Dissertation defence (Knowledge Management): MSc Pengcheng Ni

MSc Pengcheng Ni defends the dissertation in Knowledge Management titled “The Human-centric Knowledge Management System in a Complex Environment” at the University of Turku on 17 June 2026 at 12.15 (University of Turku, Agora, lecture hall XXII, Turku).

Opponent: Professor Kongkiti Phusavat (Kasetsart University, Thailand)

Custos: Professor Wallace Moreira Bessa (University of Turku)

The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://utu.zoom.us/j/63948624986 (Meeting ID 639 4862 4986, passcode: 825456).

Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:

Shipbuilding has traditionally been seen as a labour-intensive industry. However, the ongoing digital transformation in Europe is changing how shipbuilding companies operate. To remain competitive globally, companies need to make better use of their knowledge, which is one of their most valuable but often overlooked resources.

This dissertation focuses on how knowledge can be managed more effectively in shipbuilding organizations. In particular, it develops a human-centric knowledge management system, meaning a system that places people and their expertise at its core rather than relying only on technology.

Using multiple research methods, the study designs and evaluates such a system for the European shipbuilding context. The results show that the proposed system is suitable for this industry and can improve how knowledge is created, shared, and used. The research also highlights the importance of tacit knowledge—the experience and know-how that people carry in their minds—which plays a key role in shipbuilding.

In addition, the study demonstrates that knowledge management systems should be carefully structured and implemented step by step. The findings provide practical guidance for developing similar systems not only in shipbuilding but also in other knowledge-intensive industries.