Capturing knowledge management in the supply chain

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.