Knowledge Management In The Construction Industry: A Socio-Technical Perspective presents concepts, applications and case studies on how the construction industry is attempting to understand and then integrate concepts of knowledge management or innovation into their work and strategies. . This reader has seen many definitions. The author has settled on managing experience and insight as the definition that best fits the challenges faced by an industry where from 40 - 70% of the skilled workforce is retiring within the next 15-20 years, and the need to capture their experience and skills is critical. Dr. Kazi draws from the experiences of many countries: Australia, the United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, South Africa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Finland, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, and the United States of America. Drawing upon these experiences, the book is a fluid mix of practice, research, and foresight in the form of global case studies. Each chapter begins with a learning objectives and ends with practical tips and lessons learned in the chapter.
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Built around three main sections: knowledge management in construction practice; learning from experience; and emerging models and solutions; it is a must read for both practitioners and researchers in the construction industry and a should read for others in the business of managing the intellectual assets of their particular industry.
– CLINT ACKERMAN (USA)
Bringing together so many viewpoints from across the world, this book has significant potential for raising awareness of the importance of the socio-technical perspective amongst both construction practitioners and information technologists. It is a book to digest in chunks to nourish your thinking processes on how Knowledge Management in the Construction Industry is evolving and to be informed about some the supporting techniques and tools now in the frame.
– Dr. Graham Storer, Independent Industry/Research Practitioner, United Kingdom
Knowledge Management in the Construction Industry is essential reading for all those who are interested in providing and implementing practical tools to facilitate effective knowledge management within their organisations. The book not only presents and integrates the different perspectives of knowledge management but also gives insights on the barriers and solutions associated with the implementation process. The theory is well covered and supplemented by major real-life case studies that highlight the vital enabling role information technology (IT) plays in knowledge management systems. The book is required reading for all IT professionals who are dealing with the more competitive and ever-changing project-based industries.
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This book offers managers and information technology (IT) professionals a readable and enjoyable account of knowledge management concepts, models and tools, focusing particularly on the socio-technical perspective. It pulls together what has been learned both from practice and research, and presents the main themes in easy-to-follow practical tips. The book stresses the importance of IT to meet the organisational needs operating in information-intensive industries, and it includes a number of real-life case studies to illustrate the utilisation of IT-based solutions to overcome organisational barriers that hinders effective knowledge management implementation."
– Prof. Sherif Mohamed, Griffith University, Australia