Thesis-2003-Al-Ghassani.pdf (19.35 MB)
Improving the structural design process: a knowledge management approach
thesis
posted on 2010-12-09, 12:18 authored by Ahmed M. Al-GhassaniKnowledge is crucial for structural design, yet existing methodologies for managing it are
neither comprehensive nor do they adequately address the requirements of structural
engineers. This knowledge exists in different forms and repositories therefore requiring
special consideration as to how it should be managed. Poor management of structural
design knowledge can result in many problems such as increased design time, reduced
quality and decreased scope for innovation. Knowledge Management (KM) remains
largely unexplored within the context of structural design although it is a valuable
concept. The research in this thesis was aimed at developing a structured approach to
managing structural design knowledge.
The research methodology adopted consisted of various methods. Literature on structural
design and KM was first reviewed. Case studies involving thirteen organisations were
then undertaken to investigate the potential of KM for managing structural design
knowledge and to develop a conceptual framework and methodologies for formulating
KM strategies and evaluating the impact of KM initiatives. Rapid prototyping (based on
MS Visual Basic) was used to encapsulate the methodologies into prototype systems,
which were evaluated by industry practitioners. The evaluation established that the
systems do proffer many benefits to the construction industry and facilitate the
development of a KM strategy for managing the very specialised knowledge of structural
design.
It is concluded that the process of structural design suffers from several problems where
managing the tacit and explicit knowledge involved in the process did not receive
adequate attention. The research also concludes that KM has the potential to improve the
structural design process and that the framework developed and its associated prototypes
help to clarify a KM problem, identify goals for implementing KM, develop a KM
strategy and evaluate the strategy. The prototypes also support KM at both the strategic
and tactical levels, unlike other existing IT tools, which support KM primarily at the
operational level. Recommendations for future research include further improvement to
the prototypes, additional evaluation using a wider range of real cases and integrating the
two prototypes into one system.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Publisher
© Ahmed M. Al-GhassaniPublication date
2003Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.EThOS Persistent ID
uk.bl.ethos.412518Language
- en