IT Resource and Competitive Advantage: Role of Knowledge Management Capability and Resource Commitment

IT resources and quality attributes: The impact on electronic green supply chain management implementation and performance

Information Technology (IT) is regarded as a facilitator for both small and large firms to speed up transactions between firms and their suppliers and customers, achieve real-time communication, lower transaction costs, and enhance speed and flexibility. However, understanding whether and how IT can help firms to create business value still remains unresolved. Drawing upon resource-based view theory, source-position-performance framework, we develop and test a theoretical model to explore the interrelationships between IT resources (IT human resources, IT infrastructure), IT capability (back-end integration), IT-enabled inter-firm processes (activity integration, coordination, partnership enhancement), and organizational performance in the fast growth small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) context. We propose that the value of IT depends on how firms employ technologies to develop IT capability which facilitates inter-firm integration and enhances intermediate business processes along the value chains. Structural equation modeling is employed to test our theoretical conceptualization of 310 Australian fast-growth SMEs across different industrial sectors. The results show that IT resources do contribute to fast growth SME performance through developing IT capability and enhancing inter-firm value chain processes such as integration, coordination and partnership enhancement. This research highlights the role of IT resources and IT capability in business value creation and the ways in which IT is used by fast growth SMEs to enhance core business competencies. Keywords: IT Resources, IT Capability, Back-end Integration, IT-enabled inter-firm processes, Resource-based View of Firms, Source-Position-Performance Framework, Fast Growth SMEs.

PurposeGiven the importance of leadership practices and knowledge resources in fostering innovation capabilities of firms, the purpose of this study is to explore the influence of transformational leadership on exploitative and exploratory innovation via mediating role of knowledge management capability. This study also attempts to increase understanding of the appropriate mechanisms for firms to pursue innovation capability by examining the moderating mechanism of competitive intensity.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized the structural equation modeling and cross-sectional design to test hypotheses in the proposed research model using survey data collected from 351 participants in 120 manufacturing and service firms.FindingsThe findings indicate that transformational leadership induces greater effect on exploratory innovation compared to its effect on exploitative innovation. The mediating role of knowledge management capability between transformational leadership and aspects of innovation capability is also supported. Especially, the influences of knowledge management capability on exploratory innovation capability are enhanced and depended on the degree of competitive intensity.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should examine the mediating mechanisms of knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge application to provide deeper insight on the role of specific components of knowledge management capability in linking transformational leadership and innovation capability.Practical implicationsThe paper highlights the important role of transformational leadership practices for fostering knowledge management capability and specific aspects of innovation capability under high level of competitive pressure.Originality/valueThe paper is unique in the attempts to provide a prospective solution for firms to pursue and improve innovation based on the meaningful insights on the mediating role of knowledge management capability and moderating effect of competitive intensity in the relationship between transformational leadership and specific dimensions of innovation capability.

This article aims to shed light on the development of Vietnam's information technology human resources between 2006 and 2020 by analyzing the guidelines and policies set by the Communist Party and the Government of Vietnam, as well as their training activities, talent attraction, compensation and international cooperation policies. Information technology (IT) and IT human resources play a crucial role in Vietnam's socio-economic development, particularly in the rapidly evolving context of the information and digital revolutions. Since 2006, as Vietnam entered a phase of industrialization and modernization tied to the growth of a knowledge-based economy, the Party and the government have increasingly recognized the importance of applying and developing IT across all fields. In this regard, IT human resources are key to promoting the role of information technology in the country’s development strategy. Recently, Vietnam has emerged as a significant player in the global IT industry but workforce shortages have challenged the country’s long-term objective of becoming a tech hub in Southeast Asia.

PurposeThis paper aims to unveil the importance of knowledge management on a firm’s strategic emergency response during the great negative shock from global public health threats. Through analyzing how representative firms in China’s new economy industries dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic before, during and after the crisis, the significant problems confronted by these firms are pointed out, and the important role knowledge management capabilities played in solving these problems is proven.Design/methodology/approachThe open data of listed companies regarding the important role knowledge management played in firms’ strategic emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic are qualitatively analyzed. Based on theoretical sampling, this paper selects representative samples of enterprises and analyzes the positive response measures they took after being hit by this public health event to gain qualitative insight into the importance of knowledge management capabilities in strategic emergency response.FindingsThree aspects of the important role of knowledge management capabilities in a firm’s strategic emergency response during the COVID-19 pandemic are introduced: before the crisis, firms should strengthen the acquisition, sharing and integration of knowledge so that they can intensify their monitoring for uncertain risks; during the crisis, firms should boost the transmission, transformation and diffusion of knowledge to improve emergency cooperation; and after the crisis, companies should reinforce knowledge evaluation, creation and application to enhance “immunity” in similar emergencies.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has important implications for bolstering strategic emergency management practice and knowledge management capability among firms. Future research must focus on the following two aspects for further investigation: the dynamic relationship between firm knowledge management capability and strategic emergency response ability; and the collaboration system between firm knowledge management and strategic emergency response behaviors.Originality/valueThis paper discusses the important role knowledge management capabilities play in firms’ strategic emergency responses based on insights gained from the significant changes that the COVID-19 pandemic caused to representative Chinese new economy firms. By analyzing the three stages of before, during and after the emergency, this paper proposes the exact efforts that new economy companies should make in improving knowledge management capability.

