Study on the impact of knowledge management practices on new product performance development for manufacturing industries in Tanzania
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Date
2016
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
The application of knowledge management drives new product performance development of manufacturing industries. However, few studies have addressed the link between knowledge management practices and new product development performance in manufacturing industries. This study is aimed at assessing the role of knowledge management practices on new product performance development in Tanzania manufacturing industries. Data were collected through a survey to food and beverage manufacturing industries chosen at random using structured questionnaire. The population included CEOs, Production Managers, Marketing Managers and R&D Managers. The study was limited in Dar es Salaam as it is the centre of industrial and commercial city in Tanzania. Descriptive statistics was used to establish the extents of knowledge management practices and new product development practices performance. A structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to establish the link between the knowledge management practices and product development performance. The quantitative findings show that the implementation of knowledge management practices is on average while the product development performance is high. In addition, there is a positive impact of knowledge management practices on new product development performance. Thus when knowledge management increases by 1, new product development performance increases by 0.9. As a result, the firm can be able to differentiate itself from competitors and subsequent win competitive advantage in the marketplace. CEOs and Managers are therefore required to provide necessary tools for the application of knowledge management practices across all firm’s departments to improve the performance.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF HD30.2.T34N458)
Keywords
Knowledge management, New products, Manufacturing industry, Tanzania
Citation
Ng’walida, S. N.(2016) Study on the impact of knowledge management practices on new product performance development for manufacturing industries in Tanzania,Master dissertation,University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.