Knowledge Management in Chinese Construction Projects

Abstract

It is essential to manage knowledge in construction projects, especially in China, which can reduce the cost of construction projects significantly through the reuse of knowledge. Islands of knowledge in construction projects are examined, and critical factors that have greater influence on knowledge management in construction projects are identified. They are participators ignoring knowledge management, organizational structure barriers, without common culture, lack of incentives and the means of knowledge management lagging behind. Based on identified factors, five measures are proposed through literature review, interviews and discussions. These measures are establishing a flat organizational structure and a knowledge management department, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, creating incentives, adopting a friendly knowledge management system and building a proper knowledge management maturity model, and will benefit the knowledge management in Chinese construction projects.