Dr
Ana Cristina
Vasconcelos

BA (Lisboa, Portugal), PGDip (Lisboa, Portugal), PhD (Sheffield Hallam)

School of Information, Journalism and Communication

Senior Lecturer in Corporate Information Management

Ana Vasconcelos
Profile picture of Ana Vasconcelos
a.c.vasconcelos@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 2643
Room C230, The Wave

Full contact details

Dr Ana Cristina Vasconcelos
School of Information, Journalism and Communication

Room C230
The Wave
2 Whitham Road

Sheffield

S10 2AH

Profile

My research focuses on knowledge processes in organisational adaptation: how organisations create, share and integrate knowledge; how they navigate knowledge boundaries and power relations; and how these processes shape their ability to adapt, innovate and remain resilient.

My work has been funded by the European Commission and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). I was Principal Investigator for the Sheffield component of the EU-funded OrganiK project, which investigated new approaches to organisational knowledge management and developed tools to support knowledge sharing and collaboration in innovative European SMEs.

Achieving impact beyond academia is an important focus of my research. My work on organisational knowledge management contributed to a REF2014 impact case study, demonstrating how research-led approaches can improve knowledge sharing, collaboration and organisational practice. My current research examines how SMEs benefit from productivity interventions by exploring how they absorb new knowledge — acquiring and assimilating it, adapting it to their circumstances, and translating it into changes in organisational practice.

University/School responsibilities

  • Lead, REF2029 Unit of Assessment 34: Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management (2025–present)
  • Director of Research and Innovation (2021–2025)
  • Pathway Director, ESRC White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership (2017–2020)
  • Director of Postgraduate Research (2012–2016)
Research interests

My research focuses on the relationship between knowledge absorption and organisational adaptation: how organisations encounter and recognise potentially valuable knowledge, make sense of it and assimilate it, and put it to use. My work examines how these processes shape learning and the capacity to adapt and change.

Closely connected to this is my work on knowledge boundaries: how differences in knowledge, expertise and understanding are negotiated and bridged within and between organisations. I am particularly interested in the power relations involved: what forms of knowledge are recognised as legitimate, what knowledge and perspectives are marginalised or excluded, and how these dynamics shape shared understanding and collective action.

Complementing this central research trajectory are contributions to understanding how information and knowledge failures contribute to the emergence and escalation of man-made disasters, as well as work on digital identity.

My research is primarily qualitative, with a particular interest in approaches that enable close examination of knowledge processes and structures, interactions, and change over time. I draw on Arenas/Social Worlds Theory as a theoretical lens, alongside methodological approaches such as grounded theory, situational analysis and discourse analysis.

I have supervised 14 students to successful completion and welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in knowledge sharing and absorption, knowledge boundaries, and organisational learning and adaptation.

Publications

Edited books

  • Bigdoli, H. (Eds.) () Knowledge Management. New York: John Wiley & Sons..

