Knowledge exploration-exploitation and information technology: crisis management of teaching-learning scenario in the COVID-19 outbreak

Education institution closure is considered as an effective way to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, there are several challenges concerning teaching and learning activities (knowledge transfer) in crisis times such a COVID-19. This study aims to provide a holistic view of knowledge transfer and information technology scenario in the education sector during COVID-19 or another uncertain environment. A systematic literature review was conducted by several search techniques such as study selection, synthesis of papers, and reporting the results. A total of 290 peer-reviewed research studies were carried out. These articles were filtered, and 51 relevant articles were selected. The study mainly contributes by illustrating the schema or scenario of effective knowledge transfer of the teaching-learning process in the context of coronavirus crisis through maximising the information technology (IT) tools and knowledge management (KM) approach. Several factors namely IT tools of remote and online learning, knowledge exploration-exploitation, education's knowledge types (tacit-explicit knowledge), and internal-external knowledge in education were identified. The study further provides the new paradigm for future study. Additionally, several concepts and theories were merged, namely SECI theory and ambidexterity view (knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation). Future studies may extend the research area to different types of organisations and extend this model into empirical tests.

Automated summary

The closure of educational institutions is regarded as an effective measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it poses challenges for teaching and learning activities during crisis times. This study provides a holistic view of knowledge transfer and information technology in the education sector during uncertain environments, aiming to illustrate the effective knowledge transfer process in the context of the coronavirus crisis through maximizing IT tools and knowledge management approaches.