Share:


Knowledge management in the construction industry: current state of knowledge and future research

    Víctor Yepes   Affiliation
    ; Salvador López   Affiliation

Abstract

Knowledge management in the construction industry has become an element of transition between traditional processes and the current needs demanded by technological change. This research reviews the updated scientific contributions of knowledge management in construction, as well as its influence. The results come from a bibliometric study, elaborating a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the current state. The research method was divided into the following stages: preliminary approach to the bibliography, establishment of search strategies, selection and classification of articles, quantitative analysis and discussion of relevant articles. Three main factors were identified: use and exploitation of knowledge, knowledge transfer, and information technologies; five complementary facets were also identified: culture, innovation, quality, knowledge generation and human factors. The results reaffirm the importance of the use and exploitation of knowledge, in addition to increasing attention to the transfer and technology of information. However, the generation of knowledge has declined because the sector still does not report the results of applying knowledge, and this underlines the need for the future study of strategies to transform tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge.

Keyword : knowledge management, state of knowledge, bibliometric analysis, construction industry, use and exploitation of knowledge, knowledge transfer

How to Cite
Yepes, V., & López, S. (2021). Knowledge management in the construction industry: current state of knowledge and future research. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 27(8), 671-680. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2021.16006
Published in Issue
Dec 9, 2021
Abstract Views
2744
PDF Downloads
1594
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Addis, M. (2016). Tacit and explicit knowledge in construction management. Construction Management and Economics, 34(7–8), 439–445. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2016.1180416

Afolabi, A., Ojelabi, R., Fagbenle, O., & Mosaku, T. (2017). The economics of cloud-based computing technologies in construction project deliv-ery. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET), 8(12), 232–242.

Al-Tmeemy, S. M. H., Rahman, H. A., & Harun, Z. (2012). Contractors’ perception of the use of costs of quality system in Malaysian building construction projects. International Journal of Project Management, 30(7), 827–838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2011.12.001

Alashwal, A. M., & Abdul-Rahman, H. (2014a). Aspects of project learning in construction: a socio-technical model. Construction Innovation, 14(2), 229–244. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-06-2013-0029

Alashwal, A. M., & Abdul-Rahman, H. (2014b). Using PLS-PM to model the process of inter-project learning in construction projects. Automa-tion in Construction, 44, 176–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2013.11.010

Alashwal, A. M., Abdul-Rahman, H., & Radzi, J. (2016). Knowledge utilization process in highway construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 32(4), 05016006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000429

Arif, M., Mohammed, A. Z., & Gupta, A. D. (2015). Understanding knowledge sharing in the Jordanian construction industry. Construction In-novation, 15(3), 333–354. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-03-2014-0018

Arriagada, D. R. E., & Alarcón, C. L. F. (2014). Knowledge management and maturation model in construction companies. Journal of Construc-tion Engineering and Management, 140(4), B4013006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000726

Baloian, N., & Zurita, G. (2012). Ubiquitous mobile knowledge construction in collaborative learning environments. Sensors, 12(6), 6995–7014. https://doi.org/10.3390/s120606995

Bashouri, J., & Duncan, G. W. (2014). A model for sharing knowledge in architectural firms. Construction Innovation, 14(2), 168–185. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-10-2012-0057

Caldas, C. H., Elkington, R. W. T., O’Connor, J. T., & Kim, J.-Y. (2015). Development of a method to retain experiential knowledge in capital projects organizations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 31(5), 04014083. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000322

Castillo, T., Alarcón, L. F., & Pellicer, E. (2018). Finding differences among construction companies management practices and their relation to project performance. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(3), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1061/(asce)me.1943-5479.0000606

Castro, A. L., Yepes, V., Pellicer, E., & Cuéllar, A. J. (2012). Knowledge management in the construction industry: State of the art and trends in research. Revista de La Construcción, 11(3), 62–73. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-915X2012000300006

