Lessons learned practices in the engineering, procurement and construction sector

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how Canadian engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies address lessons learned (LL) on their construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a case study methodology.

Findings

The exploitation of LL to improve performance on future projects is highly desirable for many construction organisations. The vision of an organisation that can readily recall what went well on a project and attempt to recreate those successes, as well as avoiding the repetition of past mistakes offers commercial sense.

Originality/value

The paper provides a number of recommendations for UK companies regarding how the process may be improved in terms of encouraging LL to occur, the timing of LL sessions, identifying participants, the format for documenting LL and how these should be disseminated.

Citation

Carrillo, P. (2005), "Lessons learned practices in the engineering, procurement and construction sector", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 12 No. 3, pp. 236-250. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980510600107