Managing the knowledge transfer process effectively in construction organisations

Abstract

Knowledge transfer has been taken as instrumental in enhancing performance of construction organisations. This paper discusses the knowledge transfer process of construction organisations and contemplates on a model that could be used to monitor and transfer knowledge effectively and manage change. Two independent studies were made: initially a pilot study was done in Dar es Salaam in 2001 and a main study from 2002 to 2003. A 5-process knowledge transfer model was used as a data collection and analytical tool. The model was able to characterize the knowledge transfer process of construction organisations studied. It is observed from the study that: the process is not strategic, the knowledge transfer is situational and its codification is limited. The paper further proposes the use of the Integration Definition Function Zero (IDEFO) method as an optimal tool of monitoring the knowledge transfer process in organisations so as to manage knowledge effectively.