| This study traced the impact of scientific management and knowledge management in the management of supply chain management. The impact was defined by the independent variables of the application of knowledge, cross-functional integration, and the use of performance measurements methods on firm performance.; The basics of scientific management were reviewed along with the fundamentals of knowledge management. This review was focused on how these two bodies of knowledge affected the definition and management of the supply chain and particularly, the role of the supply chain management staff function.; A survey of supply chain professionals was completed and was focused on manufacturing organizations only in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Results of the study included the relationships of the three independent variables, as well as their sub-factors, on firm performance. Some of the questions of the survey were oriented on the overall systems used in the firm as well as supply management systems. The primary finding made was that the use of performance management methods, particularly the use of benchmarking, had a significant impact on the extent of form performance.; Further research is suggested in non-manufacturing industries, international organizations, and in other geographic areas of the Unites States. The survey used could also be improved to be more specific regarding the supply chain dimension and be reduced in length in order to increase the response rate. |
