Knowledge management for maritime logistics value: discussing conceptual issues

This paper introduces the concept of maritime logistics value as one of the mostsignificant strategic goals that maritime operators want to achieve. The value isreflected in operational efficiency (e.g. reducing lead time and business costs) andservice effectiveness (e.g. flexibility, responsiveness and reliability in the service).Drawing from key theories and practices in strategic management such asknowledge-based perspective and social network embeddedness perspective, thispaper adopts a knowledge management strategy as a way to create and sustainthe maritime logistics value. A conceptual framework is established for theexploration of the way to acquire knowledge and the effectiveness of the acquiredknowledge in maximising the maritime logistics value. Following the parametersof this framework, the positive relationship between social networks, knowledgeacquisition and maritime logistics value is identified, and its relevant theoreticaland practical implications are discussed.