Journal articles

  • Qi J, Mazumdar S & Vasconcelos AC (2024) . International Journal of Community Well-Being, 7(2), 155-212.
  • Li S, Tiago Martins J, Vasconcelos A & Peng G (2023) . Journal of Knowledge Management, 27(2), 328-355.
  • Thumbumrung T, Vasconcelos A & Cox A (2022) . Knowledge and Process Management, 29(3), 296-306.
  • Idrees IA, Vasconcelos AC & Ellis D (2018) . Journal of Knowledge Management, 22(6), 1358-1378.
  • Gherhes CA, Williams N, Vorley T & Vasconcelos AC (2016) . Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 23(4), 939-963.
  • Schauer A, Vasconcelos AC & Sen B (2015) . Journal of Knowledge Management, 19(4), 770-790.
  • Schofield AE, Sen BA & Vasconcelos AC (2015) . Library Management, 36(3), 215-222.
  • Fontainha E, Martins JT & Vasconcelos AC (2015) Network Analysis of a Virtual Community of Learning of Economics Educators. Information Research: an international electronic journal, 20(1).
  • Thatcher A, Vasconcelos AC & Ellis D (2015) . International Journal of Information Management, 35(1), 57-63.
  • Bullingham L & Vasconcelos AC (2013) . Journal of Information Science, 39(1), 101-112.
  • Albright K, Petrulis R, Vasconcelos A & Wood J (2012) . Education for Information, 29(1), 19-38.
  • Vasconcelos AC, Sen B, Rosa A & Ellis D (2012) Elaborations of grounded theory in information research: arenas/social worlds theory, discourse and situational analysis. Library and Information Research, 36(112), 120-146.
  • Idrees I, Vasconcelos AC & Cox AM (2011) . Aslib Proceedings New Information Perspectives, 63(2-3), 188-203.
  • Cox AM, Vasconcelos AC & Holdridge P (2010) . Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 35(7), 831-846.
  • Bibikas D, Paraskakis I, Psychogios AG & Vasconcelos AC (2010) . International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 7(3-4), 328-343.
  • Bibikas D, Paraskakis I, Psychogios AG & Vasconcelos AC (2009) , 285-297.
  • Bibikas D, Paraskakis I, Psychogios AG & Vasconcelos AC (2009) , 156-173.
  • Zhou L, Vasconcelos A & Nunes M (2008) . Information Management and Computer Security, 16(2), 166-186.
  • Vasconcelos AC (2008) . Library Management, 29(4-5), 422-443.
  • Vasconcelos AC, Bibikas D, Kourtesis D, Paraskakis I, Bernardi A, Sauermann L, Apostolou D & Mentzas G (2008) Organisational Knowledge Management Systems in the Era of Enterprise 2.0: The case of OrganiK. Scalable Computing: Practice and Experience, 9(4), 315-327.
  • Bibikas D, Kourtesis D, Paraskakis I, Bernardi A, Sauermann L, Apostolou D, Mentzas G & Vasconcelos AC (2008) A Sociotechnical Approach to Knowledge Management in the Era of Enterprise 2.0: the Case of OrganiK.. Scalable Comput. Pract. Exp., 9.
  • Fahey R, Vasconcelos AC & Ellis D (2007) . Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 5(3), 186-198.
  • Vasconcelos AC (2007) The use of grounded theory and of arenas/social worlds theory in discourse studies: A case study on the discursive adaptation of information systems. Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods, 5(2), 125-136.
  • Vasconcelos AC (2007) . International Journal of Information Management, 27(4), 279-293.
  • Ellis D, Oldridge R & Vasconcelos A (2004) . Annual Review of Information Science and Technology, 38, 145-186.
  • Vasconcelos AC (2003) Management consultancies and technology consultancies in a converging market: a knowledge management perspective. Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 1(1).
  • Ellis D & Vasconcelos A (2000) . Journal of Internet Cataloging, 2(3-4), 96-114.
  • Ellis D & Vasconcelos A (1999) . Aslib Proceedings, 51(1), 3-10.
  • Lea W, Uttley P & Vasconcelos AC (1998) Mistakes, misjudgements and mischances: Using SSM to understand the Hillsborough disaster. International Journal of Information Management, 18(5), 345-357.
  • Vasconcelos AC, Martins JT, Ellis D & Fontainha E () . Journal of Information Science.
  • Vasconcelos AC, sen & schauer () The ShaRInK framework: a holistic perspective on key categories of influences shaping individual perceptions of knowledge sharing. Journal of Knowledge Management, 19(3).

Book chapters

  • Ellis D & Vasconcelos A (2024) The relevance of facet analysis for World Wide Web subject organization and searching, Internet Searching and Indexing the Subject Approach (pp. 97-114).
  • Zhu Y, Zamani ED, Martins JT & Vasconcelos AC (2021) , Lecture Notes in Computer Science (pp. 411-422). Springer International Publishing
  • Bibikas D, Paraskakis I, Psychogios AG & Vasconcelos AC (2010) , Social Computing (pp. 1661-1673). IGI Global

