Knowledge Transfer Within Integrated Logistics Support at Saab Kockums - A Case Study

Abstract (Swedish)

Komplex produktutveckling med långa projekttider kräver framgångsrik överföring av kunskap inom och mellan projekt. Avdelningen för integrerat logistikstöd (ILS) vid Saab Kockums Malmö har identifierat ett behov av att överskåda de nuvarande arbetssätten. Syftet med detta examensarbete är att undersöka de olika typerna av kunskap som är viktiga för arbetet på ILS-avdelningen, undersöka avdelningens nuvarande utmaningarna med kunskapsöverföring och föreslå förbättringar som kan implementeras för att mer effektivt arbeta med förvaltningen av kunskap.

För att besvara studiens frågeställningar utfördes en fallstudie av kvalitativ karaktär. Metoden bestod av en inledande litteraturstudie av relevanta böcker och artiklar, följt av en inledande undersökning av företagets kunskapshanteringssystem och intranät. Den huvudsakliga empiriska datainsamlingen genomfördes genom semistrukturerade intervjuer med 20 respondenter. Dessa bestod av ingenjörer som arbetar på ILS-avdelningen, chefer, chefsingenjörer och kvalitetsingenjörer med relevant erfarenhet.

Materialet från intervjuerna analyserades och ämnena som behandlades kategoriserades. Med stöd av teori från litteraturstudien formulerades resultaten baserat på citat från intervjuerna. Resultaten visade att den kunskap som är betydelsefull för ILS inkluderar kommunikationsfärdigheter, kunskap om var kunskap hämtas samt den tekniska kunskapen om produkten och komplexiteten hos delsystem. Ett antal utmaningar med de nuvarande metoderna för kunskapshantering på ILS-avdelningen identifierades. Dessa inkluderade bristfälliga introduktionsplaner, behov av att implementera kontinuerliga lessons learned, organisering och tillgänglighet av information, ILS-kännedom, kommunikation med slutanvändare och slutligen prioritering av utbildning.

Abstract

Complex product development with long project times requires successful transfers of knowledge within and between projects. The department of integrated logistics support (ILS) at Saab Kockums Malmö has identified a need to oversee the current working methods. The purpose of this master thesis is to examine the different types of knowledge important to the work at the ILS department and explore the current challenges regarding the transfer of knowledge. Possible improvements that may be implemented to achieve more efficient knowledge management methods are to be suggested.

To tackle the research questions, a case study of qualitative character was performed. The methodology consisted of an introductory literature review of relevant books and articles, followed by an initial investigation of the company’s knowledge management systems and intranet. The main empirical data collection was achieved by semi-structured interviews with 20 respondents: engineers working at the ILS department, managers, chief engineers, and quality engineers with relevant experience.

The material from the interviews was further analyzed and categorized. With backing in theory from the literature study the findings were formulated based on interview statements. The results showed that types of knowledge significant to ILS include skills of communication and knowledge of where knowledge is retrieved. Furthermore, the technical knowledge of the product and the complexity of systems proved to be of particular importance. Several challenges regarding the current methods of knowledge management at the ILS department were found. These included insufficient onboarding plans, the need for implementing methods of continuous lessons learned, the organization and availability of information, ILS awareness, communication with end users, and finally the prioritizing education.

Popular Abstract

To successfully preserve and manage knowledge and competence might sound like an easy task. That is however certainly not the case. Working with complex product development with long project times requires effective knowledge transfer within and between projects and teams. At the department of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) at Saab Kockums Malmö, the need of overseeing current working methods has been recognized.
This article presents the exciting findings of a master's thesis that uncovers the key types of knowledge crucial to the ILS department's work, explores the challenges in knowledge transfer, and proposes improvements for more efficient knowledge management.
To unravel the secrets of effective knowledge management, a qualitative case study was conducted. The methodology consisted if an initial literature review, examining relevant books and articles. Subsequently, an investigation of the company's knowledge management systems and intranet was carried out. The primary data collection relied on semi-structured interviews with 20 respondents, including engineers, managers, chief engineers, and quality engineers relevant experience in the field of ILS.
The material obtained from the interviews was carefully analyzed and categorized. The findings were formulated based on the statements provided by the interviewees, supported by relevant theories from the literature study. The results revealed several key types of knowledge essential to ILS, including effective communication skills, knowledge of where knowledge is retrieved, technical expertise in the product domain, and an understanding of complex systems.
No journey is without obstacles, and the path to effective knowledge management is no
exception. The study uncovered a series of challenges lurking in the shadows of the ILS department's current methods. From inadequate onboarding plans to the absence of continuous lessons learned processes, organizational and information availability issues, limited awareness of ILS practices outside the department, communication gaps with end-users, and the critical need for the prioritizing of education.
This study sheds light on the crucial types of knowledge required for successful complex product development within the ILS department at Saab Kockums Malmö. It also highlights the challenges faced in knowledge transfer and provides recommendations for more efficient knowledge management practices. By implementing the suggested improvements, the ILS department can foster a culture of effective knowledge transfer, leading to enhanced project outcomes, reduced errors, and improved overall efficiency. The findings of this study have practical implications not only for Saab Kockums Malmö but also for other organizations engaged in complex product development projects with long timelines.

This popular scientific article is derived from the master thesis:
Knowledge Transfer Within Integrated Logistics Support at Saab Kockums - A Case Study , written by Lovisa Lindström (2023).

• author: Lindström, Lovisa
• supervisor: Glenn Johansson
• organization: Innovation
• course: MMKM05 20231
• year: 2023
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Knowledge management, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), Complex Product Development, Lessons learned
• language: English
• id: 9127339
• date added to LUP: 2023-08-28 11:13:22
• date last changed: 2023-08-28 11:13:22