Knowledge creation at the first tier level of the supply chain : an application of the SECI model
Date
2008-03
Authors
Kaplan, Lewis
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Nonaka and Takeuchi’s SECI model has been used as the theoretical basis for the analysis
of knowledge creation and development within supply chains. The model has not been
adjusted but utilised to examine the phenomenon of knowledge creation at the first-tier level
of suppliers of food in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Strategically, knowledge creation and
development could be viewed as a major competitive advantage within the local, national and
global business environments. This study examined the convergence of supply chain
management, strategy and knowledge management with a view to detecting common threads
of importance for knowledge creation. The Nonaka and Takeuchi studies focus on knowledge
creation intra-organisationally not inter-organisationally. Competition today is usually
between supply chains, rather than between individual retailers or retail chains. Organisations
who are not members of supply chains do not usually enjoy the same form of competitive
advantages as those who are. The writers created an opportunity to investigate the validity of
the model outside of Japan and outside of the boundaries of an organisation.
The phenomenon of this study has been a focus at the supplier-buyer interface and their
ability, whether consciously or unconsciously, to create and develop knowledge about each
other’s operations in order to ensure a sustained and competitive business environment.
The investigation was limited to the major food supply chains in the Durban Metropolitan
Region of KZN, and conducted using a questionnaire as the main research instrument. A
comparative study of two groups was undertaken, that of the suppliers and buyers.
The initial questionnaire was tested in face-to-face interviews with a number of buyers and
suppliers to seek their interpretation of the questions. As a result of the interviews, the syntax
of a few questions was adjusted for improved understanding by future respondents.
The suppliers were given very similar questionnaires to the buyers. The difference between
the two groups of questionnaires was that each set of questions made references to the other
group.
The questionnaire was divided in two sections, namely biographical and the research
questions. The suppliers and buyers were not made aware of the other respondents in the
study. Approximately 300 questionnaires were handed out, with 220 being completed and returned for data capturing. The major difficulty was to encourage individuals to complete
and return the questionnaires.
SPSS software was used for the analysis data captured. The results which were developed
illustrated a number of interesting and important outcomes of the thinking and actions of both
groups of respondents.
1. Nonaka and Takeuchi’s SECI model was relevant as a theoretical basis for the study
of knowledge creation, inter-organisationally.
2. Both groups showed that they developed knowledge in conjunction with first-tier
organisations.
3. Organisational planning was not usually undertaken in isolation of the supply chain.
4. Continuing education and training is encouraged.
5. There was a strong correlation in the thinking and ideas of the respondents.
The framework of the theoretical model has thus proven to be a useful tool for the
examination of knowledge creation within supply chains.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Nonaka, Knowledge management, Retail, Supply chain management, Dissertations -- Information science, Theses -- Information science