Analysing the Interrelationship among Supply Chain Knowledge Flow Barriers: A DEISMI Approach

Abstract

Organisations are being aware that it is essential to utilise knowledge to maintain a position in the competitive market. Many significant factors create hindrances to knowledge flow in the supply chain. These factors are known as Supply Chain Knowledge Flow Barriers (SCKFBs). Therefore, most organisations wish to understand how different SCKFBs affect supply chain progress. This research aims to suggest a hybrid three-stage framework of Fuzzy Delphi (FD)–Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM)–Fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (FMICMAC) methodology, combine abbreviated as the fuzzy DEISMI for investigating SCKFBs. This research identifies 26 SCKFBs through literature search and opinion from the experts. FD is used to finalise 15 significant barriers to knowledge flow in the supply chain. Further, ISM methodology helps to develop contextual relationships and a hierarchical model between these significant barriers. The evolved hierarchical model presents interrelationships and interdependencies among the identified SCKFBs. The FMICMAC is applied to identify the driving power and dependence power among SCKFBs. This study shows SCKFBs who have high value of driving power and low value of dependence power have strategic importance in supply chain development. These barriers are at the base of the hierarchical model, and policymakers should give significant consideration towards these SCKFBs.