An Empirical Study of Knowledge Management and E Supply Chain Management in Public Sector Oil Companies

Abstract

The Indian public sector oil companies are the major players in the fuel for vehicles and industries in India. Majorly the companies are owned by the Government of India. Although the filtration of oil takes place in India, the raw material is imported from other countries outside India. newlineThe dependence of India on foreign countries for supply of oil has impacted the Economy and the Gross Domestic Product of India in a major way. Electronic Supply Chain Management is an important and complicated process for extraction of oil in the downstream operations of the oil industry. newlineHandling and making the downstream operations efficient and effective is thus an important profitability factor. In our study, Mumbai city was chosen for carrying out surveys across different petrol pumps in different parts of the city. newlineThe oil manufacturing company can regulate its sales price and essentially helps to increase the profitability of the company. In order to consider the customers experiences in services provided by the company, Knowledge Management is combined with the process of Electronic Supply Chain Management. newlineInitial Pilot survey was carried across different regions of Mumbai. Interviews were conducted for General Managers (30), Depot Managers (30), Retailers (35) and Customers (80). The question set was developed based on the Issues identified in E-SCM through Literature survey. The data collected was analysed and discussed with experts in a rigorous process spread over a period of 3 months. newlineWithin this process, Literature Survey, Interviews, Focus Group meetings were held with experts. 42 interviews were conducted of the top level General Managers of 3 companies regarding the problems faced by the Indian oil industry. A sample set of questions was asked commonly to all the General Managers. newlineHypothesis formation was done after the initial pilot survey.