From knowing to learning: Enhancing cross-project learning for construction contractors
M.L.W. Engelhard (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
A. Straub – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Design & Construction Management)
E.J. Houwing – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
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Abstract
The construction sector suffers from low productivity and innovation. This is often attributed to the ‘project-to-project’ mentality of construction companies. This thesis researches how cross-project learning can increase the productivity of construction contractors by leveraging knowledge from past projects to improve future performance.
Construction contractors struggle with the implementation of cross-project learning in practice. This thesis conducted ten semi-structured interviews in collaboration with Dura Vermeer, to gain insights into the reasons for this. Examples include individual/organizational resistance, a lack of learning infrastructure, the nature of projects, and poor information technology.
This study reveals that construction contractors predominantly operate within a ‘T-shaped’ learning landscape, which means that formal learning processes exist but are frequently neglected or not used to their full potential. This results in limited knowledge dissemination and codification, as learning and knowledge transfer mainly rely on informal, personal interactions.
To help construction contractors navigate the abovementioned issues, this study proposes a six-pillar strategy that contractors can implement in order to stimulate cross-project learning within their organizations. The six pillars include: dealing with human nature, incentivizing cross-project learning, evaluation methods, information technology systems, creating structure, and shifting the focus from product to process.