Knowledge transfer between small manufacturing enterprises

This thesis illustrates that didactic and gnostic practices, identified through a structuredKnowledge Transfer Framework, can effect business improvement in Small andMedium-sized Enterprises.Small and Medium-sized Enterprises form a significant heterogeneous economic force.They strengthen the capacity of a country to generate employment and wealth for thegeneral benefit of regional and national economies. The importance of SMEs in theprosperity of a society and their contribution to new job creation, coupled with therecognition that they seem to underperform, enhances the need to assist smallercompanies improve their performance.The author investigated the essence of Small and Medium Enterprises, conducted aliterature review in Benchmarking and Self-Assessment principles and asserted theimportance of knowledge in sustainable business development.The author introduced the SME Knowledge Deficit, assessed its implications onbusiness improvement, and elaborated that the Knowledge Deficit can be addressedthrough the establishment of a Knowledge Transfer Framework in the SME domain.The thesis establishes the characteristics of a Knowledge Transfer Process for SMEs,leading to the development of a Knowledge Transfer Framework in the domain. Thissupports business improvement. The framework provides diagnostic assessment ofbusiness performance, task defined specific solutions embracing better practices andinnovative advances through Win-Win Benchmarking. The analysis connects tobusiness performance, and recalibrates Small and Medium-sized Enterprises towardsbetter practices. Improved business performance is based on knowledge sourced fromsuperior performing companies. This is shown to be effective despite the polyonymousand indiomorphous nature of their business environment.The Knowledge Transfer Framework combines Self-Assessment and Benchmarkingpractices. It is implemented through Focus Group practices. This practical research wasvalidated in a specially selected portfolio of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in theUnited Kingdom. It draws upon practical application in Spain and Germany.The author demonstrated that Knowledge Transfer can successfully occur amongstSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises if approached through a structured methodology.The foundation of a grand Benchmarking database is not essential for KnowledgeTransfer. Superior practices can be successfully sourced and disseminated via astructured Knowledge Transfer Framework and a portfolio of specially selectedenterprises displaying superiority in a designated area of their business, rather than fromglobal best practices.