A Quality Assessment and Competency Development through Participatory Knowledge Management Approach for Stakeholders’ in “Foreign Experts Introduction Project” in a Chinese University

Abstract

This research aims to explore on quality assessment and develop a participatory knowledge management (KM) approach through a competency development model based on the concepts of “CommonKADS”, needs assessment, and CIPP model. Data were collected by the use of questionnaires, interview formats, and focus group discussion items for the model's empirical test. They were analyzed by frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation, t-test, and data analysis. The approach’s participatory characteristic was determined for the stakeholders, followed by its components, consisting of the input and process factors with technical conditions and driving mechanism. After their learning needs were assessed and prioritized, a model was developed as a conceptually formulated pattern of a KM’s functional guidance with five dimensions-language competencies, coordination techniques, planning and administration competency, teamwork commitment and academic competency. The findings indicated that (1) an empirical test of the approach was conducted with the foreign affairs officers and university lecturers successfully and satisfactorily, (2) the key informant experts verified that the appropriateness of this participatory approach to knowledge management. This approach was confirmed as a series of continuing KM procedures involving the stakeholders’ physical and mental participation in creating, thinking, planning, and making the decision.