Brach, A M (1991) Contextual knowledge and the diffusion of technology in construction. PhD thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA.
Abstract
The U. S. construction industry as a whole is not commonly viewed as a very technologically innovative industry. Yet a wide range of technologies is required for this industry to carry out its function, which often involves solving challenging problems in unique projects (harsh environments, etc. ). Despite the importance of technology, construction does not engage in firm-sponsored R&D nor do many companies actively purchase new technologies or hire persons with advanced degrees in technological and scientific specialties. Nevertheless, construction firms do manage to procure innovative technologies when they are required for projects. The central argument of this thesis is that the behavior of the construction industry in matters related to technology--learning about, acquiring and developing technology--is a consequence of the strong role of "contextual knowledge" in the industry. Contextual knowledge is knowledge linked to the context in which it is gained rather than known formally, abstracted from its context. Dependence on knowledge which remains closely linked with the context in which it is gained results in patterns of behavior which will differ from industries and activities which draw from formal or context-independent knowledge. In this research a conceptual framework of contextual knowledge in construction is developed and its effect on construction's technology-related behavior is explored using a case study method. It is found that technology-related behaviors are largely dependent on the context (the construction project) in which the technology is or will be used. This pattern is most applicable in the development of process technology or construction technique. It is also most accurately descriptive of the general contractor although such context-oriented behavior is also found in other participants such as the designer or the specialty contractor.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Moavenzadeh, F |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; construction firms; designer; learning |
| Index terms: | construction project, conceptual framework, construction firm, general contractor, construction industry, new technology, case study, specialty contractor, designer |
| Subjects: | production management, theoretical framing, practitioner, organization, professional practice, innovation and technology management, industry analysis, profession, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Project Management, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Research Practice |
| 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