Costa, R., Lima, C., Sarraipa, J., & Jardim-Gonçalves, R. (2016). Facilitating knowledge sharing and reuse in building and construction domain: an ontology-based approach. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, 27(1), 263–282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10845-013-0856-5

Ding, Z., Ng, F. F., & Wang, J. (2013). The mediation role of trust in knowledge sharing. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Manage-ment, 20(6), 604–619. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2011-0044

Doloi, H. (2014). Rationalizing the implementation of web-based project management systems in construction projects using PLS-SEM. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 140(7), 04014026. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000859

Dong, C., Wang, F., Li, H., Ding, L., & Luo, H. (2018). Knowledge dynamics-integrated map as a blueprint for system development: Applications to safety risk management in Wuhan metro project. Automation in Construction, 93, 112–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2018.05.014

Eken, G., Bilgin, G., Dikmen, I., & Birgonul, M. T. (2020). A lessons-learned tool for organizational learning in construction. Automation in Con-struction, 110, 102977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2019.102977

Forcada, N., Fuertes, A., Gangolells, M., Casals, M., & Macarulla, M. (2013). Knowledge management perceptions in construction and design companies. Automation in Construction, 29, 83–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2012.09.001

Garcia, A. J., & Mollaoglu, S. (2020). Individuals’ capacities to apply transferred knowledge in AEC project teams. Journal of Construction Engi-neering and Management, 146(4), 04020016. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001791

Goddard, J. U., Glass, J., Dainty, A., & Nicholson, I. (2016). Implementing sustainability in small and medium-sized construction firms. Engi-neering, Construction and Architectural Management, 23(4), 407–427. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2015-0015

Hadiwattege, C., Senaratne, S., Sandanayake, Y., & Fernando, N. G. (2018). Academic research in emerging knowledge-based economies. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 8(4), 415–428. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-12-2017-0134

Haron, A. T., Marshall-Ponting, A. J., Zakaria, Z., Nawi, M. N. M., Hamid, Z. A., & Kamar, K. A. M. (2015). An industrial report on the Malay-sian building information modelling (BIM) taskforce: Issues and recommendations. Malaysian Construction Research Journal, 17(2), 21–36.

Hartono, B., Sulistyo, S. R., Chai, K. H., & Indarti, N. (2019). Knowledge management maturity and performance in a project environment: Mod-erating roles of firm size and project complexity. Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(6), 04019023. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000705

Hoła, B., Sawicki, M., & Skibniewski, M. (2015). An IT model of a Knowledge Map which supports management in small and medium-sized companies using selected Polish construction enterprises as an example. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 21(8), 1014–1026. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2015.1030865

Jansson, G., Lundkvist, R., & Olofsson, T. (2015). The role of experience feedback channels in the continuous development of house-building platforms. Construction Innovation, 15(2), 236–255. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-10-2013-0042

Javernick-Will, A. (2012). Motivating knowledge sharing in engineering and construction organizations: Power of social motivations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 28(2), 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000076

Junyong, L. (2018). Human resource management practice, knowledge management guidance and enterprise performance. In International Con-ference on Computer, Civil Engineering and Management Science (pp. 72–76).

Kale, S., & Karaman, E. A. (2012a). Benchmarking the knowledge management practices of construction firms. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 18(3), 335–344. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2012.698910

Kale, S., & Karaman, E. A. (2012b). A diagnostic model for assessing the knowledge management practices of construction firms. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 16(4), 526–537. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-012-1468-x

Keung, C. C. W., & Shen, L. Y. (2013). Measuring the networking performance for contractors in practicing construction management. Journal of Management in Engineering, 29(4), 400–406. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000156

Kildienė, S., Zavadskas, E. K., & Tamošaitienė, J. (2014). Complex assessment model for advanced technology deployment. Journal of Civil Engi-neering and Management, 20(2), 280–290. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.904813

Kim, S. B. (2014). Impacts of knowledge management on the organizationlal success. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 18(6), 1609–1617. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-014-0243-6

Lindgren, J., Emmitt, S., & Widén, K. (2018). Construction projects as mechanisms for knowledge integration. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 25(11), 1516–1533. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2017-0022

Liu, F., Anumba, C. J., Jallow, A. K., & Carrillo, P. (2019). Integrated change and knowledge management system-development and evaluation. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 24, 112–128.

