KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: INVESTIGATING EGYPTIAN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES BEST PRACTICES

The effective knowledge management (KM) at construction company level is rapidly becoming a key organizational capability that adds a sustainable competitive advantage. Managing intellectual asset is considered a challenge facing construction firms in today's business environment. However, these challenges can be overcome by applying best KM practices. This study investigates practices that influence the effectiveness of KM at the company level. During phase I of the study, a review of the available literature was conducted to identify the implemented practices for KM. Based on this review the main processes of KM system were compiled in a model and a list of best practices for KM that are relevant to the local industry was introduced. During phase II, questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from 27 Egyptian construction companies. The main objectives of phase II is to prioritize KM practices that were identified during phase I. The quantitative data analysis demonstrated all practices mentioned in the questionnaire are important for successful KM system. It was found that document management, training and support, knowledge creation, and knowledge capturing and storing to be the top four practices for KM. The results of this study assist construction organizations in leading the implementation of KM practices. The results can be used not only in the planning phase of implementation of KM practices but also in evaluating the completeness of the implementation.