Modeling and initiating knowledge management program using FQFD: a case study involving a healthcare institute

Knowledge is the most important asset for an organization to create value and sustainable competitive advantage. This study deconstructs a knowledge management (KM) model for utilizing nursing knowledge assets in terms of KM processes and KM enablers. Knowledge management processes are the activities or initiatives an organization puts in place to enable and facilitate the creation, sharing and use of knowledge for organizational benefit. This study examines, analyzes and prioritizes the KM enablers to facilitate knowledge processes and foster the successful development of organizational knowledge. In doing so, this study applies fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) to deploy the necessary enabler items in detail for KM implementation. Based on the analytical results of fuzzy QFD (FQFD) for the case-study hospital, the priority order of the KM enablers is measurement, leadership, technology and culture. The results of FQFD also show that reinforcing KM enablers is necessary to promote elements in the KM process for the case hospital during KM program implementation.