Knowledge transfer between building operation and building projects

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate how knowledge concerning operation and maintenance of buildings can be stored and transferred between the parties responsible for building operation and new building projects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is theoretically based on knowledge management with a particular focus on interdepartmental knowledge transfer between departments responsible for operation and maintenance and departments responsible for building projects in organisations with large and fast changing building portfolios. The paper includes a case study of the facilities management organisation of the Technical University of Denmark with data collection mainly by interviews with managers and staff in the relevant departments in this organisation.FindingsThe case organisation seems to be aware of the importance of sharing and transferring their organisational knowledge. Over the past five years, the organisation has developed different tools and adopted several processes, aiming at integration of the knowledge they possess from many years of operation and maintenance of the existing buildings. However, there are many situations, where the tools and processes do not work efficiently, and therefore the knowledge transfer is not sufficiently effective. It is apparent that the best results can be achieved only if the different actors involved in a construction project collaborate aiming towards the same objectives.Originality/valueThe paper presents and evaluates a case of interdepartmental knowledge transfer in an organisation, which has a strong focus on improving the interconnections between building operations and planning new building projects.