Manley, K., & Chen, L. (2015). Collaborative learning model of infrastructure construction: A capability perspective. Construction Innovation, 15(3), 355–377. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-05-2014-0031

Navarro, I. J., Penadés-Plà, V., Martínez-Muñoz, D., Rempling, R., & Yepes, V. (2020). Life cycle sustainability assessment for multi-criteria decision making in bridge design: a review. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(7), 690–704. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.13599

Ni, G., Cui, Q., Sang, L., Wang, W., & Xia, D. (2018). Knowledge-sharing culture, project-team interaction, and knowledge-sharing performance among project members. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(2), 04017065. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000590

Nourbakhsh, M., Mohamad Zin, R., Irizarry, J., Zolfagharian, S., & Gheisari, M. (2012). Mobile application prototype for on‐site information management in construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(5), 474–494. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699981211259577

Orsi, A., Guillén-Guillamón, I., & Pellicer, E. (2020). Optimization of green building design processes: Case studies within the European Union. Sustainability, 12(6), 2276. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12062276

Ortiz-González, J. I., Pellicer, E., & Molenaar, K. R. (2018). Management of time and cost contingencies in construction projects: a contractor per-spective. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(3), 254–264. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.1643

Papadonikolaki, E. (2018). Loosely coupled systems of innovation: Aligning BIM adoption with implementation in Dutch construction. Journal of Management in Engineering, 34(6), 05018009. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000644

Park, M., Jang, Y., Lee, H. S., Ahn, C., & Yoon, Y. S. (2013). Application of knowledge management technologies in Korean small and medi-um-sized construction companies. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 17(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-1607-z

Pellicer, E., Correa, C. L., Yepes, V., & Alarcón, L. F. (2012). Organizational improvement through standardization of the innovation process in construction firms. Engineering Management Journal, 24(2), 40–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2012.11431935

Pellicer, E., Yepes, V., Correa, C. L., & Alarcón, L. F. (2014). Model for systematic innovation in construction companies. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 140(4), B4014001. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000700

Pellicer, E., Yepes, V., Correa, C., & Martínez, G. (2011). Enhancing R&D&i through standardization and certification: the case of the Spanish construction industry. Revista Ingenieria de Construccion, 23(2), 112–121.

Pellicer, E., Yepes, V., Ortega, A. J., & Carrión, A. (2017). Market demands on construction management: View from graduate students. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 143(4), 04017005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000334

Qian Li, Z., Chen Tan, H., Anumba, C., & Choy Chia, F. (2017). Development of a web-based system for managing suppliers’ performance and knowledge sharing in construction project. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 7(2), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-10-2015-0061

Schröpfer, V. L. M., Tah, J., & Kurul, E. (2017). Mapping the knowledge flow in sustainable construction project teams using social network analysis. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 24(2), 229–259. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2015-0124

Senaratne, S., Jin, X. H., & Balasuriya, K. (2017). Exploring the role of networks in disseminating construction project knowledge through case studies. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 24(6), 1281–1293. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2014-0125

Sheriff, A., Bouchlaghem, D., El-Hamalawi, A., & Yeomans, S. (2012). Information management in UK-based architecture and engineering or-ganizations: drivers, constraining factors, and barriers. Journal of Management in Engineering, 28(2), 170–180. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000085

Skibniewski, M. J., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2013). Technology development in construction: A continuum from distant past into the future. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 19(1), 136–147. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2012.756060

Sujan, S. F., Wynford Jones, S., Kiviniemi, A., Wheatcroft, J. M., & Mwiya, B. (2020). Holistically assessing collaborative culture in the AEC industry. Journal of Information Technology in Construction (ITcon), 25, 272–286. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2020.016

