Networked enterprise: a case
study of implementing an
information network system for
global product development
Anthony Y.K. Yam
Hasbro Far East Ltd, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China, and
Michael F.S. Chan and Walter W.C. Chung
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering,
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China
Abstract
Purpose – The challenge of global product design and manufacturing in the networked enterprise is
to have an information hub supported by an information infrastructure that is difficult to imitate by
competitors. The global company can use this global network to share information among its members
and provide fast response to customers. The purpose of this paper is use to the dispersed production
network to show where knowledge management can be deployed in operations for gaining competitive
advantage.
Design/methodology/approach – The case study method was selected as the research method.
The case of Hasbro Far East Ltd is presented to depict the components of the information hub and why
knowledge management can be effectively deployed in the management of the collaborative product
development process.
Findings – The findings of the case study support the argument that the streamlined collaborative
process can be institutionalised in the form of information hub to facilitate the use of a new business
model for global product design and outsourced manufacturing. The new business model guides an
incremental approach in transforming the operations of a global enterprise which serves a show case
in business process management for benchmarking.
Research limitations/implications – This paper offers a business model of knowledge
management in networked enterprise for global product design and manufacturing. The success of
using the model depends on the sponsor in the creation of the knowledge-based system and the ability
in resolving conflicts through information sharing among members of networked enterprise. Future
research should concentrate on developing enterprise performance tools to facilitate the alignment of
views from different participants of the network so that they can become sponsors earlier in
committing to the development of an information hub for knowledge management and achieve the
new dispersed production network business model.
Originality/value – Findings may pose interesting implications for global entrepreneurs,
policymaker, suppliers and supporting institutions, for the way they work together to gain the
most benefits and competitive advantage from the new business model.
Keywords Knowledge management, Information networks, Product development,
Supply chain management, Content management, Communication technologies
Paper type Case study
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/1463-5771.htm
The authors acknowledge the support offered by Central Grant of The Hong Kong Polytechnic
University under Project Number: G-W109
Networked
enterprise
369
Benchmarking: An International
Journal
Vol. 14 No. 3, 2007
pp. 369-386
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
1463-5771
DOI 10.1108/14635770710753121