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

Abstract

The knowledge gained on a particular project is a highly valuable organizational resource. Lessonslearned (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 erformance. Among the various initiatives for addressing the challenges faced 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 the response to lessons-learned practices in Sri Lankan construction industry as a mechanism to transfer construction project knowledge from previous project to following projects. The case study research approach was used to investigate the research problem by interviewing key project personnel including the project managers. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings reveal several barriers for practice of LL such as construction project-based nature and practitioners' negative attitudes. Despite the barriers, the majority of case study participants are willing to adopt LL, due to the benefits that it could bring to construction organisations. The paper finally, provides some guidelines on how to overcome the identified barriers for an effective LL practice for Sri Lankan Construction Industry.