Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Examining the status of knowledge management implementation in the construction industry of the water sector with the aim of enhancing the competitive advantage and efficiency of companies

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD student in engineering and construction management,\Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen Branch, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate Professor and Faculty Member of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Development, Art University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Knowledge Management in project contexts, especially in construction projects, means learning from successful experiences in projects and organizations to prevent repetitive errors and improve project execution more optimally. These actions lead to reducing the number of mistakes, levels of stress, and challenges, ultimately resulting in project execution aligned with valid principles and standards. These measures lead to the satisfaction of managers in client organizations, consultants, contractors, and even beneficiaries. Implementing a knowledge management maturity model in an organization helps assess its progress in formal and comprehensive knowledge management implementation. Maturity modelling is used as a formal method to describe the knowledge management development process. This research aims to evaluate the level of knowledge management maturity in the construction company "Kayson," which is active in Iran's water industry. The objective of this research is to identify the existing gaps in knowledge management implementation and strive to improve the knowledge management process in the construction sector, with the aim of enhancing competitive advantage and efficiency in this industry. The research was conducted in a descriptive survey method, and the statistical population included all managers and senior experts of the Kayson company in the year 1401 (Iranian calendar). The evaluation of knowledge management was performed using the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Knowledge Management Maturity Model. The results of the evaluation indicate that the Kayson company is at the initial level of the APO Knowledge Management Maturity Model. The highest scores are related to the components of knowledge processes, knowledge management leadership, and human resources. However, other components have scores lower than the average and require more attention from Kayson company managers. Therefore, based on the obtained results, Kayson needs to improve its knowledge management performance in certain areas, and it is recommended to make more efforts to enhance learning and innovation components.
Keywords

