Technical networks: The framework for disseminating knowledge

Within the civil engineering industry there are numerous methods of communicating knowledge. These include formal methods, such as through peer-reviewed papers, conferences and websites, and informal methods such as new teams coming together and sharing their experiences. However, knowledge management is more than just communicating lessons; it involves the creation, capture, sharing and leveraging of knowledge and, without all these aspects present is unlikely to be effective. Capturing all useful knowledge in a project life cycle and cascading the lessons learnt to industry, and indeed within organisations, presents a significant challenge to achieve consistently. This paper presents a tried-and-tested solution which employs a named individual on each project, the knowledge capture coordinator, in conjunction with a framework of technical, discipline-led, networks. In essence, the knowledge capture coordinator is responsible for capturing learning on the project and feeding past learning into the start of the project, while the technical networks review, develop and validate the learning captured and ensure it is subsequently available and communicated in the most appropriate manner to all who need to know. This paper discusses in detail how this is achieved and elaborates on the role of the KCC and networks in driving continuous improvement. It is based on a process employed within the Highways and Transportation business of Atkins.