ADOPTING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN APPLYING THE THEORY OF INNOVATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING (TRIZ/TIPS): AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF A SAMPLE OF WORKERS IN CARREFOUR/DOHUK

Abstract

This research explores the integration of knowledge management (KM) principles with the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ/TIPS) to advance innovative problem-solving capabilities and organisational performance. The study focuses on a sample of 160 employees from Carrefour in Duhok. An analytical methodology was adopted, utilising statistical tools such as SPSS and SmartPLS to examine the relationship between various KM dimensions (knowledge creation, acquisition, retention, and utilisation) and the implementation of TRIZ-based problem-solving strategies. The results demonstrate a strong positive linkage between KM and the application of TRIZ, as indicated by a notably high path coefficient (0.932) and a substantial R-squared value (0.868). These figures suggest that KM practices account for a significant proportion of the variance in TRIZ utilisation. Furthermore, the measurement scales exhibited robust reliability, reflected in high composite reliability scores for both KM (0.980) and TRIZ (0.961), along with satisfactory Average Variance Extracted (AVE) values. Despite these strengths, the study identified substantial concerns regarding discriminant validity. The Heterotrait- Monotrait (HTMT) ratio was found to be excessively elevated (0.965), and the Fornell-Larcker criterion was not satisfied due to a high degree of correlation between the constructs (0.932). Additionally, considerable cross-loadings were observed among items corresponding to both constructs. These findings point to a lack of empirical distinction and considerable conceptual overlap between the KM and TRIZ constructs as operationalised in the study. In conclusion, although KM practices appear to be closely associated with the effective implementation of TRIZ in this setting, underscoring the practical significance of their integration in promoting innovation, the research also reveals methodological limitations. The absence of discriminant validity underscores the need for improved measurement instruments and further investigation to delineate more clearly the conceptual boundaries between KM facilitation and TRIZ application in real-world organisational contexts.