An inquiry on knowledge management in third-party logistics companies

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the perception towards the importance of internal knowledge for business activities that can be associated with knowledge management (KM) and the application of tools to aid KM from a managerial perspective. A qualitative research approach was adopted by conducting in-depth case studies in three third-party logistics (3PLs) companies located in central Malaysia, offering most of logistics services and serving a large number of clients. This study employed first cycle, second cycle and in vivo coding as the data analysis techniques. Generally, this study provides insight about KM awareness, practices and obstacles in 3PLs companies in Malaysia. The findings of this study have significant implications for both academicians and the 3PLs organisations to further explore the theories, practices and the implementation of KM in similar organisations. Future studies may want to investigate the tools and technology that can help to support the KM practices among 3PLs organisations.