Applying fuzzy quality function deployment to prioritize solutions of knowledge management for an international port in Taiwan

The purpose of this paper is to apply a fuzzy quality function deployment (QFD) approach to prioritize knowledge management (KM) solutions for an international port in Taiwan. First, the paper examines house of quality (HOQ) matrices to facilitate handling of the 'what' (i.e., KM requirements) and 'how' (KM solutions) aspects of the QFD problem, and proposes procedures for the use of a fuzzy QFD method. A case study concerning port K in Taiwan is then used to demonstrate a systematic appraisal process for prioritizing KM solutions, and twenty attributes with sixteen feasible KM implementation solutions are measured employing an HOQ matrix. Finally, the top five feasible solutions for implementing KM at port K are identified. The empirical results show that 'establishment of a data storage and data mining system' in the technology dimension is the most urgent requirement for KM implementation at port K in Taiwan. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.