Abstract—The present study aims to discuss the role of the information technology (IT) components (hardware, software and network) in knowledge management for product design. Data were collected through questionnaires, which were distributed 220 questionnaires to industrial companies in China. Simple regression analyses were used to determine the relationship between hardware and knowledge management , software and knowledge management, network and knowledge management, knowledge management and product design , also Multiple regression analyses were used to determine the relationship among hardware, software, network, knowledge management and product design, Results of the statistical analysis showed that the components of information management, knowledge management, and product design had a significant positive correlation, which suggests a strong relationship. Moreover, information management components, which support knowledge management, plays a vital role in product design to achieve competitive advantage. Therefore, companies must use information and knowledge management in obtaining their objectives to achieve a competitive advantage in their product design and be consistent with customer requirements to achieve consumer satisfaction. Product design does not only involve field product, and operations management or simple management participation. The foundation of product design the proper use of IT components are valuable knowledge.
Index Terms—IT components. knowledge management, product design.
Mariam Ibrahim is with Business Administration at the School of Management, HUST, China (e-mail: Mariama.hamood@uokufa.edu.iq).
Ma Huimin is with the Department of Information Management, School of Management, HUST, China (e-mail: Ma_huimin@hust.edi.cn).
Cite: Mariam Ibrahim and Ma Huimin, "Information Technology Components and Their Role in Knowledge Management for Product Design," International Journal of Information and Education Technology vol. 7, no. 12, pp. 948-953, 2017.