Providing a DEMATEL-based Framework for Extracting and Ranking of Key Factors in Successful Implementation of Knowledge Management in Urban Water and Wastewater Companies

This research aims at studying the key indicators of success in knowledge management (KM) in urban water and sewage companies. The authors’ proposed model for implementing KM was based on the investigating the current state of the population under study. First, through literature review, nine factors which included a total of 62 components were chosen as the main factors from many key factors in KM's success. A confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify the key factors of success. The results of the performed tests indicated that the experts in the water and wastewater industry confirmed that the indicators considered in this study, can play a key role in the success of the implementation of KM in urban water and wastewater companies. Having the related indices confirmed by industry experts, a questionnaire was distributed among experts for ranking and determining the relationships between the components. Using DEMATEL approach, causal relationships between the factors were mapped out by the interaction-effect diagram. Analysis of the results showed that among the factors studied, the strategies and goals have the greatest effect on the success of implementing KM in urban water and wastewater companies. This research provided valuable information which can help the effectiveness of KM in this business sector. It also provided a solution for the effective step by step development of knowledge management.