Chapter 6 Conclusions
6.2 Summary of key results
6.2.3 Implications between the key knowledge map model components
In Table 3.1, the gap analysis questions were proposed to investigate the interactions between the knowledge map model components and, in so doing; test the research hypotheses (Section 3.3). Figure 6.2 presents the gap analysis framework and Table 6.2 summaries the interactions between the knowledge map concept model components.
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Figure 6.2 Gap analysis framework of knowledge map concept model
Table 6.2 Testing of the indicated gap analysis questions between the knowledge map model components
Variables Gap analysis questions Key results
Gap 2-1 ■ Construction actors and Knowledge transfer technologies
■ How can the knowledge transfer technologies be used by the construction actors to effectively transfer project-based knowledge within temporary construction project organisations?
► Tacit knowledge can be transferred by the construction actors, using and utilising some specific knowledge transfer technologies, such as social gathering and meeting, telephone, PDA and mobile phone, having good
communications with the others directly.
►Shortage of concern and skill of construction actors for knowledge transfer technologies.
►Need of effective and systematical knowledge transfer technology and system development including both tacit and explicit knowledge transfer technologies.
►Need of organisational training for effective knowledge transfer technology use.
Gap 2-2 ■ Knowledge transfer technologies and Construction processes
■ How can the construction processes be effectively performed and improved, using knowledge transfer technologies within temporary construction project organisations?
►Construction processes can be more effectively performed and improved by the construction actors, but the knowledge transfer technologies must be used and utilised for effective project-based knowledge transfer between construction actors within construction project organisations.
►Shortage of both knowledge transfer technologies and systems for effective construction process-based knowledge transfer, in particular tacit knowledge transfer technologies.
►Poor generation and creation of construction process- based knowledge Interaction Environment Knowledge Transfer Technologies Construction Actors Knowledge Mapping Construction Processes (Gap 2-1) (Gap 2-2) (Gap 2-3)
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►Need of organisational training for effective knowledge creation and technology use.
Gap 2-3 ■ Construction processes and Construction actors
■ How can the construction actors effectively perform and improve the construction processes within temporary construction project organisations?
►Construction actors are the key construction process performers and managers.
►Construction processes can not be performed without construction actors.
►Construction actors are the key construction process- based knowledge owners and users, but the knowledge is not managed.
►Construction processes and construction actors are key elements of construction projects, but they have not been considered as management components.
Gap 2-1: Construction actors and knowledge transfer technologies
“Gap 2-1” is the interactions between construction actors and knowledge transfer technologies. In Section 3.2, it has been argued that construction actors use technologies to transfer project-based knowledge within and across temporary construction project organisations. Within this context, it has been confirmed by the interviewees that knowledge transfer technologies are used (Section 5.3.2.2.3 and Section 5.3.2.2.5). Further, it has been revealed that construction project performance is improved and project-based learning is enhanced through improving the capability and knowledge of construction actors (Section 5.3.3) In addition, it has been discerned that having good communications between construction actors and their teams is a critical catalyst for effective project-based knowledge transfer within construction project organisation. From this perspective, the case study findings identified strong consensus that some specific knowledge transfer technologies, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants, are more effective for tacit knowledge transfer (Section 5.3.2.2.3 and Section 5.3.2.2.5).
On the other hand, it was stressed that all knowledge transfer technologies, such as explicit knowledge transfer technologies and tacit knowledge transfer technologies, must be considered for effective project-based knowledge transfer within construction project organisations. However, it has been confirmed that construction actors prefer having direct communications with the other
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construction actors as it enables “deep” project-based knowledge to be gained, using mobile phone, telephone, radio and personal digital assistant (Section 5.3.2.2.5 and Section 5.3.3).
Gap 2-2: Knowledge transfer technologies and construction processes
“Gap 2-2” is the interactions between knowledge transfer technologies and construction processes. In Section 2.2 and section 3.2, it has been argued that knowledge transfer technologies are used to effectively perform construction processes through effective project-based knowledge transfer within and across construction project organisations. Within this context, the case study research findings confirmed that knowledge transfer technologies are used by construction actors for effective construction process performance through project-based knowledge transfer within construction projects and project organisations (Section 5.3.2.2.3, Section 5.3.2.2.4 and Section 5.3.2.2.5).
Within this context, the case study research findings confirmed that some specific knowledge transfer technologies can be used to effectively transfer process-based knowledge between the construction actors and their teams within and across construction project organisations (Section 5.3.2.2.3 and Section 5.3.2.2.5).
In the interviews, two types of knowledge transfer technologies were identified. First, some knowledge transfer technologies (such as homepages, knowledge management systems, e-mail systems, mobile phones, telephones and question and answer systems (Q&A systems)) are used for only explicit knowledge transfer. On the other hand, it was stressed that tacit knowledge is more difficult to classify and be modified than explicit knowledge and tacit knowledge was focused to be more effectively shared and transfer by specific knowledge transfer technologies, having direct communications with the others, such as telephones, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), expert systems, radios; and, social networks like mentor system, social gathering and meeting (Section 5.3.2.2.5).
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From this perspective, it has been highlighted that some specific technologies based on the mobile technology environment, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants, are more effective and will be used by construction actors within construction project organisations, installing wireless broadband internet (Wibro), knowledge management system, digital camera and radio frequency identification (RFID) which can support to effectively access to right construction process- based knowledge. This means that construction actors can gain the right project- based knowledge at the right time on the construction sites (Section 5.3.2.2.5 and Section 5.3.3).
Gap 2-3: Construction processes and construction actors
From the research findings, construction processes have been confirmed key unit for effective project performance (Section 2.2.5). Construction actors have been also emphasised as key project performers, project-based knowledge users and project-based knowledge owners (Section 5.3.2.2.3).
Construction processes are performed by a variety of construction actors who have different construction project-based knowledge and often operate different project resources with different knowledge and techniques to successfully deliver projects to clients (Section 5.3.2.2.4). For example, construction actors have often faced some specific problems related to construction processes in projects where the construction actors share and transfer the project-based knowledge including data and information to effectively solve the specific problems with the other construction actors within construction project organisations (Section 2.2.6 and Section 5.3.2.2.3).