Learning in project based organizations: processes, mechanisms and main challenges

Daniela Emiliano De Souza,Marly M Carvalho

doi:10.1590/0103-6513.20200039

Daniela Emiliano De Souza, Marly M Carvalho

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-6513.20200039

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Abstract

Abstract Paper aims Identify the mechanisms, processes, challenges and other contexts of project-based organizations that affect or are affected by knowledge management. Originality The literature lacks studies that assist project-based organizations in the successful use of knowledge management. We bring these analyzes to this article. Research method We performed a multiple case study applied to two Brazilian companies. Main findings The organizations face challenges due to managerial, operational, and strategic issues. The knowledge management occurs through codification and sharing of data, and both formal and informal events were identified. Implications for theory and practice This paper provides new guidelines for future research, also, several components that affect knowledge management were identified, so professionals will be able to design and implement models with a greater chance of success.

Highlights

IntroductionKnowledge management (KM) and organizational learning play an important role because of their impact on innovation (Alkhuraiji et al, 2016; Leseure & Brookes, 2004), success on present (Williams, 2008) and on future projects (Yap et al, 2017), risk (McClory et al, 2017), efficiency (Grabher & Thiel, 2015), creativity (Khedhaouria et al, 2017), clients relationship (Bernroider et al, 2014) and assess a company to make a functional upgrading (Davies & Brady, 2000)
Aiming at narrowing this research gap, this study explores the organizational perspective to understand the challenges faced in practicing organizational learning between projects and understand how the knowledge transfer is designed
We selected for our study a qualitative approach and an exploratory research strategy (Nadae & Monteiro de Carvalho, 2017), based on multiple-case study methods, because of its ability to address the connections between knowledge management (Ghosh et al, 2012).Besides, the case study is useful for building theory, as this methodology assesses the understanding of the main concepts of the subject studied (Eisenhardt, 1989; Eisenhardt & Graebner, 2007)

Summary

Introduction

Knowledge management (KM) and organizational learning play an important role because of their impact on innovation (Alkhuraiji et al, 2016; Leseure & Brookes, 2004), success on present (Williams, 2008) and on future projects (Yap et al, 2017), risk (McClory et al, 2017), efficiency (Grabher & Thiel, 2015), creativity (Khedhaouria et al, 2017), clients relationship (Bernroider et al, 2014) and assess a company to make a functional upgrading (Davies & Brady, 2000).

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