Knowledge management as a competitive advantage tool in motor vehicle service industry: a case study of Kingsway Tyres Ltd
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Date
2010Author
Mbugua, Rahab W
Type
ThesisLanguage
en_USMetadata
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In today's fast-changing competitive environment, firms' competitive positions are constantly challenged by the emergence of new technologies, products, markets and competitors. As a result, organizations have to respond strategically to environmental factors in order to be sustainable. Quickness to accurate, relevant and precise information is crucial to the success of firms operating in such a competitive environment. Such competitive advantage emanates from resources unique to a firm such as key competencies, assets, capabilities, resources, information, and knowledge. Knowledge management has been found to be such a great resource to a firms obtaining sustainability .
The study aimed at determining the how Kingsway Tyres has utilized knowledge management as a competitive tool. In attempting to get the objective, a case study research design was adopted. Five departmental Heads were interviewed and gave information that helped in arriving at the research objective and conclusion. The Content analysis study established that organisation objective in introducing KM was to leverage implicit knowledge and at the same time retaining knowledge of employees as they exit the organisation. With the introduction of the knowledge management process, the organizations ability to act has been enhanced due to the increased competency of the employees.
Several challenges were identified that was going to impact the implementation of knowledge management in the firm. This included; situations where the managers in some cases implemented some KM strategies that was not the one suitable in the circumstance. In addition it was found out that top managers need to realize the internal and external environments for the knowledge management thoroughly for enacting proper strategies for enterprises to successfully implement the knowledge management programs. Therefore it can be concluded that knowledge management can be used as a competitive advantage tool
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya