Knowledge Sharing Barriers in Complex Research and Development Projects: An Exploratory Study on the Perceptions of Project Managers

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Vitor Santos (Author) Other; António Lucas Soares (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Knowledge and Process Management

Vol. 19

Pages: 27-38

ISSN: 1092-4604

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

Scopus - 50 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Electrical engineering, Electronic engineering, Information engineering

CORDIS: Humanities > Information science > Information management

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-2NV

DOI: 10.1002/kpm.1379

Abstract (EN): Numerous projects are considered complex because of the number of stakeholders, the diversity of skills, and the uncertainty involved, requiring accurate information retrieval and management of the social interactions between different participants leading to efficient knowledge sharing. This paper reports the findings of an empirical study on knowledge sharing barriers and research and development (R&D) activities that occur in the context of complex project management. The study presents issues, difficulties, and practices acknowledged by project managers related to knowledge sharing and R&D (focused on activities that involve cooperation and collaboration). Particularly, we point out the following major knowledge sharing barriers: codification process, inadequate information technology, lack of initiative and strategy by the workers, and lack of time and resources. We also explained the following practices and issues regarding the collaborative R&D activities: information exchange and retrieval, communication barriers, interdependence of knowledge and skills, and different technical terminologies. We intend to contribute to the understanding of the work carried out in the context of complex projects to improve the management practices and the information technology platforms to support them. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd..

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific