Knowledge integration in manufacturing technology development
Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management
ISSN: 1741-038X
Article publication date: 2 October 2017
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze knowledge integration in manufacturing technology development projects required to build competitive advantages.
Design/methodology/approach
A longitudinal case study has been conducted at a Swedish manufacturing company by following a manufacturing technology development project in real time during a two-year period.
Findings
The results show that three different knowledge integration processes exist when developing unique manufacturing technology: processes for capturing, for joint learning, and for absorb learning. The findings of the current research suggest that the three knowledge integration processes are highly interrelated with each knowledge integration process affecting the other two.
Research limitations/implications
The major limitation of the research is primarily associated with the single case, which limits generalizability outside the context that was studied.
Practical implications
The findings are particularly relevant to manufacturing engineers working with the development of new manufacturing technologies. By using relevant knowledge integration processes and capabilities required to integrate the knowledge in manufacturing technology development projects, companies can improve design and organize the development of manufacturing technology.
Originality/value
Previous research has merely noted that knowledge integration is required in the development of unique manufacturing technology, but without explaining how and in what way. This paper’s contribution is the identification and analysis of three knowledge integration processes that contribute to the building of competitive advantages by developing unique manufacturing technology and new knowledge.
Keywords
Citation
Ahlskog, M., Bruch, J. and Jackson, M. (2017), "Knowledge integration in manufacturing technology development", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 28 No. 8, pp. 1035-1054. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-03-2017-0051
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited