Yun, G C (2008) The utility of knowledge mapping as an approach to improving corporate and project performance: a case study of a large South Korean consulting firm. PhD thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Abstract
Knowledge, and its appropriate management, has been increasingly recognised as a critical source of sustainable competitive advantage for companies. Within this context, many companies are developing their strategies and capabilities to effectively create, share and exploit knowledge. This issue has been seen to be particularly important in project-based industries, such as the construction industry. However, in spite of the espoused value of knowledge management approaches they often deliver benefits far below expectations. Research and practice has identified a number of problems and barriers which have depleted the actual benefits of knowledge management in projects and companies. A generic finding is that the major problem is the lack of effective integration of key knowledge management components. Knowledge maps have been promoted as a key solution to bring about this required integrated approach. The knowledge mapping approach has taken root in other sectors (particularly education and manufacturing), but is still at an embryonic state in construction. The starting point for this research is to investigate the potential utility of knowledge mapping as an approach to improving corporate and project performance. First, a concept model for appropriate knowledge mapping within construction project organisations was articulated through a relevant literature review. The model is made up of four key variables: interaction environment, construction actors, construction processes and knowledge transfer technologies. The concept model was tested through a single-holistic case study within a large construction and property consulting practice in South Korea. Data collection was through semistructured interviews and company document review. The primary data was analysed using content analysis and cognitive mapping. The research findings broadly confirmed that knowledge mapping is an effective approach in integrating project resources and technologies for successful knowledge management within the case study firm. The key characteristics of the concept model in practice are identified and illustrated. A contingency approach to knowledge mapping is proposed with appropriate approaches dependent upon the scope of the construction processes and the scope of the construction actors.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; competitive advantage; content analysis; contingency; interview; knowledge management; project organisation; project performance; South Korea |
| Index terms: | South Korea, case study, competitive advantage, project-based industry, interaction, construction industry, project performance, cognitive mapping, project organization, contingency approach, content analysis, strategy, literature review, maps, integrated approach, interview, knowledge management, knowledge transfer, mapping, integration, construction process, construction project |
| Subjects: | research dissemination and communication, data collection methods, organization, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, Geography, organizational theory, production management, project management theory and practice, professional development, management, spatial and geospatial analysis, industry analysis, behavioral psychology, market analysis, organizational analysis, cognitive psychology, building construction |
| Topics: | Procurement, Project Management, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Site Management, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Information Management, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here