Knowledge Retention in Smaller Firms

2018 ◽  
pp. 100-119
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Practice ◽  
Further Development

In environments that are characterized by skill shortage, knowledge retention should be a key activity. Our understanding of this knowledge practice, however, is underdeveloped. The purpose of this chapter is to contribute to the further development of this field. The authors are interested in studying how smaller firms approach the retention of critical knowledge. Semi-structured interviews with organization members of five smaller Austrian firms operating in the building and construction industry were conducted. The findings presented in this chapter advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding smaller businesses. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings, suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in smaller firms are derived. These measures may be useful for smaller firms operating in similar industries as well.

Retaining Knowledge in Smaller Building and Construction Firms

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Further Development

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs retain critical knowledge. Against the background of the underdeveloped body of knowledge regarding knowledge retention, the authors selected an explorative (qualitative) research approach. More precisely, they conducted semi-structured interviews with organization members (i.e. executive and regular staff) of five Austrian SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. This study provides fresh insights into knowledge retention in SMEs. The findings advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding SMEs. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings the authors derive suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in SMEs. These measures may be useful for SMEs operating in other industries as well.

Retaining Knowledge in Smaller Building and Construction Firms

2021 ◽  
pp. 425-437
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Guido Bruns ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Critical Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Further Development

The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs retain critical knowledge. Against the background of the underdeveloped body of knowledge regarding knowledge retention, the authors selected an explorative (qualitative) research approach. More precisely, they conducted semi-structured interviews with organization members (i.e. executive and regular staff) of five Austrian SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. This study provides fresh insights into knowledge retention in SMEs. The findings advance the limited understanding of knowledge retention in general and regarding SMEs. They also contribute to the further development of the study of knowledge management in the building and construction sector. Based on the study's findings the authors derive suitable measures to better manage the process of knowledge retention in SMEs. These measures may be useful for SMEs operating in other industries as well.

Knowledge Cultures, Competitive Advantage and Staff Turnover in Hospitality in Australia's Northern Territory

2010 ◽  
pp. 203-229
Author(s):  
Kalotina Chalkiti ◽  
Dean Carson
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Idea Generation ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Staff Turnover ◽  
Knowledge Mobilization ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Face ◽  
Hospitality Sector

This chapter investigates the strategies used by hospitality businesses in the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia to remain competitive in the face of high rates of staff turnover. The authors suggest it could be beneficial to foster a symbiotic relationship between staff and knowledge retention with an explicit focus on the social aspects of managing knowledge in a hospitality environment. The authors propose a knowledge mobilization or flow strategy to complement staff and knowledge retention strategies. Creating and sustaining a competitive advantage through knowledge management (KM) practices that recognize the industry’s specific context and allow it to compete for customers and staff in the global marketplace is imperative for the NT hospitality sector. The proposed strategy could make hospitality businesses more adaptable in the face of staff turnover and more flexible by fostering a context that nurtures the mobilization or flow of disparate and person specific knowledge. This chapter describes and critically reviews what is known about staff turnover in hospitality, the case study destination and its hospitality sector. Semi-structured interviews with 13 managers of hospitality businesses and representatives of industry organizations and the destination marketing organization (DMO) in the NT revealed current and desired strategies for managing turnover as well as how turnover affects relationships, knowledge management and idea generation.

Assessing Organisations’ Readiness for Technological Changes in Construction Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norfashiha Hashim ◽  
◽  
Aina Syazifa Samsuri ◽  
Nur Hidayah Idris ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Technological Changes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Technological Readiness

Of late, the advancements in technology have witnessed a spike in the number of schemes aimed towards enhancing the deployment of technologies in construction-based entities, thereby increasing the demand for technological modifications. This paper intends to scrutinise the keenness of construction entities to identify technological changes within the construction sector. The goals of this research work are to ascertain the degree of willingness for technological alterations, the norms which construction entities should possess regarding the readiness for technological alterations, and the obstacles encountered by construction firms in terms of technological alterations. Ten semi-structured interviews were carried out comprising ten G7 contractors in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur regarding on the implementation and adopting the technological changes within their companies. Based on the observations, most construction firms in Malaysia are fairly prepared to encounter technological fluctuations. Furthermore, the research deliberates many norms which are essential to generate the technological readiness in construction firms along with the obstacles which could impact the organisational inclination for technological changes. This work intends to help construction companies evaluate their degree of readiness and organise themselves for better adoption of technological alterations in their businesses.

scholarly journals Reflecting on knowledge management as an enabler of innovation in project-based construction firms

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalya Sergeeva ◽  
Meri Duryan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Cognitive Mapping ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Innovative Capabilities ◽  
Innovative Thinking

Purpose This paper aims to explore the ways innovation becomes enabled through knowledge management and sharing which has important implications for establishing and sustaining the culture of innovative thinking in project-based construction firms. This study adopts a reflective practitioner perspective to explore this relationship. Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the construction sector professionals whose roles are most relevant in the connection between innovation and knowledge management. Thematic analysis and cognitive mapping techniques were used to analyse the interview data. Findings The research findings indicate that due to the complexity of project-based construction firms, a more holistic approach to knowledge management and organisational learning at the firm level is required. This would enable a culture of continuous and coordinated knowledge flow that facilitates innovation and continuous improvement in project-based firms. Practical implications This paper has important implications for practising managers in project-based construction firms. By better understanding the ways organisational knowledge can be managed to become an enabler of innovation would allow to build and enhance firms’ innovative capabilities, individual and team competencies. There is a real need for innovation knowledge managers as formal job positions in the construction sector. Originality/value This study contributes to construction innovation and project management research and practice by providing insights into establishing and sustaining the culture of learning and innovative thinking.