Information technology (IT) is a fast-growing field, particularly, in Ho Chi Minh City. The City Authorities have made much effort to improve IT infrastructure and to make a master plan for IT human resource development. The development of IT human resource depends on the demand of IT market and on the supply of IT human resource. In order to have a highly reliable plan for IT human resource development, a forecasting model involving factors of IT human resource demand and supply is in big need. This research aims to establish an IT human resource forecasting model and to apply this model to the forecasting of IT human resource in Ho Chi Minh City from 2011 to 2020.

Strategic alignment of information technology (IT) is required to be included in the firms’ core activity in today’s business environment. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of ‘IT connectivity, IT infrastructure and IT human resources’ on ‘IT business strategic alignment’ by developing a model, in public and private organizations in India. A questionnaire was used to measure the constructs after its validity and reliability. The findings discovered that firms’ IT strategic alignment was significantly impacted by three IT dimensions, that is, IT connectivity, IT infrastructure and IT human resources (combined as IT capability). The IT investments and expenditures of a firm are aligned with its business objectives and priorities. Furthermore, the significant role of these dimensions in public and private organizations in India was examined.

In an era where knowledge has become one of the most valuable assets, the ability to effectively gather, store, manage, and utilize knowledge is critical. Given the ever-changing market needs, the sustainable competitive advantage of a company is crucial. The aim of this research is to analyze the role of knowledge management capabilities in sustainable competitive advantage and to assess the effectiveness of the impact provided by knowledge sharing and the innovation value chain in enhancing a company's competitive advantage. The research method employed is quantitative research using a questionnaire with a 1 – 7-point Likert Scale for data collection. This study was conducted on employees, staff, and managers of a state-owned bank in Indonesia, with a sample size of 206 respondents. Data analysis will be performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique with SmartPLS 4 software. The results of hypothesis testing indicate that the influence of knowledge management capabilities on knowledge sharing, and the innovation value chain is statistically significant. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant influence between knowledge sharing and sustainable competitive advantage, and knowledge sharing mediates the relationship between knowledge management capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage. The influence of the innovation value chain on sustainable competitive advantage is also significant, however, there is no significant evidence found that the innovation value chain mediates the relationship between knowledge management capabilities and sustainable competitive advantage.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly rely on digital technologies to sustain innovation, yet limited empirical evidence explains how business intelligence capabilities translate into superior innovation outcomes, particularly in emerging economy contexts. Addressing this gap, this study examines the direct and indirect effects of business intelligence capabilities on innovation performance by unpacking the mediating role of knowledge management capability and the moderating role of data-driven decision making within an integrated Resource-Based View and Knowledge-Based View framework. Conceptually, the study advances prior research by clarifying the complementary roles of these theoretical perspectives: the Resource-Based View explains what strategic digital resources firms possess, the Knowledge-Based View explains how these resources are transformed into organizational knowledge through knowledge management capability, and data-driven decision making explains when these capabilities are effectively converted into innovation outcomes. Data were collected through a survey of 316 owners and senior managers of small- and medium-sized hotels operating in Amman, Jordan, and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) as the primary analytical technique. The results indicate that business intelligence capabilities exert a significant positive effect on innovation performance, with this relationship largely transmitted through knowledge management capability, demonstrating that the value of business intelligence lies in its integration into organizational knowledge processes rather than in data availability alone. Moreover, data-driven decision making strengthens the relationship between business intelligence capabilities and innovation performance, functioning as an execution-level capability that enhances the conversion of digital and knowledge-based resources into innovation outcomes. To further validate the robustness of the findings, a post-hoc moderated mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro version 4.2 was conducted as a confirmatory analysis. By conceptualizing business intelligence, knowledge management, and data-driven decision making as an interconnected socio-technical capability system, this study advances digital innovation theory and offers actionable insights for SME managers seeking to orchestrate capabilities for innovation under resource constraints.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify and rank total quality management (TQM) enablers and information technology (IT) resources to provide a reliable and valid measurement instrument for evaluation in Indian information and communications technology (ICT) organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on a literature review of TQM enablers and IT resources, 17 factors are identified, of which, 9 are TQM enablers and 8 are IT resources. The empirical data, retrieved from 801 ICT organizations, is tested by descriptive analysis and factor analysis (FA). FA is used to ensure that items in each scale sufficiently reflect the scope of each factor. Findings This paper has developed an instrument that can be used to evaluate items to implement TQM enablers and IT resources. The instrument identifies 17 reliable and valid factors, out of which 16 are input factors, while 1 is an outcome factor. Practical implications This instrument will provide a practical understanding to enable the monitoring of TQM enabler and IT resource activities in ICT organizations. Along with this, these instruments will help to build models related to constructs that will further achievement of customer satisfaction (CS). Originality/value This paper presents an instrument which validates the different items of TQM enablers and IT resources. It also shows the relationship between the two in terms of CS.

