A KM motivated web-based supply chain simulator: facilitating e-learning for SMEs

Abstract

The Knowledge Management (KM) driven dynamic supply chain holds future competitive potential for improved business performance. Dynamic supply chains can change their structures and chain partners dynamically. Hence, they are more complex to deal with, especially for the Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Global chains can have SMEs as multiple-autonomous players with varying technical cultures (affects knowledge mindsets), managerial background (affects decision knowledge) and SCM exposures (affects knowledge-sharing attitudes). These knowledge-sharing and knowledge-evolving activities offer several opportunities and challenges for SMEs to contribute effectively to the supply chain business performance as a virtual chain member. This paper presents the application of a web-based simulator model that is based on Decision Knowledge Sharing (DKS) for improved business performance in supply chains. This simulator offers different levels of knowledge sharing and allows a scenario analysis. It also offers an e-learning potential that motivates business performance improvement in SCM context.