Transfer of construction project knowledge through lessons -learned practices in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The knowledge gained on a particular project is a highly valuable organizational resource. Lessons-learned (LL) practice can be viewed as a key mechanism in capturing and transferring project knowledge created during project activities to future projects. In LL practices, the team members of the project are involved in reflective discussions about what went well and what went wrong with the aim of improving future project performance. Among the various initiatives for addressing the challenges facing in the construction industry in Sri Lanka, it is now recognized that managing project knowledge is equally important. However, there is dearth of studies conducted in Sri Lanka to identify current LL practices in construction and opportunities for improvements. Thus, aim of this research was to find out how project knowledge is transferred from the construction project to future projects through lessons-learned practices in Sri Lanka.

The case study research approach was used to investigate the research problem through frame work by interviewing key project personnel including the project managers. Software Nvivo applied to codify the transcripts. Content and cross case analysis were carried out to identify the transfer of construction project knowledge through lessons-learned practices in Sri Lanka.

The findings reveal several barriers for practice of LL such as construction project based nature and practitioners' negative attitudes. Although there were barriers explored based on the personal development of individual team members, the \ majority identified the requirement to adopt the lessons-learned practices for the benefit of the respective parent organizations. The research finally, provides some guidelines on how to overcome the identified barriers for an effective LL practice for Sri Lankan Construction Industry.