Role of Information Technology in Knowledge Sharing across Supply Chain

By

ABSTRACT

This dissertation is an exploration of the way by which supply chain management systems can enhance knowledge sharing within a supply chain, using the case study of Pakistan State Oil. Due to increasing competition being driven by globalization, rapid technology obsolescence, shortened product-life cycle, product complexity, and high R&D costs in today's marketplace, it is difficult for firms to outperform rivals without possessing competences in multiple arenas. One way for firms to obtain these competences instead of developing them on their own is through close collaborations with stake holders. This dissertation will elaborate how knowledge sharing can be improved by using supply chain network by collaborating with different stake holders. Today knowledge is a source of competitive advantage and it is necessary for any organization to have timely information which can affect its business. In this dissertation the framework of knowledge sharing as been explained by discussing the concepts of learning with and from alliance partner, knowledge as a firm strategic asset, inter firm collaboration and inter firm knowledge sharing framework. This dissertation concluded that participating in inter firm R&D collaborations enables a firm to gain access to an extended knowledge network and firms can attain competitive advantage through the possession of rare, valuable, difficult to imitate, and non-substitutable resources such as assets, skills, and knowledge.



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTII

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTIII

DECLARATIONIV

CHAPTER 01: INTRODUCTION1

1.1 Introduction of the Chapter 011

1.2 Background of the Study1

1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study3

1.4 Significance of the Study3

1.5 Summary of the Chapter 014

CHAPTER 02: LITERATURE REVIEW5

2.1 Introduction of the Chapter 025

2.2 Knowledge Sharing5

2.3 Important Factors6

2.4 Enterprise Resources Planning8

2.5 SAP9

2.6 Implementation of SAP10

2.7 Issues in Implementing SAP12

2.8 Importance of ERP13

2.9 Benefits with implementation of ERP14

2.10 Collaboration within Networked Enterprise16

2.11 Learning from Alliance Partner18

2.12 Knowledge as a Firm Strategic Asset20

2.13 Knowledge Exchange across Firm Boundaries21

2.14 Knowledge Embedded within firms Networks22

2.15 Knowledge Sharing and Learning24

2.16 Inter Firm and Intra Firm Knowledge Sharing31

2.17 Learning in Collaboration34

2.18 Knowledge Sharing: A Motivational Perspective35

2.19 Supply Chain Management (SCM)36

2.20 Inter Firm Collaboration37

2.21 Inter Firm Knowledge Sharing Framework38

2.22 Suppliers Direct Collaboration Experience41

2.23 Outbound Knowledge Spill over44

2.24 Knowledge Base Compatibility47

2.25 Summary of Chapter 0249

CHAPTER 03: METHODOLOGY52

3.1 Introduction of the Chapter 0352

3.2 Secondary Methodology52

3.3 Mixed Methods Design53

3.4 Qualitative and Quantitative Data54

3.5 Justification of Chosen Methodology55

3.6 Research Design56

3.7 Instrument56

3.8 Sample57

3.9 Data Collection57

3.10 Likert Scale58

3.11 Interview Questionnaire58

3.12 Case Study59

3.13 Confidentiality60

3.14 Validity60

3.15 Summary of the Chapter 0361

CHAPTER04: CASE STUDY: (PAKISTAN STATE OIL COMPANY LTD.)62

4.1 Vision of PSO64

4.2 Investing In The Future64

4.3 Major Products and Services66

CHAPTER 05: RESULTS AND ANALYSIS67

5.1 Introduction of the Chapter ...