Knowledge Management Strategies for Competitive Advantage in the Convenience Foods

120 Pages·2017·0.49 MB·English

Walden University
ScholarWorks
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Collection
2017
Knowledge Management Strategies for
Competitive Advantage in the Convenience Foods
Franchise Industry
Tiffany Moses
Walden University
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Walden University

College of Management and Technology

This is to certify that the doctoral study by

Tiffany Moses

has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects,
and that any and all revisions required by
the review committee have been made.

Review Committee
Dr. Erica Gamble, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Annie Brown, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Dr. Rocky Dwyer, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty

Chief Academic Officer
Eric Riedel, Ph.D.

Walden University
2017
Abstract
Knowledge Management Strategies for Competitive Advantage in the Convenience
Foods Franchise Industry
by
Tiffany Moses

MS, Webster’s University, 2010
BS, Saint Augustine’s University, 1999

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
December 2017
Abstract
The lack of successful knowledge management (KM) practices significantly hinders
competitive advantage in small businesses. This case study was designed to explore what
effective KM strategies convenience foods franchise industry business owners or
managers use to increase competitive advantage. The study population consisted of 7 fast
food franchise owners or managers in or near the Research Triangle Park area of North
Carolina. The cognitive model of KM was the conceptual framework that grounded the
study. Face-to-face interviews were used for the data collection process. Data were
organized into nodes and coded for thematic analysis. The 3 major themes that emerged
from the data were training as a KM strategy for competitive advantage, people-focused
KM strategy for competitive advantage, and a collaborative team environment for KM
implementation. The implications for positive social change include assisting in
extending the life and dominance of U.S. based franchised businesses through improved
competitive advantage strategies. The sustainment of local franchise businesses could
also benefit local communities in the form of job opportunities and economic stimuli.
Knowledge Management Strategies for Competitive Advantage in the Convenience
Foods Franchise Industry
by
Tiffany Moses

MS, Webster’s University, 2010
BS, Saint Augustine’s University, 1999

Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree of
Doctor of Business Administration

Walden University
December 2017
Dedication
This study is dedicated to the two greatest blessings in my life, my children,
Derrick and Talia. They may not be able to fully understand the importance of this
accomplishment at this point in their lives, but I hope this will one day serve as an
inspiration and motivation to them to pursue and achieve whatever goals they set their
minds to no matter how challenging they may be.
Acknowledgments
I would like to offer a special thank you to my committee chair, Dr. Erica
Gamble. Thank you for your encouragement, support, and your commitment to getting
me through the doctoral study process. I would also like to thank my family and friends
who supported me along this journey, especially my father.
Table of Contents
Section 1: Foundation of the Study ..................................................................................... 1
Background of the Problem .......................................................................................... 1
Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 2
Purpose Statement ......................................................................................................... 2
Nature of the Study ....................................................................................................... 3
Research Question ........................................................................................................ 4
Interview Questions ...................................................................................................... 4
Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................. 5
Operational Definitions ................................................................................................. 6
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ............................................................... 6
Assumptions ............................................................................................................ 6
Limitations .............................................................................................................. 7
Delimitations ........................................................................................................... 7
Significance of the Study .............................................................................................. 8
A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ............................................... 8
Defining Knowledge ............................................................................................. 10
The Evolution of Knowledge Management .......................................................... 15
The Cognitive Model of KM ................................................................................ 20
Key Concepts of Competitive Advantage ............................................................. 24
Knowledge Management as a Tool for Competitive Advantage .......................... 28
Knowledge Management and Competitive Advantage in Franchising ................ 34
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The Future of KM as a Tool for Competitive Advantage ..................................... 38
Transition .................................................................................................................... 40
Section 2: The Project ....................................................................................................... 41
Purpose Statement ....................................................................................................... 41
Role of the Researcher ................................................................................................ 42
Participants .................................................................................................................. 43
Research Method and Design ..................................................................................... 44
Research Method .................................................................................................. 44
Research Design .................................................................................................... 46
Population and Sampling ............................................................................................ 49
Ethical Research .......................................................................................................... 50
Data Collection Instruments ....................................................................................... 52
Data Collection Technique ......................................................................................... 53
Data Organization Technique ..................................................................................... 55
Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 56
Reliability and Validity ............................................................................................... 57
Reliability .............................................................................................................. 57
Validity ................................................................................................................. 58
Transition and Summary ............................................................................................. 60
Section 3: Application to Professional Practice and Implications for Change ................. 61
Introduction ................................................................................................................. 61
Presentation of the Findings ........................................................................................ 61
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Theme One: Training as a KM Strategy for Competitive Advantage ................. 62
Theme Two: People-Focused KM Strategy for Competitive Advantage ............ 67
Theme Three: Collaborative Team Environment for KM Strategy
Implementation ......................................................................................... 70
Applications to Professional Practice ......................................................................... 75
Implications for Social Change ................................................................................... 77
Recommendations for Action ..................................................................................... 77
Recommendations for Further Research ..................................................................... 79
Reflections .................................................................................................................. 79
Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 80
References ......................................................................................................................... 82
Appendix A: Interview Questions .................................................................................. 109
Appendix B: Interview Protocol .................................................................................... 110

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