Benchmarking knowledge management practice in construction (C620)

This book is designed for those managing knowledge management in construction services providers of all types and those interested in promoting the concept of knowledge management within their organisations. The primary objective is to provide a deeper understanding of successful knowledge management programmes, of approaches used to overcome the challenges successfully, and to identify effective ways to improve both the short-term and the long-term competitiveness of participating companies.

Many variations were discovered between company knowledge management strategies and practices. Some initiatives were funded centrally, others at the business level. More hybrid approaches were also found. In other ways, the initiatives were generally alike.

This study discovered that knowledge management systems have been developed very much on contingent, bespoke platforms. The level of emphasis on the various organisational and initiative sub-systems differs between the participant companies, even though the fundamental problem is essentially the same - how to generate and capitalise on knowledge.

Knowledge management needs to be linked to business objectives. As successful businesses typically are driven by a focus on clear and defined objectives, knowledge management is likely to become more embedded when tied to strategic business objectives.

Key words: organisational innovation, IT, knowledge management.

ISBN: 978-0-86017-620-6

Author: R J Dent, K N Montague

Number of pages: 54 (paperback)

Publisher: CIRIA

Date of Publication: January 2004