Knowledge Asset Classification in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Construction industries have given the efforts to develop the knowledge management (KM) to manage their knowledge assets, but it is still required to clarify the definition of knowledge assets to the same extent as has been done in the other industries. Major construction companies in Korea have built their own knowledge management system (KMS), but the systems are simply limited to classify the existing information. The classification of existing information is a small part of KM, and it is then desirable to tacit knowledge assets such as company's development strategy, culture and etc. This study suggested a new concept of KM for construction. With the widened concept, this study derived some knowledge asset elements based on a literature review and the interviews with KM specialists in construction companies. The suggested criteria on knowledge asset classification can be helpful in the evaluation of knowledge assets of own. In addition, it can be applicable in the derivation of the knowledge maps for the development of KMS considering the relationship between the separate information, and the development of education programs.