A Knowledge Capture Awareness Tool: An Empirical Study on Small and Medium Enterprises in the Construction Industry

Purpose – Popularity in knowledge managementhas, unfortunately, not been matched by parallel empirical research on theprocesses, challenges and benefits of knowledge capture in small and mediumenterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry, given the fact that 99 percent of firms in the UK construction industry can be classified as SMEs. Thispaper aims to discuss the output of a research study, which is focused onknowledge capture in SMEs in construction industry. The paper also aims topresent and discuss a computer-based awareness tool on knowledge captureunderpinned by Kolb's experiential learning theory. Design/methodology/approach – The empirical study involved a total of 51professionals from 26 SMEs in the construction industry. Grounded theoryapproach was adopted. Also, a content analysis was considered. Findings – The results show that there is lack of awareness of complexissues associated with an effective knowledge capture process as well asensuing benefits for SMEs in the construction industry. The effectiveimplementation of knowledge capture in SMEs is partly dependent on the visionand flair of the owner/partners of the organisation. It is also determined byculture, structure, people, finance and technology, which warrants a coherentand structured approach. Originality/value – A computer-based awareness tool which is underpinned byKolb's experiential learning theory.(Publication abstract)

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