Subjects


[1]     E. I. Samuel و O. C. Justina, «Implementation of Effective Knowledge Management Practices for Improving Productivity of Nigerian Construction SMEs,» J. Manag. Res., ج 23, ش 1, صص 12–29, 2023.
[2]     C. T. S. Xue, «A literature review on knowledge management in organizations,» Res. Bus. Manag., ج 4, ش 1, صص 30–41, 2017.
[3]     G. Ofori, «Construction in developing countries: Need for new concepts,» J. Constr. Dev. Ctries., ج 23, ش 2, صص 1–6, 2019.
[4]     E. G. Sinesilassie, K. K. Tripathi, S. Z. S. Tabish, و K. N. Jha, «Modeling success factors for public construction projects with the SEM approach: Engineer’s perspective,» Eng. Constr. Archit. Manag., 2019.
[5]     T. Ayalew, Z. Dakhli, و Z. Lafhaj, «Assessment on performance and challenges of Ethiopian construction industry,» J. Archit. Civ. Eng., ج 2, ش 11, صص 1–11, 2016.
[6]     H. T. Hailemarkos, «Ethiopian construction project management maturity model determination and correlational prediction of project success,» Walden University, 2020.
[7]     L. A. Wingate, N. L. Smith, و E. Perk, «The project vita: A dynamic knowledge management tool,» Eval. Program Plann., ج 71, صص 22–27, 2018.
[8]     D. McIver و D. A. Lepisto, «Effects of knowledge management on unit performance: examining the moderating role of tacitness and learnability,» J. Knowl. Manag., 2017.
[9]     B. Ghasemi, S. Khalijian, T. U. Daim, و E. Mohammadipirlar, «Knowledge management performance measurement based on World-Class Competitive Advantages to develop strategic-oriented projects: Case of Iranian oil industry,» Technol. Soc., ج 67, ص 101691, 2021.
[10]   M. E. Yazdanshenas Basefat و P. Rashvand, «Investigating labor productivity in construction based on the levels of implementation of human resources management practices,» J. Struct. Constr. Eng., ج 10, ش 8, ص , 2023.
[11]   D. Emiliano de Souza, C. Favoretto, و M. M. Carvalho, «Knowledge management, absorptive and dynamic capacities and project success: A review and framework,» Eng. Manag. J., ج 34, ش 1, صص 50–69, 2022.
[12]   S.-T. Ha, M.-C. Lo, و Y.-C. Wang, «Relationship between Knowledge Management and Organizational Performance: A Test on SMEs in Malaysia,» Procedia - Soc. Behav. Sci., ج 224, صص 184-189, ژوئن 2016.
[13]   V. S. Anantatmula و P. F. Rad, «Role of organizational project management maturity factors on project success,» Eng. Manag. J., ج 30, ش 3, صص 165–178, 2018.
[14]   I. Cepeda-Carrion, S. Martelo-Landroguez, A. L. Leal-Rodríguez, و A. Leal-Millán, «Critical processes of knowledge management: An approach toward the creation of customer value,» Eur. Res. Manag. Bus. Econ., ج 23, ش 1, صص 1-7, ژانویه 2017.
[15]   M. N. Akay و J. Welly, «Knowledge Management Maturity Assessment in Finance and IT Department PT XYZ,» Bp. Int. Res. Crit. Inst. BIRCI-J. Humanit. Soc. Sci., ج 5, ش 2, صص 11912–11924, 2022.
[16]   L. Pereira, A. Fernandes, M. Sempiterno, Á. Dias, R. Lopes da Costa, و N. António, «Knowledge management maturity contributes to project-based companies in an open innovation era,» J. Open Innov. Technol. Mark. Complex., ج 7, ش 2, ص 126, 2021.
[17]   H. de J. G. Antunes و P. G. Pinheiro, «Linking knowledge management, organizational learning and memory,» J. Innov. Knowl., ج 5, ش 2, صص 140–149, 2020.
[18]   F. Saghafi, M. Hourali, و M. Eslami, «Designing the Local Framework for Evaluating Knowledge Management Maturity,» J. Bus. Intell. Manag. Stud., ج 9, ش 35, صص 129-154, 2021.
[19]   J. Kostalova و L. Tetrevova, «Proposal of project management methods and tools oriented maturity model,» Gest. E Proj. GeP, ج 9, ش 1, صص 1–23, 2018.
[20]   A. Walker, Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
[21]   C. Valmohammadi و M. Ahmadi, «The impact of knowledge management practices on organizational performance: A balanced scorecard approach,» J. Enterp. Inf. Manag., 2015.
[22]   O. Oyemomi, S. Liu, I. Neaga, H. Chen, و F. Nakpodia, «How cultural impact on knowledge sharing contributes to organizational performance: Using the fsQCA approach,» J. Bus. Res., ج 94, صص 313–319, 2019.
[23]   APO, Knowledge management tools and techniques manual. APO, 2020.
[24]   O. Ganji Bidmeshk, M. Mehraeen, و K. Ghaffari, «Providing a Framework for Measuring Knowledge Management Maturity in Public Organizations: A Case Study of Ferdowsi University,» J. Product. Manag., ج 16, ش 2 (61) summer, صص 23–49, 2022.
[25]   S. Soltani, R. Tavallaee, A. Slambolchi, و Y. Ghasemi Nezhad, «Assessing the maturity level of knowledge management using the maturity model of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO): A case study: Iran Gas Transmission Company,» J. Bus. Manag., ج 50, ش 2, ص 130149, 2021.
[26]   S. Niknamian, «The Relationship Between Valuation Criteria and Maturity Level of Knowledge Management: An Empirical Analysis.,» IUP J. Knowl. Manag., ج 17, ش 2, صص 7-20, 2019.
[27]   A. Farokhian, H. Tavakoli, و S. Salajegheh, «Identification and explanation of the factors related to knowledge management in Supreme Audit Court,» Rev. Inclusiones, ج 6, ش 14, صص 66–76, 2019.
[28]   M. J. Shamia, M. J. Al Shobaki, S. S. Abu-Naser, و Y. M. A. Amuna, «Using the Asian Knowledge Model “APO” as a Determinant for Performance Excellence in Universities-Empirical Study at Al-Azhar University-Gaza,» Int. J. Inf. Technol. Electr. Eng., ج 7, ش 1, 2018.
[29]   S. S. Abu-Naser, M. J. Al Shobaki, و Y. M. Abu Amuna, «Knowledge Management Maturity in Universities and its Impact on Performance Excellence' Comparative study,'» 2016.
[30]   mohammad akbari,  davood akbari,  fatemeh najibi, و  vahid hajizadeh, «Knowledge management in a project - oriented organization and its impact on reducing delays of Road Construction Projects in Southern Khorasan,» J. Struct. Constr. Eng., ج 9, ش 2, صص 25-43, 2022.
[31]   A. A. E. Othman و M. M. ElKady, «A knowledge management based framework for enhancing the learning culture in architectural design firms in developing countries,» J. Eng. Des. Technol., ج 21, ش 1, صص 23–57, 2023.
[32]   M. Akbari, D. Akbari, F. Najibi, و V. Hajizadeh, «Knowledge management in a project - oriented organization and its impact on reducing delays of Road Construction Projects in Southern Khorasan,» J. Struct. Constr. Eng., ج 9, ش 2, صص 25-43, 2022.
[33]   G. Escrivão و S. L. da Silva, «Knowledge management maturity models: identification of gaps and improvement proposal,» Gest. Produção, ج 26, 2019.
[34]   C. A. Conley و W. Zheng, «Factors critical to knowledge management success,» Adv. Dev. Hum. Resour., ج 11, ش 3, صص 334–348, 2009.

  • Receive Date 30 July 2023
  • Revise Date 20 October 2023
  • Accept Date 16 November 2023