Hari, S; Egbu, C and Kumar, B (2005) A knowledge capture awareness tool: An empirical study on small and medium enterprises in the construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 12(6), pp. 533-567. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - Popularity in knowledge management has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research on the processes, challenges and benefits of knowledge capture in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, given the fact that 99 per cent of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs. This paper aims to discuss the output of a research study, which is focused on knowledge capture in SMEs in construction industry. The paper also aims to present and discuss a computer-based awareness tool on knowledge capture underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory. Design/methodology/approach - The empirical study involved a total of 51 professionals from 26 SMEs in the construction industry. Grounded theory approach was adopted. Also, a content analysis was considered. Findings - The results show that there is lack of awareness of complex issues associated with an effective knowledge capture process as well as ensuing benefits for SMEs in the construction industry. The effective implementation of knowledge capture in SMEs is partly dependent on the vision and flair of the owner/partners of the organisation. It is also determined by culture, structure, people, finance and technology, which warrants a coherent and structured approach. Originality/value - A computer-based awareness tool which is underpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; knowledge capture; knowledge management; learning styles; small to medium-sized enterprises; United Kingdom |
| Index terms: | learning style, content analysis, United Kingdom, experiential learning, knowledge management, knowledge capture, methodology, grounded theory, owner, construction industry, implementation, empirical study |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, sociology, Geography, professional development, theoretical framing, research methods, knowledge management, contractual arrangements, data analysis and analytics, learning methods |
| Topics: | Education, Stakeholder Management, Procurement, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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