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Abdulla, H S (2016) An investigation on the causes and remedial measures on the delays in the construction industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Alrashed, F A (2015) Design and application of zero-energy homes in Saudi Arabia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Callaghan, N (2013) Alignment of house buyer and house builder opinions in the delivery of energy efficient homes in Scotland, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Charles, A (2012) Factors affecting the transformation of existing (no-fines concrete) dwellings to low carbon homes, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Endut, I R (2008) Framework for minimising time overruns of Malaysian construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of the Built and Natural Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
English, J (2007) The development of women in the South African construction workforce in terms of employment, training and skills acquisition, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Graig, N (2007) The prevailing trends of defects and snagging in new homes in the UK, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Hare, W J (2006) Integration of health and safety planning in construction project management through the development of a best practice gateway model, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Leblanc, H (2012) Knowledge mapping and process modelling to develop a sustainability-related knowledge management strategy for Scottish housing association planned works, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Lee, C C (2007) Developing an appropriate methodology for matching project team's knowledge with client's project requirements in refurbishment projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Built and Natural Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Lowe, J (1993) Construction productivity: an input-output approach , Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Magdub, R H (2006) Application of the lump sum turnkey contracts in Libyan civil law with reference to English law and international practice, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Law and Social Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University.
McGibbney, L J (2012) Better regulation of construction activity through data modelling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
McNairney, F (2012) Using images to overcome communication hurdles posed by foreign site operatives, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Meldrum, A (2009) Measuring worker engagement as an aspect of health and safety performance in the construction industry: towards a best practice tool, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Morrow, S (2012) Balancing a safer and healthier frame to designing: A grounded theory, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Odeyinka, H. A. (2003) The development and validation of models for assessing risk impacts on construction cash flow forecast, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of the Built and Natural Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Rostami, A (2015) Risk management in small and medium enterprises in the UK construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Rostron, J (2021) Improving access design considerations in buildings and services for people with disabilities, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Saka, N (2013) The impact of foreign direct investment on the construction sectors of Africa, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Shehu, Z (2008) The framework for effective adoption and implementation of programme management within the UK construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Sulaiman, N F (2002) The development of a dual phase approach to embracing a total quality culture in the Malaysian construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Suresh, S (2006) Knowledge capture in small and medium enterprises in the UK construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: grounded theory; competitiveness; developing countries; information technology; knowledge capture; knowledge management; learning; SMEs; motivation; interview
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.443241
- Abstract:
The growing popularity of knowledge management in the construction industry has, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research in challenges, tools, training and benefits of knowledge capture for small and medium enterprises (SMEs); This is more so, given the fact that 99% of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs (< 250 employees). The aim of this research is to facilitate knowledge capture initiatives for improved competitiveness in small and medium enterprises in the construction industry. In order to do this, the following objectives were identified: to investigate the main challenges associated with implementing knowledge capture initiatives in SMEs; to investigate the efficacy of different tools (technologies and techniques) for knowledge capture in SMEs; to examine and document the nature of training provisions directed at knowledge capture (including its importance and associated challenges) within and outside organisations; to explore the extent to which knowledge capture initiatives contribute to competitiveness (real and perceived) in SMEs; and to develop and validate an information technology (IT) based awareness tool for improved awareness and understanding of the challenges and significance of knowledge capture initiatives in SMEs. This study was designed in two phases (pilot and main study) in order to fully explore knowledge capture issues from an organisational perspective. This research was conducted in the UK construction industry and involved detailed semi-structured interviews with a total of 53 professionals from 26 organisations. The Grounded theory method was used to guide the data collection and analysis. The data was analysed using Strauss and Corbin's method. It is concluded that the lack of top management support is the main challenge associated with implementing knowledge capture initiatives in SMEs. Face-to-face discussion is the most effective technique for the capture of tacit knowledge. Project databases were seen to be the most effective technology for the capture of explicit knowledge. There is also evidence from the study that effective knowledge capture initiatives can contribute towards improved and sustainable competitiveness in construction SMEs There are very little targeted training programmes on knowledge capture in SMEs. The training programmes that do exist for knowledge capture in construction SMEs are primarily in-house, on-the-job training, and focused towards apprenticeships and mentoring. The emphasis is on the capture of tacit knowledge. There is an urgent need for improved awareness and understanding of the challenges and significance of knowledge. Some form of guidance (roadmap/framework) is perceived by SMEs to be a useful way forward to facilitate improved competitiveness in small and medium enterprises in the construction industry through effective knowledge capture initiatives. A seven-stage hybrid framework for knowledge capture has been developed and presented as part of the study. The framework is incorporated into a computer-based Knowledge Capture Awareness (KCAr) training tool. The developed KCAr tool draws on Kolb's learning theory, which facilities learning through experiencing, reflection, conceptualisation and planning. The KCAr tool was validated using a two-pronged approach. The first was through questionnaire which was completed by professionals. The second was validation conducted within an organisation, which involved 27 members of the organisation. The validation of the awareness tool clearly revealed that practitioners in the construction industry were supportive the tool and in its ability to help raise the level of awareness and understanding of knowledge capture issues. The study recommends that top management should not only be interested in knowledge development but proactively support it. As part of knowledge development, it is important that employees (organisation and project team members) are included in the knowledge capture process. For top management, this also calls for real support and commitment towards staff motivation, creativity, and the ability to provide a comprehensive vision of the relationship between the organisation, project and its environment. Organisations need to determine and implement appropriate mechanisms for effective capture of knowledge. More is also needed in the training of construction personnel. Training programmes should reflect the nature of knowledge capture dimensions as very complex social and technological processes. This current study was conducted on SMEs in the UK construction industry. It is recommended that there is ample scope for this study's research methodology to be taken up by other researchers and implemented on larger organisations, organisations in different industrial sectors, and in developing countries. This should yield rich comparative data and further help improve the needed body of knowledge in this very important area.
Takim, R (2005) A framework for successful construction project performance, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Tong, M K L (2011) The management of inter-organisational relationships and project based learning, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering and Built Environment, Glasgow Caledonian University.
Trushell, J M (2010) A history of the quantity surveying profession in scotland to the late-twentieth century, with special reference to john dansken & purdie, chartered quantity surveyors, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Glasgow Caledonian University.
Yfanti, S (2015) An investigation of critical success factors for the creation of clusters within micro companies working in the construction sector, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Business Management, Glasgow Caledonian University.