A Conceptual Model of the Product Development Process using Tacit Knowledge of People with Disabilities

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) in an organization has always been an important element of creating its value and ensuring its development. Economic entities and market organizations that strive to ensure a competitive advantage must care for the best use of their knowledge, both explicit and tacit. Tacit knowledge may constitute up to 80% of all knowledge accumulated in an organization, but its nature is much less accessible to codification. The aim of the conducted research is to present a conceptual model of product development for the disabled, which assumes the functioning of the value network (VN) based on information technologies (IT). These people are the best source of knowledge necessary to formulate the framework defining the parameters of the developed product. The presented model considers the specific requirements of a given social group, which is characterized by a large dispersion and diverse needs. This is the biggest obstacle to extracting the knowledge necessary in the design and testing process. The article is an introduction to the discussion on the acquisition of tacit knowledge for personalization and adaptation of products to the needs of a given social group. The research into the conceptual model is the initial stage of research work that focuses on the analysis of literature and the creation of the concept of tacit knowledge management in the product development model based on the value network. The management of dispersed tacit knowledge is to systematize specific information in the field of product adaptation to the needs of the disabled. The concept of using tacit knowledge is always a challenge in the organization's knowledge management. The disabled often face difficulties in everyday life. Especially in the current situation in Ukraine, where military operations lead to an increase in the number of injured people for whom later adaptation in society will require appropriate knowledge and resources managed within the value network.