The impact of knowledge management processes on supply chain performance

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between knowledge management (KM) processes and supply chain performance, with information technology/information system (IT/IS) support, supply chain integration, and supply chain strategy as moderators. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on the knowledge-based view, a theoretical framework is developed consisting of six KM processes: knowledge creation, knowledge capture, knowledge organization, knowledge storage, knowledge dissemination, and knowledge application, and the performance of supply chain is evaluated in terms of four Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) process elements: Plan, Source, Make, and Delivery. Structural equation modeling is employed using a sample of 78 Iranian manufacturers in mechanical and engineering industry. Findings – Empirical results show that KM processes have a significant impact on supply chain performance which is positively moderated by IT/IS support and supply chain integration. While the moderating effect of IT/IS support is found to be considerably stronger, the relationship between KM processes and supply chain performance is not significantly different in lean and agile supply chains. Research limitations/implications – Since the sample for this study is small and drawn only from manufacturing companies in mechanical and engineering industry, it would be important to conduct further empirical studies with larger samples from a wider range of industries to improve and strengthen our analyses and provide more conclusive and generalizable results. Originality/value – Through empirical study, a better understanding of the impact of KM processes on supply chain performance and the moderating role of IT/IS support and supply chain integration can be gained.

An Auditing Framework for Knowledge-Enabled Supply Chain Management: Implications for Sustainability

“…The relationship between KM and supply chain performance has also been examined based on the SCOR model. For instance, Sangari et al [31] employed structural equation modeling and a sample of 78 manufacturers to investigate the impact of KM processes on four of the five components of the SCOR model, as measures of supply chain performance.…”

“…Fugate et al [29] argued that knowledge dissemination should be selective, where users receive knowledge relevant to their needs, and fast to maintain the integrity of the knowledge when it is used, before becoming outdated. Lastly, the knowledge utilization phase requires the use of knowledge to support the organization's objectives such as in decision-making [31][32][33][34].…”

“…Next, knowledge capture occurs where new knowledge is generated [30]. The knowledge captured undergoes filtration based on its usefulness, relevance and newness, evaluation, and structuring in the knowledge organization stage [29,31,32]. Then, knowledge storage takes place, where knowledge is preserved in databases and data warehouses that are accessible and secure [29,31].…”

Evolution of Knowledge Management in Business

“…Although there are many research articles addressing KM in Supply Chain (SC) (Patil & Kant, 2014;Dwivedi & Butcher, 2009;Wong, P. & Wong, Y., 2011;Sangari, Hosnavi, & Zahedi, 2015;Bhosale & Kant, 2016), there are still several gaps in the literature. Cerchione and Esposito (2016) highlighted eight main gaps in the SC literature.…”

The role of knowledge management in supply chain management: A literature review

“…The main assumption of the knowledge-based view theory is the understanding of knowledge as a primary productive resource with a strategic connotation in the value adding process (Grant, 1996). Thus, from a knowledge-based view perspective, as argue by Sangari, Hosnavi and Zahedi (2015): "knowledge can be viewed as a source of competitive advantages in supply chain and improved supply chain outcomes. "…”