate vague pronoun references. A pronoun must refer to a specific word in the sentence. “It” is a vague pronoun reference because it does not refer to a specific word in the sentence. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Where is your reference? Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Please do not begin a sentence with It. Eliminate vague pronoun references. A pronoun must refer to a specific word in the sentence. “It” is a vague pronoun reference because it does not refer to a specific word in the sentence.

Qualitative research applies numerous techniques to obtain data, including interviews, focus groups, and observations (Asper & Corte, 2019). The interviews may be unstructured, with open-ended questions on a topic and the interviewer adapts the responses. Structured interviews employ a predetermined number of questions that every participant is asked. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: A paragraph should be at least 5 sentences. Please visit the Academic Success Center for helpful writing tips https://library.ncu.edu/friendly.php?s=writingresources

In this study qualitative research is appropriate since it allows one to measure and examine the concepts of the research and examine the situations where the hypothesis of the research is not known. In the study, we do not know what to expect, qualitative research will help in developing an approach to the research problem and delve deeper on the impact of knowledge in management strategies on the competitive advantage of medium sized enterprises. Qualitative research methodology is appropriate for this study since will help in gathering medium sized enterprise?s experiences, and perceptions on how the knowledge in management strategy on competitive advantage enhances their effectiveness. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Who is we? rephrase Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: You have 5 paragraphs discussing qualitative research and only cited two authors. Please research at least 3- 5 additional authors on qualitative research.

This kind of research is referred to as the process of collecting numerical data and analyzing it. It is majorly used to find patterns, averages, predictions, as well as cause-effect relationships between the variables being studied. It is applied in generalizing the results of particular research to the population being considered. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Be specific – what kind? Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: Please remember to write in an academic and scholarly manner.

The goal of quantitative research is to gather numerical data from a group of participants. Then generalize the results to a larger group of the participants to explain a phenomenon. It is majorly used when the study aims at getting objective and conclusive answers. Comment by Dr. Deanna Davis: You will need to research – write and cite. You have 1.5 paragraphs on quantitative research and did not cite one author.

The quantitative research method was determined to be less appropriate in the study because no factual data was required in the research. In our study, qualitative data was used from the readings, document reviews observation, and interviews. Quantitative, resear