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Based on an exploratory case-based approach, the purpose of this paper is to open the KM black box and examine the relationships that link knowledge management (KM) inputs (i.e. knowledge resources and KM practices) via knowledge processes to KM performance. This paper aims to identify the underlying mechanisms and explain how KM performance is enabled.

This in-depth case study conducted at a medium-sized consultancy in the supply chain management industry empirically examines knowledge flows to uncover the relationships between KM inputs, knowledge processes and KM performance. We adopt the viable system model (VSM) as a theoretical lens to identify KM mechanisms.

By identifying six KM mechanisms, we contribute to the theoretical understanding of how KM inputs are interconnected and lead to KM performance via knowledge processes.

Based on the insights gained, we provide propositions that organizations should consider in designing viable KM. Our findings help organizations in understanding their KM with the help of knowledge flow analysis and identifying how critical KM elements are interconnected.

While scholars agree on the complexity of knowledge management processes (KMPs), achieving a comprehensive understanding of these processes and how they integrate into the core organizational processes still proves challenging. In response to this research gap, this study presents a pioneering, inductive exploration into the views of chief knowledge officers (CKOs).

We employed an interpretative multiple-case study methodology, conducting semi-structured interviews with 28 CKOs across diverse industry sectors. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data.

The CKOs’ insights reveal that the degree of “superposition and overlap” between KMPs and business processes is pivotal to the effectiveness of both knowledge management (KM) and business operations. The study introduces the concept of “transparent KM,” where KM becomes an imperceptible yet indispensable element of the organizational structure. This challenges the conventional notion of KM as an isolated discipline and highlights the dangers of artificially segregating KMPs from core business processes, which can result in employee disengagement and managerial doubts about the value of KM.

This research contributes to a novel vision of KM, advocating for the seamless integration of KMPs into organizational processes. It suggests that KM should be considered a ubiquitous force that naturally enhances organizational workflows. Scholars, practitioners and company leaders, in designing business processes, should take into consideration their KM implications and, in turn, potentially reshaping the strategic role of KM in organizations.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food and beverage automatic retail environment by analysing the impact of planograms, conceived as a visual merchandising practice and shopping time – the time spent making a purchase – as part of food consumer purchasing behaviour to further enrich the debate on the ability of companies to absorb customer knowledge.

A real-world experiment was conducted using a sample of 27,230 valid observations of consumer purchasing decision-making processes at automatic vending machines (AVMs). Data were collected by a shopper behaviour analytics system that allows for a better understanding of the AVM users' behaviour. Two sets of regressions were run to test the two hypotheses.

The experimental results demonstrated that planograms – the planned, systematic organisation of products in an AVM – positively impact food purchases. A planogram acts as a mediator in the relationship between shopping time and purchase, resulting in shorter shopping times and more purchases.

This work adds to the customer knowledge literature by focussing on customer behaviour in the food and beverage automated shopping environment. The shopper analytics technology adopted to collect real-time data leads to a better understanding of the purchasing behaviour of AVMs' users and provides new marketing and retail insights into AVMs' performance that retailers can use to improve their marketing strategies.