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Role of knowledge in managing construction project change

S. Senaratne (Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka)
M.G. Sexton (Research Institute for the Built and Human Environment, School of Built Environment, University of Salford, Salford, UK)

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management

ISSN: 0969-9988

Article publication date: 27 February 2009

4619

Abstract

Purpose

Unplanned changes in construction projects are common and lead to disruptive effects such as project delays, cost overruns and quality deviations. Rework due to unplanned changes can cost 10‐15 per cent of contract value. By managing these changes more effectively, these disruptive effects can be minimised. Previous research has approached this problem from an information‐processing view. In this knowledge age, the purpose of this paper is to argue that effective change management can be brought about by better understanding the significant role of knowledge during change situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Within this knowledge‐based context, the question of how construction project teams manage knowledge during unplanned change in the construction phase within collaborative team settings is investigated through a selected case study sample within the UK construction industry.

Findings

Case study findings conclude that different forms of knowledge are created and shared between project team members during change events which is very much socially constructed and centred on tacit knowledge and experience of project personnel.

Originality/value

Building on the case study findings the paper finally offers a model that represents the role of knowledge during managing project change.

Keywords

Citation

Senaratne, S. and Sexton, M.G. (2009), "Role of knowledge in managing construction project change", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 186-200. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980910938055

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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