Knowledge Management in Civil Infrastructure Systems

Abstract

This article reviews current research and practice of knowledge management (KM) in the management of Civil infrastructure systems. Civil infrastructure systems, such as energy systems (electric power, oil, gas), telecommunications, and water supply, are critical to our modern society. The economic prosperity and social well being of a country is jeopardized when these systems are damaged, disrupted, or unable to function at adequate capacity. The management of these infrastructure systems has to take into account critical management issues such as (Lemer, Chong & Tumay, 1995): • the need to deal with multiple, often conflicting objectives; • the need to accommodate the interests of diverse stakeholders; • the reliance of decision making on uncertain economic and social issues; • the constraints in data availability; and • the limitations posed by institutional structure.