KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FIRMS AT PROJECT LEVEL

(A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE)

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Author

Presented To

Department of Environmental Design

ABSTRACT
This study assesses knowledge management (KM) practices of building construction firms at the project level in Lagos State. Despite the abundance and proliferation of various knowledge management tools and techniques, knowledge management practices are at a low level. Besides, approaches used for knowledge management practice by building construction firms are inadequate, weak, informal and unsystematic. However, the assessment of knowledge management practices of building construction firms at project level. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge management practices of building construction firms with a view to promoting the adoption of best practices. The specific objectives were to assess the adequacy of knowledge management practices, extent of knowledge management practices, challenges confronting and level of success factors for knowledge management practices. Simple random sampling techniques were used to sample three hundred and thirty (330) project managers, who serve as respondents in building construction firms in Lagos State, Nigeria with a response rate of 78%. Data were collected on a four point Liker structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean scores. The findings showed that management practices were adequate. The knowledge management practices were at a high level. (Overall mean = 2.68); face to face meetings are always the most popular approach for KM practices (Mean = 3.55) Apart from staff meetings, telephone calls (Mean = 3.54) also employed for knowledge management practices. This research also found that personalization techniques (56.06%) are frequently employed than codification techniques (43.94%). However, training (Mean = 2.39) is not widely used in building construction firms. Various barriers militating against knowledge management in building construction firms were lack of effective communication (Mean = 3.29). It was also found that creating knowledge sharing space (Mean = 3.69); willingness to share knowledge (Mean = 3.61) and top management support (Mean = 3.36); are factors that contribute to the success of knowledge management practice. In conclusion, knowledge management practices were at high level and personification technique of knowledge practices dominates codification technique. The study also recommends the encouragement of building construction firms to develop a standard platform to capture and share knowledge in the presence of effective communication while project managers should be willing to share knowledge. In order to successfully capture, retain and transfer knowledge, senior management should recognize and plan for these needs so as to keep from losing valuable project knowledge.