PurposeThis paper aims to substantiate the need for additional research into a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing the supporting supply chains that may also capture contextual information, also pointing out emerging avenues for further scholarly contributions.Design/methodology/approachThe supply chain is viewed from a spare part consumer as well as from a supplier perspective. Key to the discussion is an accurate description of the maintenance demand pattern (MDP) known at the consumer's side as a valuable information source for the entire supply chain.FindingsSolving the spare parts supply chain puzzle exceeds the realms of a single scientific discipline and involves hard and soft sciences. Besides, extending on the quantitative modelling aspects of MDPs, soft modelling and analysis is needed to define cooperative settings in which the supply chain parties can operate effectively.Practical implicationsIn this paper, the authors argue for the sharing of the appropriately balanced combination of quantitative and qualitative information that is currently hidden, or exists in isolation, within supply chains. Debatably, such information sharing may potentially generate substantial benefits for all “players” within a given supply chain.Originality/valueThis contribution is unique in the sense that it provides a most accurate characterization of MDPs based on the proven maintenance concept design theory. In addition, the supply chain problem is analysed in a realistic context, with an open and broad mindset rather than approaching this issue from a single hard science perspective.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to capture and potentially disseminate knowledge in the supply chain. It is theoretically developed primarily from previous published work and empirically improved by further fieldwork within a sample of SMEs. Design/methodology/approach -The methodological approach is inductive in nature with no predetermined hypothesis. The literature review addresses a number of influential scholars in the area and focuses in particular to the work of specific authors. The relevant field work is based essentially on the administration by interview of a questionnaire with a series of open and closed questions. Findings -Conflict exists over how knowledge should be captured, managed and disseminated by small to medium enterprises (SMEs) within any given supply chain. The literature review indicates the gap in knowledge management that exists generally in the industry and specifically within the SME sector in novel contexts of application. The field work further reinforced the literature findings within a sample of 40 SMEs from a number of industries.Research limitations/implications -The newly proposed model will have to be further tested to ensure validity and applicability in industry. The first author only is currently in the process of undertaking that testing. Originality/value -The work looks specifically at developing a knowledge management framework to complement previous research reported in the literature. The framework will enable partners in the supply chain to harness and potentially disseminate skills and knowledge.

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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing impeders of strategy implementation in a higher education context through an in‐depth analysis of a higher education institution in Iran.Design/methodology/approachA semi‐structured interview is employed with senior academic staff and managers in a particular university.FindingsThe main impeders of strategy implementation within the university as the case organisation and are found to be grouped into five main areas: planning consequences, organisational, individual, managerial and environmental. The nature and reasons for the impeders are explained and finally an analytical framework is developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper, through the use of how and why questions during interviews, highlighted a framework which provides an in‐depth understanding of impeders. The paper's results have implications for other universities in Iran and indeed the Middle East. However, a limitation of this paper is that the results are exploratory only, given that the paper is carried out in only one Iranian university.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a valuable basis for discussion on the impeders of strategy implementation. Moreover, the results of the research can be used as guidance for managers and academic staff at the strategy implementation stage in the higher education sector.Originality/valueThe findings of the paper highlight the relevant impeders of strategy implementation within a higher education environment that will be of interest to those in this field, particularly those working in Iranian universities.