Live capture and reuse of construction project knowledge: Capri.net approach

The role and importance of knowledge as a key source of potential advantage for construction organisation has been addressed by several authors. As such, managing this knowledge is not new for the construction industry. In the course of construction project, people face problems that they cannot solve alone; their natural response is to study past experiences and re-use previously acquired knowledge, either from their own experiences or from resources within their organisation. However, there are indications that current practice does not provide an effective strategy for the capture and reuse of project knowledge. In this paper, the authors describe a web-based development (CAPRI.NET) that facilitates the live capture and reuse of project knowledge. The distinguishing feature of this research is that it emphasizes “live” capture of construction project knowledge, which is still an elusive solution in Knowledge Management (KM) undertaken. Hence knowledge live capture and reuse are key elements in project development. Following a problem definition and related work discussion, the research underpinning CAPRI.NET is discussed. This is followed by a description of the development and further works. CAPRI.NET allows project participants to document their learning during the course of a project in a Project Knowledge File (PKF) which is collectively owned by all participating firms. The knowledge captured in the PKF can be reused during or after the project. A preliminary evaluation of CAPRI.NET by AEC practitioners suggest that it proffers unique possibilities for knowledge capture and reuse in AEC projects.