CMS resumes for First Term 2020/2021 Session
Director of Studies
2020-11-16
Methods
A narrative review of the knowledge transfer literature identified 28 different models which
explained all or part of the knowledge transfer process. The models were subjected to a thematic
analysis to identify individual components and the types of processes used when transferring
knowledge into action. The results were used to build a conceptual framework of the process.
Results
Five common components of the knowledge transfer process were identified: problem identification and
communication; knowledge/research development and selection; analysis of context; knowledge transfer
activities or interventions; and knowledge/research utilization. We also identified three types of
knowledge transfer processes: a linear process; a cyclical process; and a dynamic multidirectional
process. From these results a conceptual framework of knowledge transfer was developed. The
framework illustrates the five common components of the knowledge transfer process and shows that
they are connected via a complex, multidirectional set of interactions. As such the framework allows
for the individual components to occur simultaneously or in any given order and to occur more than
once during the knowledge transfer process.
Conclusion
Our framework provides a foundation for gathering evidence from case studies of knowledge transfer
interventions. We propose that future empirical work is designed to test and refine the relevant
importance and applicability of each of the components in order to build more useful models of
knowledge transfer which can serve as a practical checklist for planning or evaluating knowledge
transfer activities.
