Identification of Effective Management Practices and Technologies for Lessons Learned Programs in the Construction Industry
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135, Issue 6
Abstract
Organizations in the construction industry cannot afford to make repetitive mistakes on major projects. Conversely, there are great benefits to repeating positive experiences from past projects. This need for institutional memory is amplified by the reality that in the course of normal turnover and retirement, people with years of experience leave their organizations. An effective lessons learned program is a critical element in the management of institutional knowledge; it will facilitate the continuous improvement of processes and procedures and provide a direct advantage in an even more competitive industry. This paper describes a research study that aimed to identify effective management practices and technologies for lessons learned programs in the construction industry. Data from 70 organizations that participated in this study are presented. Research found that even though more lessons learned programs are being initiated, the potential for savings and improvement has not been fully met. The study has also identified seven crucial characteristics of a successful program and verified that most organizations are stronger in some categories and weaker in others. The key to an effective program is to address all seven areas and guidance is provided for those wishing to implement lessons learned programs.
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Acknowledgments
This research investigation was funded by the Construction Industry Institute. The writers would like to thank the members of the Research Team RT230 Effective Management Practices and Technologies for Lessons Learned Programs Research Team for their support. Angie Yohe and Runi Weerasooriya are former graduate students at The University of Texas at Austin.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135 • Issue 6 • June 2009
Pages: 531 - 539
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 4, 2008
Accepted: Sep 16, 2008
Published online: Mar 27, 2009
Published in print: Jun 2009
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