Dynamic information technology capability: Concept definition and framework development

Currently healthcare is one of the main problems in Indonesia, particularly with the primary care provided by hospitals. Problems that often occur at hospitals in Indonesia was shown from the high malpractice rate in Indonesia, this problem made public confidence to the hospital was decline, this is indicated by the increasing number of Indonesian citizens who choose to seek the treatment at the hospital in neighboring countries. The suspected problems related to the knowledge management capability of the hospital. This study aims to reveal the role of knowledge management capabilities on the performance of hospital services and provide a prototype system that can improve the knowledge management capabilities of the hospital. The sample for this study are hospitals located in Jakarta. Where the respondent is the head of the hospital. The research method that will be used in this research is qualitative and quantitative method. This research generated a framework strategy to improve knowledge management capability at hospital by looking at factors influencing knowledge management capability of hospital in Indonesia, especially Jakarta.

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Industry 4.0 capability (I4.0 C) in creating a supportive environment for business model innovation by focussing on the mediating role of knowledge management capability (KMC) and the moderating effect of market uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses interviews with managers and academics. Data were collected from 379 managers; CFA and finally regression analysis were performed, and the program “PROCESS” software was used to validate the data and examine the hypothesized relationships.FindingsKMC mediates the relationship between Industry 4.0 capability and business model innovation. The effect of Industry 4.0 capability on KMC is stronger for firms with increased market uncertainty. In contrast, the impact of KMC on business model innovation is weaker for firms operating in highly-uncertain markets.Research limitations/implicationsData were collected at only one point in time from one country, Greece. This might pose limitations on the generalizability of our results. Future research should test the relationships examined in this study in other international contexts.Practical implicationsManagers should invest in more advanced technology in order to obtain knowledge and capability. In addition, they need to pay more attention to how their firms' knowledge derived from Industry 4.0 contributes to business model innovation.Originality/valueThe current state of knowledge of both theory and practise for critical organizational factors such as Industry 4.0 capability, KMC, business model innovation and market uncertainty will be extended.

During the past two decades, both business managers and academic researchers have shown considerable interest in understanding how information technologies (IT) help to create competitive advantage for a firm. While recently the idea of competitive differentiation through IT has been challenged, this study contrasts the traditional thinking about competitive advantage with the resource-based view. Specifically, it is argued that by demarcating specific types of capabilities, we can contribute to better understanding of the sources of IT-based competitive advantage. Conceptually, we distinguish here between value, competitive, and dynamic capabilities as three distinct types of capabilities. Within each type, we identify specific capabilities, such as quality of the IT infrastructure, IT business experience, relationship infrastructure, and intensity of organizational learning, and present a model that describes relationships between these capabilities and competitive advantage. We then empirically test the model using data collected via a national mail survey from chief IT executives from 202 manufacturing firms. While the quality of the IT infrastructure is hypothesized as a value capability and expectedly did not have any significant effect on competitive advantage, the quality of IT business expertise and the relationship infrastructure (competitive capabilities) did. The results of the study also indicate that the intensity of organizational learning (dynamic capability) was significantly related to all of the capabilities. These results point to the importance of delineating capabilities such as relationship infrastructure that can facilitate differentiation in the marketplace, and dynamic capabilities such as organizational learning as an important antecedent to IT capability building.

The Directorate of Archives and Libraries, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peshawar, a crucial organization in charge of managing public library services throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, is the subject of this study, which critically evaluates the current status of its IT resources and services. This study examines how much IT is incorporated into the Directorate's administrative and service frameworks in a time when digital technologies are revolutionizing library operations. Identifying the available IT infrastructure, gauging how frequently and successfully staff and library users use it, and assessing user satisfaction with the current IT services are some of the main goals. The study also looks into the main issues that prevent the best use of IT, such as administrative limitations, inadequate staff training, and infrastructure shortcomings. Using a quantitative approach, 150 participants—including library staff and patrons—were given structured questionnaires to complete in order to gather data. The results show that despite the existence of some digital tools and services, a number of operational and strategic constraints continue to limit their uptake and influence. The analysis highlights a notable discrepancy between the current state of IT implementation and its potential to improve library services. Subsequently, the study identifies particular measures to address user access, provide more professional development, and enhance IT infrastructure. The intentions behind these interventions are to build digital literacy, modernize public library operations in KPK, and ensure that services respond to the informational needs of users in the modern era.