An organisation’s competitive advantage lies in the knowledge of its employees and the organisation’s ability to harness that knowledge to meet business objectives. Knowledge management is recognised in the construction industry as a potential tool for providing organisational benefits, but for a number of reasons – particularly the project based nature of construction, where teams are transient, multidisciplinary and often from different organisations – implementation has been only marginally successful. Capture and Reuse of Project Knowledge in Construction describes a methodology for the 'live' capture of reusable project knowledge that reflects both the organisational and human dimensions of knowledge capture and reuse, as well as exploiting the benefits of technology. This methodology was developed in response to the shortcomings of current practices in managing project knowledge, the benefits offered by capturing and sharing knowledge immediately after it is generated, and the organisational benefit of reusing knowledge within a project based environment.

An organisation’s competitive advantage lies in the knowledgeof its employees and the organisation’s ability to harnessthat knowledge to meet business objectives. Knowledge management isrecognised in the construction industry as a potential tool forproviding organisational benefits, but for a number of reasons– particularly the project based nature of construction,where teams are transient, multidisciplinary and often fromdifferent organisations – implementation has been onlymarginally successful. Capture and Reuse of Project Knowledge in Construction describesa methodology for the 'live' capture of reusable project knowledgethat reflects both the organisational and human dimensions ofknowledge capture and reuse, as well as exploiting the benefits oftechnology. This methodology was developed in response to theshortcomings of current practices in managing project knowledge,the benefits offered by capturing and sharing knowledge immediatelyafter it is generated, and the organisational benefit of reusingknowledge within a project based environment.

Biannually since 1994, the European Conference on Product and Process Modelling in the Building and Construction Industry has provided a review of research, given valuable future work outlooks, and provided a communication platform for future co-operative research and development at both European and global levels.This volume, of special interest t

The task of structuring information on built environment has presented challenges to the research community, software developers and the industry for the last 20 years. Recent work has taken advantage of Web and industry standards such as XML, OWL, IFC and STEP. Another important technology for the fragmented AEC industry is digital communication. Wired or wireless, it brings together architects, engineers and construction site workers, enabling them to exchange information, communicate and work together. Virtual enterprise organization structures, involving mobile teams over distance, are highly compatible with the needs of the construction industry.

A key problem facing the construction industry is that all work is done by transient project teams, and in the past there has been no structured approach to learning from projects once they are completed. Now, though, the industry is adapting concepts of knowledge management to improve the situation. This book brings together 13 contributors from research and industry to show how managing construction knowledge can bring real benefits to organisations and projects. It covers a wide range of issues, from basic definitions and fundamental concepts, to the role of information technology, and engendering a knowledge sharing culture. Practical examples from construction and other industry sectors are used throughout to illustrate the various dimensions of knowledge management. The challenges of implementing knowledge management are outlined and the ensuing benefits highlighted.

This International Conference is about sustainability in its wider sense. It is an important area of discourse, as it pertains to how we work and how we lead our lives while considering the lives and workplaces of future generations. The conference particularly sets out to explore some of the developments and challenges taking place in academia and industry in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The conference is entitled "Going north for sustainability". The North signifies progress in technology, education and other areas of human endeavour to many people. Progress requires that people learn across continents and cultures.

Annotation Presents a portfolio of concepts, methods, models, and tools supported by real life case studies from various corners of the globe providing insights into the management of knowledge in the construction industry.