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cycle. As such, all other steps were defined with similar and synonymous words and similar function. Nonaka 1995 suggested a SECI model of knowledge creation,
which emphasized on the movement of knowledge between the individual and an organization considering its typology. Then, Nissen 2002 extended Nonaka SECI
model by integrating it through an enterprise. Nissen 2006 in review of his previous work proposed a multidimensional model for knowledge management, which is
associated with the life cycle of knowledge flow within an organization. Since the main concern of this study is associated with knowledge flow during conceptual
design stage of building projects, Nissen 2006 multidimensional model is used as the background theory for this research. Knowledge flow theories are explained with
more details in the following section.
2.2.4 Point of Departure for Knowledge Management Literature
As a conclusion for knowledge, and knowledge management part of literature review, we found out that there are two types of knowledge, explicit and tacit. In the
construction industry, explicit knowledge refers to documented information such as project information, design drawings and specifications, cost reports, risk analysis
results, and other information collected, stored, and archived in paper or electronic format. As Zhang et al. 2009 expressed tacit knowledge is the experience and
expertise kept in the construction professionals mind, company culture, lessons learned, know-how, and other elusive yet valuable information.
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Knowledge management is particularly important in the construction industry. First reason is the fact that the construction industry is extremely competitive due to tight
construction schedule, low profit margins, and the complexity, diversity and non- standard production of construction projects. Effective knowledge management will
facilitate the generation of new technologies and processes, which will improve the industrys productivity, profitability and competitiveness. Second reason is related to
the characteristics of project organizations. As Ibrahim and Paulson 2008 stated there are two important characteristics for project organizations: 1 complex multiple
concurrent and sequential workflows, and 2 tacit knowledge regressive life cycle. It means that a project contains both concurrent and sequential phases. Moreover,
knowledge movement in project organizations is performing through a tacit regressive life cycle. Whereas tacit knowledge resides in experts’ mind, as Lin et al.
2005 stated without a knowledge management system it is difficult to reuse a professionals knowledge if heshe leaves the company or if heshe is not a team
member of a new project even if heshe is still in the company.
In conclusion, it is apparent that knowledge management can improve construction industry productivity and can help to preserve expert knowledge in organization.
Moreover, it is realized that there are four modes of knowledge conversion i.e. socialization, externalization etc. between tacit and explicit through knowledge
management process to move between individuals and an organization. In this condition, there is a need to examine knowledge flow, knowledge conversion and its
related theories more thoroughly, which is performed in the next section.
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2.3 Dynamic Knowledge
