Organizational Patterns for Knowledge Capture in B2B Engagements
The purpose of this research is to present a means of knowledge capture in form of patterns that are solutions to reoccurring problems for business-to-business (B2B) organizations. Using empirical data, we examine the processes involved in the B2B engagement and capture valuable solutions as best practices. The collection of patterns forms a pattern language for B2B engagements that addresses operational, communication and collaboration areas of the B2B environment.
The thesis is organized into three parts. Part I presents an overview of the work tying Part II and Part III. It contains problem, research objective, research process, contribution, result, publications, and thesis structure. Part II presents the first set of patterns developed. Part III builds up on the work in Part II by taking an in-depth study using more organizations to expound on the pattern language.
Patterns developed in this thesis essentially are best practices in the B2B domain. Natural language is used to present the knowledge embedded in the patterns, i.e. solutions and suggestions that give advice on how the pattern is to be applied in a real case scenario. In some cases, this knowledge constitutes an organizational design proposal serving as a suggestion or inspiration for design B2B engagements in organizations.
Citations are used in the motivation field of pattern to emphasize the reason for using industry practices and experience. The pattern validation process is performed after pattern development, and it showed the external consistency of the knowledge embedded in the developed patterns. The research result shows that organizations appreciate and are willing to participate in capturing best practices in the form of organizational patterns. These patterns are seen as generic and abstract organizational designs that can be adapted and reused in practice.
Respondent: Moses Niwe
Opponent: Docent Eva Söderström, Institutionen för kommunikation och information, Högskolan i Skövde
Ordförande/Huvudhandledare: Docent Janis Stirna, DSV
Betygsnämnd: Docent Lazar Rusu, Institutionen för data- och systemvetenskap, Stockholms universitet, Docent Christian Maravelias, Företagsekonomiskainstitutionen, Stockholms universitet, Professor Marite Kirikova, Department of System Theory and Design, Riga Technical University
Tid: onsdag 26 maj, kl 13:00
Plats: DSV, Forum, Sal C, Isafjordsgatan 39, Kista
