Managing transnational knowledge transfer projects

Sammanfattning: Transnational knowledge transfer projects (TKTP) has become a strategic way for organizations to transfer knowledge across national boundaries in order to maintain their competitive position. However, the complex and unique nature of TKTPs makes these difficult for project managers (PMs) to handle and the lack of a solid foundation among scholars thus required further insight into what affects these types of projects and how they can be managed. The purpose of this research was to gain a deeper understanding of which critical factors appear and how PMs can facilitate the execution of TKTPs. The research purpose was addressed through an abductive approach, using a multiple case study of projects at a selected case company, able to provide great insights regarding TKTPs and the management of such projects. In total, three different projects were chosen, whereby a total of 18 interviews were performed with participants from each project. The results showed that certain critical factors must be taken in consideration and dealt with by PMs at a certain point in time, i.e. during the different phases of the TKTP. As such, PMs are able to facilitate the execution of TKTPs. The results are further presented in a framework, illustrating a process presenting each phase in detail with the corresponding critical factors and how PMs can deal with them. Prior literature regarding knowledge transfer projects (KTP) in general is not sufficient to receive a comprehensive understanding of the transnational perspective, i.e. the added complexity in transferring across national boundaries. The results provided in this research hence extend the previous literature by viewing in detail which critical factors appear and how managers can facilitate the execution of TKTP by presenting a framework illustrating the additional critical factors, and how managers can deal with them. The managerial implications entail that as TKTPs and organizations are so unique, the framework must be adapted to the specific situation at hand. In addition, the framework further helps PMs to overcome the complexity of TKTPs, as it guides PMs through the project phase by phase. The results provide PMs with directives to facilitate the execution of TKTPs and a foundation for new global business opportunities.