Knowledge management process to enhance construction competitiveness in the long term: System dynamics modelling approach

Khoa, V. D.; Chinda, T. and Nguyen, N. H. (2026) Knowledge management process to enhance construction competitiveness in the long term: System dynamics modelling approach. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(9), pp. 1960-1977. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for construction companies to achieve high competitiveness in the local and global markets. KM implementation is complex and requires a proper plan for long-term implementation. This study develops a systems dynamic (SD) model of the knowledge-based construction competitiveness index (KCCI) to examine complex relationships between the knowledge management process (KMP) implementation and the construction competitiveness (CC) enhancement using the KCCI. The knowledge-based construction competitiveness maturity level (KCCML) is also developed with the SD model to assess the current maturity level of the KMP implementation and plan for sustainable improvement. The study results reveal that with continuous support from the management and cooperation from the employees, the maturity level improves over time and achieves a superior level in the next 12 years. The management should focus on using and disseminating existing knowledge to progress to higher levels of maturity in a short period. To achieve a sustainable improvement, the management must create the KM working culture and invest in human and KM-related facilities, such as establishing the KM department and installing database systems that link information between owners, contractors, and suppliers. The KCCI and KCCML assist construction companies in assessing their current problems of KMP implementation and suggest areas for improvement to stay competitive in the global markets.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: interrelationship; knowledge management process; knowledge-based construction competitiveness index; maturity level; system dynamics modelling
Index terms: system dynamics, construction company, implementation, database, knowledge management, competitiveness, modelling, markets, owner, maturity level, cooperation
Subjects: economic analysis, analytical methods, professional development, organization, computing systems, evaluation, psychology, contractual arrangements, market analysis, sociology, data management
Topics: Digital Applications, Research Practice, Information Management, Organizational Design, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Procurement, Stakeholder Management
Descriptive scope: 3 PCT

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