Obstructions to Implement Knowledge Management (KM) in Construction Projects

Wong, Chear Ching (2011) Obstructions to Implement Knowledge Management (KM) in Construction Projects. Final Year Project (Other), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Knowledge management (KM) is getting more attention nowadays in construction projects. Since construction projects are complex and fragmented, knowledge is hard to be retained from one project to the other. Hence, knowledge management is very important to capture, store and reuse the project knowledge. However, successful implementation of knowledge management in construction projects is difficult to achieve. This research examines the obstructions in knowledge management implementation in construction projects and the possible ways to overcome it. It is conducted in case studies form involving two (2) ongoing construction projects which are One Mont Kiara and Titiwangsa Sentral projects. Questionnaires were distributed and twenty (20) responses were obtained from each project participants. To further investigate, semi-structure interviews were conducted with three (3) high position project participants from each project. The findings reveal that “time constraint” is the main barrier that impede the process of KM. “Cultural resistant”, “lack of standard work progress” are others significant factors that cause limitation in KM implementation. “Top management support” to cultivate knowledge sharing culture is the key issue required for successful of KM. “Reward system” and “friendly system to exchange and reuse knowledge” are essential to promote knowledge sharing. Equally important, project participants should take initiative to learn and gain knowledge directly or indirectly from data record or other experienced project participants. In conclusion, knowledge management is a long-term strategy which requires the commitment from top management to bottom project participants in order to improve overall construction project performance.