Framework of Knowledge Acquisition and Sharing in Multiple Projects for Contractors

Abstract

Knowledge is a critical resource of construction contractors to implement projects and to choose the right projects to bid for. Since knowledge sharing and reusing can reduce project time and cost, and improve management performance, knowledge management is becoming more important in construction industry than before. However, knowledge is separated and scattered in construction projects and each construction project is managed independently and separately, the knowledge acquisition, and sharing across projects becomes impossible when the employee moves from one company to another. In order to accumulate construction knowledge and reuse it, a conceptual framework of knowledge acquisition and sharing in construction multiple projects for contractors is suggested based on IDEF modeling. The construction knowledge in multiple projects is classified and recognized. Knowledge loss, which is barriers to improve construction management performance, is witnessed in construction project lifecycle and between projects. The web-based construction knowledge system is developed to facilitate knowledge sharing and reusing for the project teams and construction corporations. The construction knowledge system can be used to capture and share both explicit and tacit knowledge under multiple projects for contractors.