Methods used in the everyday practice of construction projects for knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer

Many construction practitioners and researchers would agree that acquiring the knowledge created in construction projects is a prerequisite for organizational learning and improved practice. This applies also to continuous improvement by a lean strategy. Various technological tools and methods for knowledge acquisition have been proposed, but their success depends on acknowledging the involved individuals and on the interaction between project actors, i.e. embracing the principle of respect for people in a lean strategy. A systematic literature review to identify methods used in the everyday practice in construction projects for the sharing and transfer of tacit knowledge has been performed. Findings indicate that a combination of technological and social methods are used for knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer in construction projects. Social methods such as workshops, different kinds of often informal face-to-face meetings, various forms of reviews, mentorships, and site visits, are commonly used for sharing and transfer of tacit knowledge. Therefore, these methods which also often involve different actors should form part of a lean construction strategy