Knowledge Management Practices and Competitive Advantage in Consulting Engineering Firms in Uganda

Abstract

This study examined the effect of knowledge management practices on competitive advantage in consulting engineering firms in Uganda and the moderating role of ICT Usage. Knowledge management practices formed the independent variable and competitive advantage was the dependent variable. Consulting engineering firms are not delivering value for money service due to the stiff competition they are facing and failure of the individual workers to manage and leverage their knowledge well in order to gain competitive advantage. The study was a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire conducted on a sample of 131 out of which 102 returned the questionnaire representing a response rate of 78%. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique and data was analysed using reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple and hierarchical regressions using the SPSS programme. The multiple regression results indicated that improved knowledge filtering and knowledge application do significantly increase competitive advantage. The hierarchical results indicated that ICT usage significantly influenced the relationship between acquisition, filtering, configuration, sharing and competitive advantage but did not affect the relationship between knowledge application and competitive advantage. The implications of the study are that consulting engineering firms are not consciously and systematically practicing knowledge management in order to gain competitive advantage. This study strongly recommends that consulting engineering firms should implement a knowledge management strategy aimed at filtering and applying knowledge in order to gain competitive advantage. Future research could study the barriers and success factors of knowledge management implementation in the consulting engineering firms in Uganda and other industrial sectors since this study only covered engineering firms.