Critical capabilities and performance in the aerospace industry: a knowledge management approach

This paper focuses on new organizational systems, structures and processes necessary to strategic resources management in the aerospace sector. In such a continuously changing business environment, the most important aspects to take into consideration concern the identification, the coordination and the allocation of strategic capabilities and knowledge resources. A new knowledge management approach is suggested in order to identify the appropriate modality for capabilities integration. The analysis has been focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the conventional approach. Reasons for the proposed approach to be adopted by aerospace companies to obtain better organizational results are explained. Specific attention is directed to knowledge sharing activities, tools and policies and to their facilitating role in improving communication and skills development. The main dimensions of performance, their critical factors and their link with people management practices are also analyzed.