Knowledge partnerships with equipment suppliers

Abstract

Background: Knowledge partnerships are conducted based on a model of knowledge creation and management. SECI model, created by Nonaka and Toyama, helps firms to deal with the creation of new knowledge and helps in the transition between tacit and explicit knowledge (Nonaka, Toyama & Konno, 2000). Purpose: The main aim of this work is for Sonae MC to be able to differentiate regarding its suppliers by being able to create knowledge partnerships. Methods: The methodology used in this study starts with an analysis of the type of equipment demanded and which suppliers are the biggest, more flexible and more willing to cooperate. Then, after interviewing the suppliers, we are able to list the knowledge that they are looking for and create a possible knowledge management model, where both parts get involved. Results: What the suppliers are looking for can be integrated on the knowledge creation spiral of Sonae MC. However, it has not been done until now due to confidentiality issues and the immense number of available competing suppliers that Sonae benefits from. Conclusion: Throughout this analysis it can be seen that there is room to cooperate with the suppliers and to improve their services by involving them in the decision planning operations and by giving them access to non-public information.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Paulo Amaral (Supervisor)