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Knowledge management adoption in supply chain: Identifying critical success factors using fuzzy DEMATEL approach

Sachin K. Patil (Department of Mechanical Engineering, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, India)
Ravi Kant (Department of Mechanical Engineering, S. V. National Institute of Technology, Surat, India)

Journal of Modelling in Management

ISSN: 1746-5664

Article publication date: 15 July 2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of knowledge management (KM) adoption in the supply chain (SC) using the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method through an empirical case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the influencing factors of KM adoption in SC which have been identified through the literature survey and expert opinion. The fuzzy DEMATEL method has been used to evaluate identified influencing factors. Considering the interdependence among factors, the fuzzy DEMATEL method forms a structural model and then visualizes the causal relationships among factors through a cause–effect relationship diagram. On the basis of the cause–effect relationship diagram, CSFs that are extraordinarily essential for KM adoption in SC are identified. Empirical case study of an Indian automobile organization presented to illustrate the fuzzy DEMATEL method and demonstrates its usefulness.

Findings

The results gathered from the implementation of the fuzzy DEMATEL method to identify CSFs of KM adoption in SC to the chosen case illustrate that factors such as top management support, employee training and education, integration of knowledge and information flow, communication among the SC members and trustworthy teamwork to exchange knowledge within SC need to be highlighted as critical factors for successful adoption of KM in SC.

Practical implications

The finding not only offers a meaningful base to deepen the understanding with regard to KM adoption in SC, but also provides a clue to develop an effective adoption of KM in SC in a stepwise manner.

Originality/value

The empirical case study contributes to the literature on KM adoption in SC, suggesting how an organization can identify CSFs of KM adoption in SC and implement them progressively to greatly improve the efficiency of the whole SC performance.

Keywords

Citation

K. Patil, S. and Kant, R. (2014), "Knowledge management adoption in supply chain: Identifying critical success factors using fuzzy DEMATEL approach", Journal of Modelling in Management, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 160-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/JM2-08-2012-0025

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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