C/B/882. Dissertation + Proposal. Innovation and Knowledge Management as a Source of Competitive Advantage

This dissertation examines how firms can achieve competitive advantage through leveraging the knowledge that resides within and external to the firm, enabling them to develop and launch innovative products and services. In so doing, it examines how firms have used innovation and knowledge management to achieve competitive advantage in a wide number of contexts and countries. After the research aims and objectives are set out, the dissertation presents a critical literature review of the strategic management, innovation management, and knowledge management literatures, as well as relating to an international business environment. The methodology chapter sets out the collective case study approach that is adopted, drawing on a number of organisations in different industries to highlight the use of knowledge and innovation in achieving competitive advantage. The cases are then analysed from a firm and national level. Proposal is presented in the appendix.