Title: Knowledge storage and access in automotive components' SMEs in India

Authors: Rajesh K. Pillania

Addresses: Management Development Institute, Mehrauli Road, Sukhrali, Gurgaon 122001, India; Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Abstract: Knowledge has emerged as the key resource in the post-industrial society. Creation of knowledge is a costly affair, and the half-life of knowledge is getting increasingly shorter, owing to fast changes and newer developments. It is critical for organisations to store the knowledge, and provide access to it, in a professional and efficient manner throughout the organisation for leveraging it for achieving sustainable competitiveness. This research work looks at knowledge storage and access practices in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive components industry in India. International SMEs fare better than Indian SMEs in stored knowledge in terms of relevance, importance and timeliness as well as access. Knowledge is mostly stored electronically and on paper. In terms of access, knowledge about markets takes maximum time whereas knowledge about the company|s products/services takes minimum time. The study includes both macro and micro perspectives by covering experts as well as firms.

Keywords: knowledge access; automotive components; India; knowledge storage; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEHV.2008.022260

International Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, 2008 Vol.1 No.4, pp.333 - 341

Published online: 24 Dec 2008 *

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