scholarly journals Utilisation of Smart Devices in the Construction Industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-29
Author(s):  
Manuel Silverio-Fernandez ◽  
Suresh Renukappa ◽  
Subashini Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Data Access ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Status ◽  
High Degree ◽  
The Internet Of Things

On a global scale, the construction sector is considered to have a high degree of decentralised information. In the Dominican Republic, the construction industry represents the most significant economic activity in the country. Smart devices and the Internet of Things create an opportunity to enhance the exchange of information in the construction sector. This article reports on the empirical findings of an investigation focused on the implementation of smart devices in the AEC sector. Findings address the status of digitalisation in the construction sector of the construction industry as well as main utilisations of smart devices. The findings are based on semi-structured interviews with fifteen professionals from nine construction organisations. The article concludes that smart devices increase efficiency in the construction industry of Dominican Republic by adding mobility, ubiquitous data access, and digitalisation of paperwork.

scholarly journals An off-site construction readiness maturity model for the Indian construction sector

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-142
Author(s):  
Deepthi Bendi ◽  
Muhammad Qasim Rana ◽  
Mohammed Arif ◽  
Jack Steven Goulding ◽  
Anil Sawhney
Keyword(s):  
Maturity Model ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Third Stage ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Further Development ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Different Levels

Purpose This paper aims to present an off-site construction (OSC) readiness maturity model for assessing the readiness of offsite construction companies in the Indian construction sector. Design/methodology/approach The research was conducted in three stages. The first stage consisted of a detailed literature review to document 17 different variables affecting the OSC adoption in India. In Stage 2, 15 semi-structured interviews were carried out where the participants were asked to refine those variables for the Indian context and define what would be different levels of attainment. In the third stage, another set of 5 semi-structure interviews was performed to validate the maturity levels and definitions. Findings A three-level OSC readiness maturity model is presented for discussion. This describes 17 variables at different levels of maturity. Practical Implications The proposed OSC readiness maturity model guides construction practitioners in India through a structured process to enable them to assess their OSC readiness in the market. This assessment enables them to evaluate and benchmark their processes through the strategic and operational phases. The maturity model also identifies the areas of concern and the scope for further development or change to secure the optimal advantage of OSC methods. Originality/value The research produced a model to assess the readiness of OSC adoption in the Indian construction sector. Although the model has been applied to the Indian construction sector, it can easily be modified to accommodate other OSM contexts.

scholarly journals The Challenges In Implementing Knowledge Management Practices In Construction Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5C) ◽  
pp. 86-90
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Knowledge Management Practices ◽  
Essential Resource ◽  
Practice Knowledge

Knowledge is an essential resource to the companies in construction sector due to the nature of these organizations deal with projects. The performance of a project required new aptitudes, outlooks, models and responsibility all through the organizations. Currently, the execution of knowledge management especially in the construction sector is at earliest stages arrange. Nevertheless, the awareness of knowledge management practices among construction companies is high, where most of them are alert of the advantages that knowledge management can bring to their organizations. In any case, the execution of any new procedure or activities has dependably been a difficult assignment; a portion of these difficulties may happen during the usage or at practice stage. Likewise, the implementation of knowledge management is no exception. To achieve successfully implement and practice knowledge management, the knowledge of the challenges, especially in relation to effective implementation should not be ignored by the organizations. The study was conducted in Malaysian construction industry that involves selected construction companies under grade G7 classified by CIDB, Malaysia. An aggregate of 110 surveys were gotten and analyzed. The gathered data was analyzed to identify the challenges in implementing knowledge management in construction industry. The results play a role as a guideline to effectively implement and practice knowledge management.

scholarly journals Occupational Safety Knowledge Management with Performance Indicators as a Strategy for the Reduction of Accidents in the Construction Sector in Mexico

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 342
Author(s):  
Martha Patricia Quintero ◽  
Juan Carlos Pérez ◽  
Gerardo de Jesús López ◽  
Emmanuel Olivera
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Safety Performance ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Dynamic Work ◽  
Safety Knowledge

The construction industry is one of the key contributors to a country's economy. It accounts for 13.4% of total annual production. The construction sector has specific characteristics such as dynamic work and uncertain conditions; therefore, it tends to cause occupational accidents. Another one of its features is the temporary nature of its projects. This characteristic leads to the loss of learning and disappearance of workers at the end of each project inhibiting workers from gaining experience. The aim of this paper is to propose a model of knowledge management in occupational safety that limits or stops the loss of knowledge, covers the dynamic needs of the construction sector and helps to reduce accidents at work. The present research method is exploratory; it identifies the elements or strategies of the stages of knowledge management that allow the reduction of accidents in the construction sector. As a result of this research, the authors have proposed a model which is able to manage the knowledge generating learning from its elements. Some key safety performance indicators as strategies to reduce occupational accidents are discussed.

Knowledge creation in small building and construction firms

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guido Bruns
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Knowledge Sources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
External Knowledge ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Small Building

Studies on knowledge creation are limited in general, and there is a particular shortage of research on the topic in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Given the importance of SMEs for the economy and the vital role of knowledge creation in innovation, this situation is unsatisfactory. Accordingly, the purpose of our study is to increase our understanding of how SMEs create new knowledge. Data are obtained through semi-structured interviews with ten managing directors of German SMEs operating in the building and construction industry. The findings demonstrate the influence of external knowledge sources on knowledge creation activities. Even though the managing directors take advantage of different external knowledge sources, they seem to put an emphasis on informed knowledge sources. The study´s findings advance the limited body of knowledge regarding knowledge creation in SMEs.

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