Purpose -This paper aims to analyze how organizational conditions, technology adoption, supplier relationship management and customer relationship management affect knowledge creation through socialization-externalization combination, internalization (SECI) modes, and various ba, as proposed by Nonaka and Konno, in a supply chain. Design/methodology/approach -A qualitative inquiry with thematic analysis, which focuses on a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel manufacturer and an integrated circuits (IC) packaging and testing manufacturer, is presented in order to identify how these key factors affect knowledge creation in a supply chain environment through the SECI modes and ba. Findings -The results show that these critical factors facilitate different types of knowledge conversion process in order to achieve successful knowledge creation in a supply chain. Knowledge of the significant factors that were found in this study may be applicable to countries or areas such as Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore or other developing countries, whose dominant businesses are similar to the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)/ original design manufacturers (ODMs) in Taiwan.Research limitations/implications -This paper considers the case study only as one empirical illustration of many other possible implementation processes. The study does not assume that these companies are a paradigm or that the specific situation is applicable to all other business enterprises. Future researchers interested in this field are therefore encouraged to triangulate its findings by examining variables generated from this study. Originality/value -This study employs a quantitative approach to investigate critical knowledge creation factors for supply chain performance. Through empirical study, a better understanding of the dynamics of knowledge creation in a supply chain can be gained.

PurposeThis study seeks to explore the interrelationships between knowledge management and ISO 9001:2000, and details knowledge management and ISO 9001:2000 practices for organizations, according to the prevailing ISO 9001:2000 guidelines and processes.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes an intact process model that integrates ISO 9001:2000 processes in order to exploit critical knowledge within an organization. A Delphi approach is designed and used to identify activities within this process model, which will facilitate knowledge flow practices. In addition, a knowledge management conceptual framework which integrated ISO 9000 processes, quality information system and infrastructure is proposed. Empirical research, involving a case study with thematic analysis, is presented to discuss the proposed framework.FindingsThis paper identifies the most important activities within ISO 9001:2000 processes which can facilitate knowledge flow. Meanwhile, a comprehensive ISO 9000 process‐based knowledge management system architecture which is derived from the in‐depth interview and the qualitative analyses will be proposed.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited in its research methodology. This case study is considered as only one empirical illustration of many other possible implementation processes. It is not assumed that this company is a paradigm or that its specific situation is applicable to all other business enterprises.Originality/valueThis architecture offers an initial model for an organization that wants to facilitate knowledge flows according to the prevailing ISO 9001:2000 guidelines and processes, and further proceed with its knowledge management system implementation to encourage the management of corporate knowledge and effectively enhance the firm's competitiveness.

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Organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides have recently attracted attention in the global research field for their bright light emission, tunable photoluminescence wavelength, and convenient synthesis method. This study reports the detailed properties of (C10H16N)2MnBr4, which emits bright green light with a high photoluminescence quantum yield. Results of powder X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectra show the phase transition of (C10H16N)2MnBr4 at 430 K. This phase transition was identified as the solid to liquid state of (C10H16N)2MnBr4. Moreover, the pressure- and temperature-induced relationship between structural and optical properties in (C10H16N)2MnBr4 can be identified. This investigation provides deep insights into the luminescent properties of metal halide crystals and promotes further research.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between knowledge creation processes and the Six Sigma approach. Design/methodology/approach -An integrated Six Sigma implementation process is proposed to explore knowledge creation opportunities within a Six Sigma program. A qualitative inquiry with thematic analysis which focuses on a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) panel manufacturer and a glass substrates manufacturer is presented in order to identify how the Six Sigma program facilitates the knowledge creation process through the socialization, externalization combination and internalization (SECI) modes, and four types of space for knowledge creation, which are viewed as the different forms of ba, as proposed by Nonaka et al. , namely originating ba, interacting ba, systemizing ba and exercising ba. Findings -This study contributes to integrating the domains of quality management and knowledge management research. The findings demonstrate the potential mediating effect of a Six Sigma knowledge-creating system. Research limitations/implications -This study is limited in its research methodology, and the case studies are only two empirical illustrations of many other possible implementation processes. The author does not assume that these companies are paradigms or that their specific situations are applicable to all other business enterprises. Originality/value -This architecture offers an initial model for an organization that wants to facilitate knowledge creation according to the prevailing Six Sigma approach, and further proceed with its knowledge management systems implementation to encourage the management of corporate knowledge and effectively enhance competitiveness.