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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Ximena Ferrada and Alfredo Serpell

The purpose of this paper is to report and summarize the findings from a doctoral thesis that analyze the construction methods' selection process, from a knowledge management…

663

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report and summarize the findings from a doctoral thesis that analyze the construction methods' selection process, from a knowledge management perspective. The first author also reports her PhD journey.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on the development of case studies in three construction companies. In each case study, semi‐structured interviews, direct observation and review of companies' documentation were applied. The results of the case studies allowed the development of a prototype system for the construction methods' selection. The thesis research methodology is described in detail in this article.

Findings

It was concluded that the construction methods' selection process is based in individual knowledge, therefore the construction industry needs to understand how to identify, acquire, store, transfer and use this knowledge. The construction methods knowledge system proposed in this research could help to resolve this problem.

Practical implications

A knowledge management system for construction companies must incorporate knowledge management technologies and techniques to be a real solution for the industry problems regarding information and knowledge management.

Originality/value

This research expands the analysis of the construction methods' selection process with a deeper analysis of this activity, understanding how it is applied in a project, what knowledge is required to make a good decision and offering a system to manage this knowledge, recognizing the particular characteristics of the process and the industry.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2007

Alfredo Serpell and Ximena Ferrada

To analyze the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front‐line managers. The role is treated as a critical labor function and a source…

3561

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze the role of construction site supervisors, including foremen and general foremen, as front‐line managers. The role is treated as a critical labor function and a source of value‐added for construction management.

Design/methodology/approach

An original model based on the labor competency management framework is proposed for training, developing and certifying construction supervisors in Chile and other developing countries. This model was developed from the findings of a case study in which the competency framework was applied to a specific construction company.

Findings

This case study has demonstrated the significant potential of the competency framework for the Chilean construction sector, with its underdeveloped human resources management methods. In particular, this framework can be an effective approach to achieving the competencies required by construction site supervisors who must deal with inadequately trained workers, as is the case in many developing countries. The structured approach of the competency framework can help companies create more objective schemes for the design and implementation of training programs.

Practical implications

The application of the competency approach can greatly improve the human resources management function in construction companies as well as the site performance of their personnel. The findings obtained so far in Chile can also be projected to construction companies in other developing countries in the region.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first application of the competency framework to a Chilean construction company. This study is also original in the sense that the application described here was carried out in an environment where human resource conditions are quite deficient.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 36 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Derek H.T. Walker

103

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 6 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

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