Knowledge management strategies to improve construction business development processes: A preliminary case study

Industry generally is developing knowledge management strategies and companies have been found to be delivering significant results; improving decision making, increasing productivity and profitability. In the UK construction industry, key reports such as Latham and Egan, recommend increased collaboration, knowledge exchange, new networks and relationships, to increase the competitiveness and profitability of construction. They highlight the increasing value of knowledge in delivering competitive advantage. Knowledge management is vital in construction, especially with the dependence on project work and geographic disparate teams. If it is to be successful in this procurement environment, it will require far more than investment in software. This paper examines the core processes of knowledge management and key enablers. The focus will be on how a leading edge construction organisation is benefiting commercially from implementation of a knowledge management initiative.