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An Empirical Investigation of the Microstructure of Knowledge Acquisition and Transfer Through Learning by Doing

Author

Listed:
  • Dennis Epple

    (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

  • Linda Argote

    (Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

  • Kenneth Murphy

    (Florida International University, Boca Raton, Florida)

Abstract

Does knowledge acquired through learning by doing on one shift transfer to a second shift when it is introduced at a manufacturing plant? The answer to this question has important theoretical implications about where knowledge is embedded in organizations and about sources of productivity growth. The answer also has important practical implications for managers planning to introduce additional facilities. This paper analyzes the amount of transfer across shifts at a manufacturing facility. Specifically, we analyze the amount of knowledge that is carried forward when the plant makes the transition from one to two shifts. We also investigate whether the rate of knowledge acquisition differs by shift, and we estimate the amount of transfer that occurs across shifts once both are in operation. In addition, we study transfer over time by analyzing whether knowledge acquired through learning by doing is cumulative and persists through time or whether it depreciates.

Suggested Citation

  • Dennis Epple & Linda Argote & Kenneth Murphy, 1996. "An Empirical Investigation of the Microstructure of Knowledge Acquisition and Transfer Through Learning by Doing," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 44(1), pages 77-86, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:oropre:v:44:y:1996:i:1:p:77-86
    DOI: 10.1287/opre.44.1.77
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    Keywords

    manufacturing; performance/productivity: learning by doing; organizational studies; productivity: organizational learning; technology: technology transfer;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • D82 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Asymmetric and Private Information; Mechanism Design
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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