Knowledge exploration–exploitation and information technology: crisis management of teaching–learning scenario in the COVID-19 outbreak

ABSTRACT

Education institution closure is considered as an effective way to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are several challenges concerning teaching and learning activities (knowledge transfer) in crisis times such a COVID-19. This study aims to provide a holistic view of knowledge transfer and information technology scenario in the education sector during COVID-19 or another uncertain environment. A systematic literature review was conducted by several search techniques such as study selection, synthesis of papers, and reporting the results. A total of 290 peer-reviewed research studies were carried out. These articles were filtered, and 51 relevant articles were selected. The study mainly contributes by illustrating the schema or scenario of effective knowledge transfer of the teaching–learning process in the context of coronavirus crisis through maximising the information technology (IT) tools and knowledge management (KM) approach. Several factors namely IT tools of remote and online learning, knowledge exploration–exploitation, education’s knowledge types (tacit-explicit knowledge), and internal–external knowledge in education were identified. The study further provides the new paradigm for future study. Additionally, several concepts and theories were merged, namely SECI theory and ambidexterity view (knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation). Future studies may extend the research area to different types of organisations and extend this model into empirical tests.

KEYWORDS:

• Knowledge management
• information systems (online learning)
• knowledge exploration–exploitation
• crisis times (e.g. COVID-19)

Acknowledgements

Saide is the corresponding author of this article (PhD candidate at Department of Information Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology; Lecturer at Department of Information System, Universitas Islam Negeri Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, Indonesia; Project Management at EnReach (Energy Research Center), UIN SUSKA Riau; and PRO-Knowledge Research Group, Indonesia). We would like to thank the Committees and Reviewers for their critiques and revision recommendations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported and cooperated with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Department of Information Management).

Notes on contributors

Saide Saide

Saide Saide is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Department of Information Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Holds two Master's degrees from Department of Information Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and Department of Information System, Institute Technology of Sepuluh Nopember (ITS Surabaya), Indonesia. He obtained a bachelor's in Information systems in Indonesia. His research addressed: Knowledge Management, Information System, Organizational Behavior. Email: [email protected] and [email protected].

Margaret L. Sheng

Margaret L. Sheng (Li-Huei Sheng) is currently a Professor at Department of Business Administration and Department of Information Management, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan. Holds a Ph.D. from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, United States. His current research interests: Knowledge Management, International Marketing, Creativity and Entrepreneurship. Email: [email protected].