Conference proceedings

  • Qi J, Mazumdar S & Vasconcelos AC (2024) Data-driven sustainable cities in the UK: The case of public space and social cohesion. Proceedings of the 29th UK Academy for Information Systems (UKAIS) International Conference (pp 616-629). Canterbury, Kent, 25 April 2024 - 25 April 2024.
  • Qi J, Mazumdar S & Vasconcelos AC (2023) . Proceedings of the European Conference on Research Methods in Business and Management Studies, Vol. 22(1) (pp 260-263). Lisbon, Portugal, 6 September 2023 - 6 September 2023.
  • Clough P, Ellis D, Kenyon D, Vasconcelos AC & Wakeling S (2022) . Information Science Trends (IST’22): Untold Stories. Online, 15 June 2022 - 15 June 2022.
  • Hafedh HA, Vasconcelos AC & Jimenez A (2020) Tensions in linter-Organisational Knowledge Transfer from a Quadruple Helix Perspective: the FinTech Ecosystem in Bahrain. 15TH INTERNATIONAL FORUM ON KNOWLEDGE ASSET DYNAMICS (IFKAD 2020) (pp 342-356)
  • Thumburmung T, Vasconcelos AC & Cox A (2016) Integrating Qualitative Data Collection Methods to Examine Knowledge Management Across Disciplinary Boundaries. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 15TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES (ECRM2016) (pp 408-411)
  • Thumbumrung T, Vasconcelos AC & Cox A (2016) Knowledge management across boundaries in an interdisciplinary research project in Thailand. Proceedings of the European Conference on Knowledge Management Eckm, Vol. 2016-January (pp 1090-1098)
  • Fontainha E, Martins JT & Vasconcelos AC (2015) Network analysis of a virtual community of learning of economics educators. INFORMATION RESEARCH-AN INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC JOURNAL, Vol. 20(1)
  • Fontainha E, Martins JT & Vasconcelos AC (2014) . Procedia Technology, Vol. 16 (pp 1502-1509)
  • Zhou L, Vasconcelos AC & Nunes MB (2010) Identifying knowledge sharing barriers in interprofessional healthcare collaboration of Traditional and Western Medicine in China. Proceedings of the Iadis International Conference Information Systems 2010 (pp 102-110)
  • Vasconcelos A & Zijlistra T (2010) The role of boundary brokering in the generation of common knowledge. Proceedings of the European Conference on Knowledge Management Eckm, Vol. 2 (pp 1034-1041)
  • Bibikas D, Paraskakis I, Vasconcelos A & Psychogios A (2009) Integrating knowledge and innovation through practice-based thinking: Early findings from an SME case study. Proceedings of the European Conference on Knowledge Management Eckm (pp 83-90)
  • Vasconcelos AC, Bibikas D, Paraskakis I & Psychogios A (2009) Enterprise 2.0: the “new knowledge management” or just another buzzword?. OLKC 2009. Amsterdam, Netherlands, 23 April 2009 - 24 April 2009.
  • Vasconcelos A, Bibikas D, Zijlstra T & Paraskakis I (2009) Implementing 'Grounded Action Research' in Information Systems Development: The OrganiK Approach. 8th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies (ECRM) (pp 367-376)
  • Bibikas D, Kourtesis D, Paraskakis I, Bernardi A, Sauermann L, Apostolou D, Mentzas G & Vasconcelos AC (2008) Organisational Knowledge Management Systems in the Era of Enterprise 2.0: The case of OrganiK.. BIS (Workshops), Vol. 333 (pp 45-53)
  • Vasconcelos A (2007) The use of Grounded Theory and of Arenas/Social Worlds Theory in Discourse Studies. 6th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies (ECRM) (pp 315-324)
  • Zhou LH, Vasconcelos AC & Nunes MB (2007) A Tool for Risk Mitigation in Public Sector IS/IT projects: An Evidence-based Information Systems Project Risk Checklist. Globalization Challenge and Management Transformation, Vols I - III (pp 580-589)
  • Vasconcelos AC (1996) Information Systems Development: An Organitional Culture Perspective.. Proceedings of the Fourth European Conference on Information Systems (ECIS) (pp 995-1002)
Research group

