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Chan, M Y E (2018) Enablers for knowledge management implementation by large construction organisations in Hong Kong, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Griffith University.

Chen, L (2007) Linking knowledge management to organisational business performance in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Griffith University.

Chinda, T (2008) A system dynamics approach to construction safety culture, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Griffith University.

Jabour Al Hazmi, H S (2011) National culture and knowledge sharing practices: Empirical study in the context of the procurement of educational building projects in Saudi Arabia, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Griffith University.

  • Type: Thesis
  • Keywords: culture; education; measurement; knowledge management; training; Saudi Arabia; factor analysis; regression analysis; construction project; government; client; employee; professional
  • ISBN/ISSN:
  • URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366627
  • Abstract:
    In advanced economies, government departments (and their agencies) are majorconstruction clients. As governments engage in extensive repeat work, the impact ofknowledge sharing (KS) is an important factor in facilitating the effective managementof construction projects. Further, the need to access the knowledge residingindividually and collectively among employees also reflects the importance of KS.A number of practices for sharing knowledge have been recommended in the literature.These practices, however, are considered to be applicable, universally. Thisassumption is challenged by the current study, which empirically explores therelationship between national culture (NC) and KS practices. Thus, the study’s aimwas to identify whether NC dimensions could be significant variables that impact uponstaff preferences in relation to KS practices.The thesis reports on an empirical investigation undertaken with a total of 250individual professionals working for the Directorates of Projects and Maintenance, intwo government sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 135 individuals in theMinistry of Education (MOE) and 115 individuals in the Technical and VocationalTraining Corporation (TVTC). Over the next few years, both bodies will be responsiblefor the implementation of an ambitious government plan, to procure more than 2000schools and hundreds of technical and vocational training centres. This goal is seen asproviding an excellent opportunity to investigate the impact of NC on KS practices in adeveloping country, because: (1) the bulk of the educational building projects sharemany common features, thus necessitating the need for effective sharing of projectknowledge; (2) there was a lack of empirical research on KS practices, especially fromthe perspective of construction clients; (3) little research had been published on theimpact of national culture on knowledge management; and (4) the uniqueness of theSaudi culture. The research began by critically reviewing the literature to identify appropriatemeasures for KS practices. Each measurement item was then re-evaluated and revisedto ensure the measurement tool’s relevance to the research context. To provide thedata set for analysis, a questionnaire, based on KS practices (dependent variables),was developed. The questionnaire comprised of three constructs (KS means, KSvenablers, and KS benefits) with a total of 41 items. The first construct, KS means,refers to those means by which staff are helped to work together and, thus, facilitatethe exchange of knowledge (19 items). The second construct, KS enablers, refers to thepolicies and technical support that increase the staff’s ability to share knowledge (10items). The third construct, KS benefits (12 items), refers to the benefits the employeesperceive they will gain by practising KS, and their perceptions of their role inknowledge sharing.The data on the NC (independent variable) was collected using the Values SurveyModule 2008 (VSM 08), which comprises 28 items. Further, the relationships amongthe research constructs were examined using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), theconfirmatory factor analysis (CFA), regression analysis, and structural equationmodelling.The study’s findings provide empirical evidence that the national culture has asignificant influence on staff preferences in relation to knowledge sharing practices.Further, the study identified that the main cultural dimensions (Power Distance (PDI);Individualism (IDV); Masculinity (MAS); and Long-term Orientation (LTO)) significantlyinfluence KS practices.Importantly, the study developed reliable and valid measurement scales for the KSpractices theoretical construct, namely, “KS means”, “KS enablers”, and “KS benefits”.These scales provide a solid foundation from which researchers can effectively studyknowledge sharing practices, particularly within the construction context.Moreover, the research study provides a greater understanding of the implications ofthe KS practices in the procurement of public building projects in Saudi Arabia. It a soprovides new knowledge for managers to enable them to gain a better understanding ofthe preferences of their staff in regard to KS practices. This appreciation will facilitatethe improvement of project outcomes. Finally, a number of recommendations are madein relation to the KS practices that parallel staff preferences in the procurement ofpublic building projects in Saudi Arabia.

Stewart, R A (2003) Lifecycle management of information technology (IT) projects in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, School of Engineering, Griffith University.