Knowledge Deficits in a Supply Chain

Abstract:

The article presents the results of the study focused on the elaboration of a method to identify knowledge deficits, particularly from the point of view of a supply chain. The proposed method enables to identify knowledge deficits and makes it possible to determine active actions to improve the level of logistic customer service in a supply chain. The research process consisted of two stages and was aimed primarily at acquiring qualitative information in the field of knowledge processes implemented in logistic processes concerning the execution of make-to-order contracts in a machine-building industry supply chain. The first stage was focused on the general determination of knowledge deficits in all logistic processes in an analysed supply chain. The second stage was to characterize and structure identified deficits to get their sources and consequences basing on direct interviews with internal and external experts. The result of the research was the elaboration of a knowledge deficits matrix as an authorial method enabling the identification and evaluation of knowledge deficits in a machine-building industry supply chain.