A proposed model for the management of knowledge flows in the international automobile industry supply chain : approaches and methodologies with special reference to DaimlerChrysler and Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre
Le Roux, Pierre (2002-12)
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper discusses concepts concerning the flow of knowledge between organisations. Specifically investigated is the situation concerning global Original Equipment Manufacturers and their suppliers. The increasing importance of knowledge as a strategic resource for Original Equipment Manufacturers forms the background to this study. Knowledge as resource, if used correctly, enables organisations to create a sustainable competitive advantage within a competitive global business environment. The analysis applies to Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre as representative organisation. Relevant issues related to the topic and the problem as stated are discussed, with the concepts of knowledge and knowledge management analysed from a theoretical and practical perspective. As a background to an understanding of knowledge management at Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre, knowledge management at Chrysler Corporation, Daimler-Benz and DaimlerChrysler is discussed respectively. Concepts relating to knowledge flows within the parameters of Original Equipment Manufacturer supply chains are discussed. Differences in the supply chain parameters of Eastern and Western organisations are shown, and the role of knowledge management in supply chains is analysed. Influencing factors within such parameters are also identified. Opportunities and threats emerging from the flow of knowledge between organisations are analysed, while an investigation into trends at automobile suppliers provides insight concerning future expectations. The necessitating influence of some strategic management issues regarding the need for a model to guide the implementation of a knowledge-sharing programme is discussed. Models and tools for knowledge management in Original Equipment Manufacturer supply chains are analysed and the current models and tools of Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre are used as a benchmark. Against this background a model is proposed for the implementation and management of a knowledge-sharing programme between Original Equipment Manufacturers and suppliers, with specific reference to Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie werkstuk bespreek konsepte wat die vloei van kennis tussen organisasies betref. Spesifiek van belang vir hierdie studie is die situasie met betrekking tot internasionale voertuigvervaardigers en hulle verskaffers. Die toenemende belangrikheid van kennis as strategiese bron vir internasionale voertuigvervaardigers vorm die agtergrond tot hierdie studie. Indien dit korrek gebruik word, stel kennis as strategiese bron organisasies in staat om In volhoubare, kompeterende voordeel binne In globale besigheidsomgewingte behou. Die analise gebruik die Mercedes-Benz Tegnologiesentrum as verteenwoordigende organisasie. Relevante kwessies met betrekking tot die onderwerp en die gestelde probleem word bespreek, terwyl die konsepte van kennis en kennisbestuur uit In teoretiese en pratiese oogpunt bespreek word. Ten einde In agtergrond te skep vir In beter begrip van kennisbestuur by die Mercedes-Benz Tegnologiesentrum, word die kennisbestuurprosesse van Chrysler, Daimler-Benz en DaimlerChrysler onderskeidelik ondersoek. Konsepte met betrekking tot kennisvloei binne die parameters van internasionale voertuigvervaardigers en hulle verskaffingskettings word bespreek. Verskille in die verskaffingskettings van Oosterse en Westerse voertuigvervaardigers word geanaliseer. Faktore wat In invloed het binne hierdie parameters word ook identifiseer. Geleenthede asook gevare wat uit die vloei van kennis tussen organisasies voortspruit word bespreek, terwyl die ontleding van tendense by verskaffers in die internasionale motorbedryf insig bied in moontlike toekomsverwagtinge wat vervaardigers kan koester. Strategiese kwessies wat dui op die behoefte aan In model om kennisvloei tussen organisasies te bestuur word bespreek. Kennisbestuur in die internasionale motorvervaardigingsektor se verskaffingsketting word geanaliseer en die huidige modelle en werkswyses van die Mercedes-Benz Tegnologiesentrum word as punt van vergelyking gebruik. Teen hierdie agtergrond word In logiese model vir die implementering en bestuur van In samewerkingsooreenkoms vir die uitruil van kennis tussen organisasies in die internasionale voertuigvervaardigingsektor voorgestel. Die model het spesifiek betrekking op die Mercedes-Benz Tegnologiesentrum en hulle verskaffingsketting.
Please refer to this item in SUNScholar by using the following persistent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52691
Download PDF (27.21Mb)
Masters Degrees (Business Management)108