Flexible Strategic Framework for Knowledge Management in Supply Chain with the perspective of Continuity and Change: Study of KM in Supply Chain Management

Purpose - Knowledge Management (KM) is emerging as one of the strategic management tools for gaining competitive advantage. Though several organizations have reported successful KM projects, there are failures also due to reasons such as lack of a comprehensive framework supporting KM and strategic objectives. This study is aimed at identifying the knowledge management areas in managing supply chain on the continuum of continuity and change and developing a flexible strategic framework for knowledge management applicable to supply chain management. This framework is based on the Measurement Matrix framework of KM suggested by Smith (2005). The study suggests on how the organizations can apply knowledge management in managing supply chain to cope up with the present demanding customer's requirements for constant change while maintaining business continuity for survival and growth using the framework suggested. Design/methodology/approach - A comprehensive study of existing KM frameworks was carried out and KM areas identified on the continuum of continuity and change. The data on KM areas on which this study is based was generated through secondary research using published sources and primary research through focused discussion with industry experts and personal interviews with experts from companies selected from each sector and the channel partners involved in supply chain process. A structured questionnaire was designed and used for these personal interviews and focused discussions. The framework suggested has been validated by a serious of studies of inward and outbound supply chain of automotive industry, fast food industry, electrical appliance industry, electronics and consumer durable industry, KPO and BPO and financial supply chain in retail banking. A case study of multinational companies in lighting industry is given in this paper validating the KM framework suggested. Research Findings - The research identifies and validates KM areas in terms of continuity and change factors applicable to management of supply chain. The flexible strategic KM framework suggested has been found appropriate for companies to map their current strategies on continuum of continuity and change and it was found that the leaders in the industry have been focusing on KM areas on continuity and change perspective in a nearly balanced manner. The implications of the proposed framework for both the scholars and practicing managers are highlighted in the concluding part of the paper. The framework suggested can be adapted for application in the global context. Originality/value - This research paper represents a comprehensive approach to study the KM applications in supply chain management from strategic knowledge management viewpoint and come out with a flexible strategic framework for knowledge management from the perspective of continuity and change for guiding the industry for its survival and growth.