John M. Kamara

A CLEVER approach to selecting a knowledge management strategy

Abstract The effective management of knowledge is being recognised as a vehicle through which organisations can address their need for innovation and improved business performance. This paper describes a framework for selecting a knowledge management strategy that is appropriate to the organisational and cultural context of an organisation. The framework is the main output of the CLEVER ( c ross-sectoral le arning in the v irtual ent er prise) research project at Loughborough University. It was developed following a detailed study of current knowledge management processes in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The approach represented in the framework underscores the fact that knowledge management is not an end in itself but a means towards the solution of business problems that militate against the efficiency and innovative capacity of a company.

Process model for client requirements processing in construction

Describes a process model for processing client requirements, which was developed in response to the need for an appropriate framework for client requirements processing in construction. The model, which is represented using the IDEF‐0 modelling method, draws from requirements processing techniques in manufacturing and requirements engineering, and its development was based on an iterative process involving practitioners from the construction industry. Uses an example of a family house project to demonstrate how the model facilitates the precise definition, analysis and translation of client requirements into solution‐neutral design specifications. Concludes that the model is of potential benefit to the construction industry in providing a first step towards client satisfaction.

Client Requirements Processing for Concurrent Life-Cycle Design and Construction

The potential of concurrent engineering in the integration of the construction industry is now widely acknowledged. This paper describes research on the development of a model for processing client requirements so as to facilitate the implementation of an inte grated framework for concurrent life-cycle design and construction. Client requirements processing involves the definition, analysis and translation of client requirements into solution-neutral design specifications. The development of a model for accomplishing this involved the use of both primary and secondary sources of information, and techniques such as Quality Function Deployment, to define the need, context, framework, and procedure for client requirements processing in concurrent life-cycle design and construction. The functional and informational/data perspectives of the model, which were represented using the IDEF-0 and EXPRESS-G modelling methods, re spectively, provided the basis for developing a prototype software (ClientPro) within Microsoft Access. This prototype was evaluated by practitioners from the construction industry following a demonstration using the requirements for a building project. It is concluded that the client requirements processing model represents a unique and innovative approach in which Quality Function Deployment and other tools were successfully combined and adapted to facilitate the systematic definition, analysis, and mapping of client requirements to de sign specifications in construction. It not only contributes to the implementation of concurrent engineering in construction, but it repre sents an improved alternative to the existing process of briefing.

A fuzzy‐based analytic approach to collaborative decision making for construction teams

Describes a study that exploits the potential of fuzzy systems in construction through the development of a decision support system which is capable of handling fuzziness in the collaborative decision‐making process. The proposed system is intended to provide an objective and rational framework within which collaborative decisions can be made by virtual construction project teams. Given the often linguistic nature of the weightings ascribed by individual disciplines to decision criteria, the proposed system will utilise fuzzy systems theory to rank criteria and recommend an optimal decision alternative. Presents an example to illustrate how the proposed tool works.

Requirements Capture in Building Design

The adequate capture and encapsulation of client requirements in building projects is central to the satisfaction of clients who initiate and pay for such projects. Although this is an important aspect of building design, it is widely acknowledged that current practice in eliciting client requirements needs to be improved. This paper describes a methodology and prototype software (CLIENTPRO) that facilitates the systematic definition, analysis and translation of client requirements into solution-neutral design specifications. This methodology has been tested using historical information from a building project and evaluated by practitioners from the construction industry. It is concluded that the use of ClientPro facilitates unambiguous representation of client requirements, a common understanding of client requirements among members of the design team, and provides the basis for effective requirements management throughout the project lifecycle. It therefore provides an appropriate framework for the effective capture and representation of client requirements in building design.