Sun, J., Ren, X., & Anumba, C. J. (2019). Analysis of knowledge-transfer mechanisms in construction project cooperation networks. Journal of Management in Engineering, 35(2), 04018061. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000663

Tan, H. C., Carrillo, P. M., & Anumba, C. J. (2012). Case study of knowledge management implementation in a medium-sized construction sector firm. Journal of Management in Engineering, 28(3), 338–347. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000109

Vennström, A., & Eriksson, P. E. (2010). Client perceived barriers to change of the construction process. Construction Innovation, 10(2), 126–137. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171011037156

Villarreal, K. L., Pellicer, E., & Rodriguez, S. G. (2017). Performance indicators for developer and homebuilder Mexican companies: A Delphi study. Revista de La Construcción, 16(1), 133–144. https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.16.1.133

Walker, D. H. T. (2016). Reflecting on 10 years of focus on innovation, organisational learning and knowledge management literature in a con-struction project management context. Construction Innovation, 16(2), 114–126. https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-12-2015-0066

Wang, G., Wang, P., Cao, D., & Luo, X. (2020). Predicting behavioural resistance to BIM implementation in construction projects: an empirical study integrating technology acceptance model and equity theory. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(7), 651–665. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.12325

Wang, H., & Wang, S. (2016). Application of ontology modularization to human-web interface design for knowledge sharing. Expert Systems with Applications, 46, 122–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2015.10.027

Wen, Q., & Qiang, M. (2016). Coordination and knowledge sharing in construction project-based organization: a longitudinal structural equation model analysis. Automation in Construction, 72, 309–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.06.002

Wu, G. D. (2013). Knowledge collaborative incentive based on inter-organizational cooperative innovation of project-based supply chain. Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management, 6(4), 1065–1081. https://doi.org/10.3926/jiem.772

Yang, J., & Cheng, Q. (2020). The impact of organisational resilience on construction project success: evidence from large-scale construction in China. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(8), 775–788. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.13796

Yang, J.-B., Yu, W.-D., Tseng, J. C. R., Chang, C. S., Chang, P. L., & Wu, J. W. (2014). Benefit analysis of knowledge management system for engineering consulting firms. Journal of Management in Engineering, 30(4), 05014005. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000221

Yap, J. B. H., & Lock, A. (2017). Analysing the benefits, techniques, tools and challenges of knowledge management practices in the Malaysian construction SMEs. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(6), 803–825. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-07-2017-0067

Yepes, V., Pellicer, E., Alarcón, L. F., & Correa, C. L. (2016). Creative innovation in Spanish construction firms. Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 142(1), 04015006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)EI.1943-5541.0000251

Yu, D., & Yang, J. (2018). Knowledge management research in the construction industry: a review. Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 9(3), 782–803. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-016-0375-7

Zhai, X., Liu, A. M. M., & Fellows, R. (2014). Role of human resource practices in enhancing organizational learning in Chinese construction organizations. Journal of Management in Engineering, 30(2), 194–204. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000207

Zhang, L., & He, J. (2016). Critical factors affecting tacit-knowledge sharing within the integrated project team. Journal of Management in Engi-neering, 32(2), 04015045. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000402

Zhang, P., & Ng, F. F. (2012a). Analysis of knowledge sharing behaviour in construction teams in Hong Kong. Construction Management and Economics, 30(7), 557–574. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2012.669838

Zhang, P., & Ng, F. F. (2012b). Attitude toward knowledge sharing in construction teams. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 112(9), 1326–1347. https://doi.org/10.1108/02635571211278956

Zhang, P., & Ng, F. F. (2013). Explaining knowledge-sharing intention in construction teams in Hong Kong. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(3), 280–293. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000607

Zhu, L., & Cheung, S. O. (2017). Harvesting competitiveness through building organizational innovation capacity. Journal of Management in En-gineering, 33(5), 04017020. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000534