ORGANIZING KNOWLEDGE VISUALISATION IN EMERGENCY: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

This study aims to analyse and understand the use of Knowledge Visualisation (KV) in universities. Specifically, we want to understand how KV can support decision-making in universities and which KV formats are used in emergency management. This study uses a dual methodological approach: qualitative and exploratory. The collection of data and information is based on the analysis of two case studies, semi-structured interviews and observed participation. To understand the role of KV during the emergency, the two European countries most affected by the COVID19 pandemic crisis (Italy and Spain) have been identified. Two teams of researchers (one Italian and one Spanish) carried out interviews with the universities’ communication managers. The results of this research offer food for thought for the academic debate on knowledge management in universities through a comparative analysis between two countries–Italy and Spain. The results highlight the flexibility of Knowledge Visualization formats and their ability to support decision-making in the emergency phase. This study is not without limitations. The results focus only on the role of Knowledge Visualization in the decision-making process during an emergency phase. Further insights are needed to understand the impact of KV in no-emergency phase. In addition, to understand its real impacts, it is necessary to explore how people in organisations act regarding KV by building sufficient awareness and also acquiring more knowledge, which we hope can be the next step of the investigation.