An Examination and Critique of the Use of Knowledge Management in Achieving Competitive Advantage in Business and Its Existence in The Middle East Airline Industry: A Case Study of Saudi Airline

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to closely analyze and understand the significance of knowledge management for business firms in achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. The paper has critical analysis on knowledge management and its taxonomies like; tacit and explicit knowledge and their wide applicability in businesses to achieve and sustain the competitive advantage. Moreover, in the paper different theoretical models and frameworks have been briefly reviewed. The focus of the paper is towards Middle East airline industry to closely evaluate the strategic knowledge management implications in the region. Saudi Airline is used as a case study company for insight analysis and to develop better understanding how the company is using knowledge management in their day-to-day operations for improving customer experience and to gain competitive advantage. Lastly, the discussion section presents insight analysis and varied suggestions for businesses to follow the same SKM initiatives. Whereby, the understanding from the study is reflected in the conclusion.