Hughes, M L (2020) Evaluating the impact of knowledge transfer on project delays for construction project delivery: A qualitative case study. PhD thesis, Northcentral University, USA.
Abstract
Knowledge transfer is the process by which experienced workers transfer or disseminate their expertise, abilities, and skills to the employees who will replace them. It is of utmost importance to model the knowledge transfer system for construction companies. Since construction companies operate in a project-based environment, high levels of knowledge and experience are required to manage such projects. The issues discussed in the literature will help speed up the implementation of the knowledge transfer process in the construction industry in the United States, especially to gain the knowledge of baby boom generation workers before they retire. A qualitative case study was conducted to understand how the construction industry faces a loss of the knowledge and experience of the sectors due to baby boomer retirement. The methodology consisted of a thorough literature study, case studies, and an open-ended online questionnaire. This qualitative case study was carried out through an open-ended online questionnaire of construction professionals gathering information to address the research question. The sample population consisted of 22 participants. Data obtained was analyzed using the Braun & Clarke six-step framework. The research question explored how construction practitioners perceived knowledge transfer implementation as an approach to mitigate project delays. The findings determined that there is a lack of knowledge transfer, mentoring programs, and succession planning within the construction industry. The recommendations for future research and practice include addressing the barriers of knowledge transfer include keeping older employees longer, making a strategic decision on embracing knowledge transfer strategies, communities of practice, and utilizing knowledge base and employing knowledge base tools.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Butler, R |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communities of practice; population; skills; employee; professional; United States; case studies; case study |
| Index terms: | communities of practice, case study, succession planning, construction professional, implementation, construction industry, knowledge base, United States, strategy, face, construction practitioner, construction company, construction project delivery, population, program, methodology, questionnaire, knowledge transfer, mentoring, project delay |
| Subjects: | knowledge management, contractual arrangements, training, psychology, organization, research dissemination and communication, demography, Geography, research methods, data collection methods, information systems, industry analysis, project controls, professional development, software systems, management |
| Topics: | Procurement, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Information Management, Organizational Design, Time Control, Urban Studies, Digital Applications, Human Resources |
| 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