Knowledge transfer between training supervisors and trainees of BSC Quantity Surveying undergraduates in Sri Lanka

Abstract

In the history of the mankind, “knowledge” is given a higher priority in society. It has remained in this position throughout all these years, and at present rt has reached its peak. The role of knowledge in the emerging competitive environment is given a higher significance. However, there are two aspects of knowledge, namely tacit and explicit. It is necessary to denote that, tacit knowledge is developed from experience and hard o formalize, as well as difficult to communicate. Hence, tacit knowledge is gained mainly through experience by practicing skills. An undergraduate in Quantity Surveying who goes on industrial training gets the initial exposure to the construction industry and gets trained on key competencies required to practice as a Quantity Surveyor. The training organizations and the trainers play a major role in the tacit knowledge transfer to the undergraduates. This research study is focused on tacit knowledge transfer between the trainer and the trainees. First it will try to validate the key competencies and skills that have been identified in Department of Building Economics 2010 Industrial Training Guidelines on which the QS undergraduates get trained. Secondly, it tries to establish the general frequency on which these skills and competencies are practiced during the training period thus identifying e current most highly demanded skills and competencies by the Quantity Surveying practices in Sri Lanka.