The use of exploratory research in addressing knowledge issues in delivering sustainable retrofitted building projects

Maduka, Nnamdi; Greenwood, David; Udeaja, Chika

Abstract

This paper describes a proposed strategy of exploring the role of knowledge management (KM) in delivering retrofitted building projects. This is based on an on-going PhD project whose primary objective is to develop a decision support system (DSS) for the key stakeholders in sustainable building retrofits. A brief review of sustainable construction and knowledge management and its application in construction were discussed. The ways in which knowledge is managed in retrofitted building projects is then examined to provide the basis of a conceptual approach for reflecting both organisational and human dimensions. Qualitative approach adopted in this study is to help the researcher gain full understanding of the knowledge issues in sustainable construction. The choice of case study as the research strategy is necessary in order to understand the dynamics and contemporary phenomenon present in the industry as regards to sustainable retrofitted building projects. The case study involves the use of semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence and these will help in capturing relevant project knowledge that will be useful in delivering the research aim(s) and objectives and also answering the research questions. The case study process will build on the literature works; investigates on the current practices in sustainable construction; the barriers in the uptake of sustainable retrofitted building projects; what knowledge means to an individual stakeholders in delivering sustainable retrofitted building projects and the role of knowledge management in making appropriate sustainable choices in sustainable retrofitted building projects. The research design employed five steps that will be applied in collection of data. The collected data would be analysed and the outcome will be a modelling of sustainable building process for retrofits hence the development of a decision support system (DSS) prototype through managing of project knowledge. The testing of the prototype will ensure its refinement to fit for purpose.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: Association of Researchers of Construction Management
• Start Date: Apr 10, 2015
• End Date: Apr 10, 2015
• Acceptance Date: Jan 8, 2015
• Online Publication Date: May 30, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 18, 2024
• Pages: 13-22
• Book Title: PROCEEDINGS OF ARCOM Doctoral Workshop Research Methodology
• Keywords: Qualitative approach, research strategy, sustainable construction, sustainable retrofits, knowledge management, key stakeholders, decision making.
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11616798
• Publisher URL: https://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/workshops/2015-04_Dublin-Proceedings.pdf