Current PhD students

  • Hooria Ali Hafedh: Knowledge transfer from the perspective of a “Quadruple Helix”: The banking sector in Bahrain
  • Bekim Kasumi: Network management for innovation performance of Research Track 1: Enterprise Innovation and Development
  • James Toner Understanding organisational learning and knowledge sharing in pursuit of organisational effectiveness: A multi-actor, international school perspective
  • Naveendra Weerakoon: Service Innovation in Knowledge Intensive Business Services. Approach of Managing Knowledge Across Boundaries

Completed PhD students

  • Shuyang Li:
  • Dimitris Bibikas: Towards a holistic model of the third generation of enterprise knowledge management systems.
  • Alice Schofield: Evaluating the intellectual assets of the scholarship and collections directorate at the British Library.
  • Titima Thumbumrung: Knowledge sharing across boundaries in interdisciplinary scientific and technological research projects in Thailand.
  • Cristian-Andrei Gherhes: Economic Resilience, Enterprise Growth and Entrepreneurial Activity.
  • Ying Wang: Exploring how nascent digital enterprises develop relational capabilities with local businesses in a mutually reinforcing perspective.
  • Alexander Schauer: A multi-cultural study on knowledge, individual, team, organisational and institutional factors affecting knowledge sharing willingness in the IT services industry.
  • Inaam Idrees: Clique and Elite: Inter-Organisational Knowledge Sharing across Five Star Hotels in the Saudi Arabian Religious Tourism and Hospitality Industry - a Grounded Theory Study.
  • Raid M. Al-Adaileh: Management styles and managers attitudes towards IT: a developing country case study.
Grants

Research Projects

OrganiK

European CommissionPrincipal Investigator£115,29617 November 200824 months

MAIK

Higher Education AcademyInvestigator£2,8582 January 20085 months

An Inquiry-Based Model for Research Methods Training

Centre for Inquiry Based Learning in the Arts and Social SciencesInvestigator£9,3951 September 200717 months

The project aimed to develop and evaluate an inquiry-based model for research methods training of undergraduate and postgraduate students.

A Model for Research Methods Training for New Research Students in Libraries and Information Studies

Arts and Humanities Research CouncilInvestigator£9,8011 January 2007

The project aimed to develop a framework for research training and a series of joint seminars for Library and Information Science doctoral students.

Teaching interests

My teaching interests centre on information and knowledge management, with a particular focus on how organisations create, share and use knowledge. I am interested in helping students understand different perspectives on information and knowledge and their role in organisations, and in exploring topics including knowledge sharing, organisational learning, communities of practice, knowledge boundaries and absorptive capacity.

I see learning spaces as places where knowledge is co-constructed through interaction, discussion and the exchange of different experiences and perspectives. My teaching emphasises applying theory to organisational practice. I use case studies and examples from well-known organisations to encourage students to examine how information and knowledge management concepts can help them understand and address organisational problems.

Teaching activities

I currently teach in:

  • IJC419 Information and Knowledge Management (distance-learning)
  • IJC403 Dissertation
  • IJC404 Dissertation (distance-learning)
Professional activities and memberships
  • Evaluator, reviewer and panel rapporteur for European Commission research funding programmes (1992–present)
  • Member, AHRC Peer Review College (2009–2013)
  • Editorial Board member, Libri: International Journal of Libraries and Information Studies (2016–present)
  • Member, ICKMR/IFLA Working Group on Global Knowledge Management Education (2023–present)
  • External examiner: Loughborough University, Northumbria University, Robert Gordon University and Sheffield Hallam University Selected invited talks
  • University of Cape Town–University of Sheffield, joint research seminar: Knowledge absorption, knowledge boundaries, and organisational adaptation (May 2025)
  • University of Alberta, invited research seminar: Knowledge mobilisation in the community energy sector: a case study of Sheffield Renewables, with Dr Rob Marchand (May 2023), delivered as part of a collaboration between the Universities of Alberta and Sheffield on knowledge mobilisation and renewable energy transitions
  • Special Libraries Association (SLA) – Arabian Gulf Chapter, invited keynote speaker:
    • Integrating knowledge exploration and knowledge exploitation strategies: the contribution of social enterprise software, 17th Annual Conference, Manama, Bahrain (2011)
    • Dilemmas in knowledge management, 13th Annual Conference, Manama, Bahrain (2007)