This master's thesis examines the adoption of a knowledge management system (KMS) at Apollo Tyres Ltd, a global manufacturing organization. The researcher, Adhitya Fernando, conducted a case study at Apollo Tyres under the supervision of professors from UT Twente university and a supervisor from Apollo Tyres. The study extends the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model to better understand factors influencing individual use of the KMS. It incorporates additional knowledge management factors like knowledge sharing culture, rewards, and senior management support. The results of data analysis using multiple regression showed partial support for the model, with senior management support and individual intention to use significantly influencing actual KMS use. The study provides insights for both manufacturing organizations

1. Master Thesis
The adoption of a knowledge management
system in a global manufacturing organization:
A case study at Apollo Tyres Ltd.
Researcher: Adhitya Fernando
Email: adhityafernando@student.utwente.nl
1
st
Supervisor: Marcella Hoogeboom
Email: a.m.g.m.hoogeboom@utwente.nl
2
nd
Supervisor: Bas Kollofel
Email: b.j.kolloffel@utwente.nl
External organization: Apollo Tyres Global Manufacturing Department
Supervisor: Haico Stegink
Email: haico.stegink@apollotyres.com
Keywords: IT Adoption, Knowledge Management System, Manufacturing Organization
CONFIDENTIAL

2. The adoption of knowledge management system in a global manufacturing organization | Adhitya Fernando
2 |
Summary
The adoption of Knowledge Management System (KMS) has become an increasing
trend in numerous companies to manage their organizational knowledge. While a decision
for implementing a KMS in a company is made at top-level management, a successful
KMS adoption predominantly depends on lower-
of the system. However, little is known about this issue in a manufacturing organization.
manufacturing company. KMS adoption studies focus on evaluating and/or predicting use-
behaviour of a KMS through the lens of IT adoption models such as UTAUT. Although
UTAUT gives a generous explanation about the factors that influence individuals to use an
IT system, modification and adaptation are required to understand a KMS adoption better.
Thus, this study extends the UTAUT model by breaking the performance factor into
performance at the individual level and the organizational level as well as incorporating
specific facilitating knowledge type conditions derived from KM literature; namely
knowledge-sharing culture, reward system, and senior management leadership and
commitment. The modified UTAUT model was used to examine the critical adoption
-behaviour of a KMS platform in
a manufacturi
The result of data analysis, using multiple linear regressions, however, showed a partial
support for the research model with only three out of eight hypotheses confirmed.
Ind
platform. From all facilitating conditions, only senior management leadership and
commitment which was added on the basis of the KM literature had a significant influence
on use behaviour of the AMS IT platform. Additionally, the intention to use the AMS IT
platform was significantly influencing use behaviour of the AMS IT platform. In conclusion,
this study has been able to show the most important factor that explains adoption of the
KMS in a manufacturing organization. The results, in particular, helped manufacturing
organization in developing management interventions to improve KMS adoption and
helped the academic community to understand KMS adoption in manufacturing
organization in general. Further limitation and practical implication are provided in the end.

3. The adoption of knowledge management system in a global manufacturing organization | Adhitya Fernando
3 |
Acknowledgement

4. The adoption of knowledge management system in a global manufacturing organization | Adhitya Fernando
4 |
Adhitya Fernando
Enschede, summer 2017