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Application of knowledge management technologies in Korean small and medium-sized construction companies

  • Research Paper
  • Construction Management
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Abstract

In today’s emerging knowledge-based economy, Knowledge Management (KM) is being rapidly disseminated in both academic circles and the business world. The effective management of knowledge is vital to the survival and prosperity of a company, particularly in project-based industries such as construction. As a result, construction companies have adopted Information Technology (IT)-based KM systems (KMSs). KMS refers to the technology platform and infrastructure that an organization employs to support KM. However, the increasing attention given to KM is targeted at Large Multi-national Construction companies (LMCs), with little attention given to Small and Medium-sized Construction companies (SMCs). Compared to LMCs, SMCs need different sources and types of knowledge and technology to remain nourished and healthy. In this context, this research attempts to facilitate KM activities within SMCs through the distribution of a set of KM technologies tailored to meet the requirements of SMCs. First, we analyze key obstacles to implement KM activities within SMCs through a survey. Based on this analysis, a set of KM technologies are then identified and adapted to support the KM activities of SMCs in a feasible fashion. In addition, we discuss the expected change of organizational behavior by the distribution of those KM technologies. In the end, these technologies are synthesized into a web-based Construction Knowledge Management Portal (CKMP) system that seeks the inter-organizational sharing of construction knowledge. By delivering key KM technologies to SMCs, our study benefits both academia and the construction industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Architecture & Architectural Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 151-742, Korea

    Moonseo Park, Youjin Jang & Hyun-Soo Lee

  2. The Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, 68588-0500, Lincoln, USA

    Changbum Ahn

  3. Dept. of Architectural Engineering, University of Seoul, Seoul, 130-743, Korea

    You-Sang Yoon

Authors
  1. Moonseo Park
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  2. Youjin Jang
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  3. Hyun-Soo Lee
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  4. Changbum Ahn
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  5. You-Sang Yoon
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Correspondence to Moonseo Park.

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Park, M., Jang, Y., Lee, HS. et al. Application of knowledge management technologies in Korean small and medium-sized construction companies. KSCE J Civ Eng 17, 22–32 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-1607-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-013-1607-z

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