Leveraging the knowledge management process for sustainable development in small- and medium-sized construction companies: The analytic hierarchy process method
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Abstract
To navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the construction industry effectively, small- and medium-sized construction companies (SMCCs) require a robust management approach rooted in their accumulated experiences. From the perspective of knowledge management (KM), this study examined how SMCCs implemented the knowledge management process (KMP) to enhance their performance in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market. It also explored the characteristics of SMCCs in terms of KM-related practices, investment allocations and strategic plans for leveraging KMP to improve performance. This study collected responses from managers of SMCCs with more than 10 years of working experience in residential, commercial and industrial projects in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on how they drive their business in the Vietnamese construction industry using KMP factors. Employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach, the study ranked the activities of KMP, which encompasses five main criteria with 28 associated activities, from the perspective of SMCCs. The research findings indicated that KMP criteria, namely knowledge utilisation (KU), knowledge dissemination (KD), knowledge responsiveness (KR), knowledge storage (KS) and knowledge acquisition (KA), were prioritised in order of values of 45.6%, 25.1%, 13.9%, 7.9% and 7.5%, respectively. The findings suggest that SMCCs should focus on implementing KMP based on two crucial factors, which are KU and KD and adopt a people-based approach that emphasises tacit knowledge with technology support. Using empirical data, this study revealed how SMCC managers drive their business activities for SMCCs in the construction market segment. By integrating KMP into their existing construction activities, SMCCs can optimise their operating and management processes, ultimately enhancing their sustainable competitiveness in the market.
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