Towards a framework for integrating knowledge management processes into site management practices

There has been a growing awareness of the importance of knowledge management in construction over the last few years. However, knowledge management is still under-utilised within construction organisations. More specifically, there is much scope for making construction organisations more competitive through better knowledge management practices. One of the most promising, but also very challenging aspects is the integration of KM processes into site management practices. Managing know-how, know-what and know why is unlike managing materials, labour or construction plant, yet intellectual capital investments need to be treated with every bit of care. This paper reviews current site management issues and problems and presents a summary of knowledge management processes, with a view to identifying the most applicable knowledge management processes for improving site management practices. The outline features of a new framework to support the integration of site management practices with relevant knowledge management processes then presented.