Identification of knowledge assets in construction projects and their impact on project performance

Abstract

PurposeThe previous researchers have identified human capital, relational capital and structural capital as knowledge assets in knowledge-driven organizations. The current study is an attempt to identify and validate the knowledge assets in construction projects. The study also aims to understand the interrelation of these knowledge assets and their impact on project performance through the development of a conceptual model.Design/methodology/approachThe study is divided into three phases. In phase I, the constructs of “knowledge assets” and “project performance” in construction projects are identified using the exploratory factor analysis. In phase II, these constructs are validated using confirmatory factor analysis. Two separate surveys are conducted for phase I and phase II, respectively. In phase III, the authors develop two conceptual models based on the literature review and two construction project cases in India. The models examine the inter-relationship of knowledge assets and measures their impact on project performance. The models are empirically tested using the responses of the second survey through a structural equation model.FindingsThe study extracts four knowledge asset constructs and one performance construct which are named human capital, structural capital, relational capital, human capital capacity building process and project performance, respectively. The study finds that both the conceptual models are statistically excellent fit. The results of the models suggest that relational capital and structural capital have a direct positive impact on project performance, whereas human capital has an indirect effect on project performance mediated through relational capital, structural capital and human capital capacity building process.Research limitations/implicationsThe items for knowledge asset constructs and measurement of project performance are moderated by experts, working in construction projects in India, hence the process may contain subjective bias. Further, two construction project cases were selected by authors in the study that originate from India.Practical implicationsThe study has implications for the project executors (contractors) as well as for project owners. The contractors must maintain healthy relations with all the stakeholders in a project like a client, suppliers, architects, etc. They must develop systems that are people-friendly to avoid the problems of time and cost overruns in projects. The owners must also maintain healthy relations. This can result in a win-win situation for both parties and can lead to superior project performance.Originality/valueThe study develops and empirically tests two conceptual models that explain the interrelations of knowledge assets and how it benefits the construction project performance in India. Therefore, the generalization of the results is difficult; however, the results can be replicated in projects with similar settings.

Intellectual capital and property tax reassessment performance of local authorities: The interrelationships analysis

“…In the property tax reassessment context, Abd Rahman et al (2021) found that staff capacity was an impediment when conducting revaluation, which implies a significant impact. However, recent findings related to HC in another area found that HC did not directly affect project performance ( Singla et al, 2022 ). This research found an insignificant relationship, possibly due to the nature of property tax reassessment activities.…”

“…In addition, Sardo et al (2018) and Rahman et al (2022) found that HC and SC played instrumental roles in regard to RC among SMEs. The latest evidence related to project performance also indicates that HC has an indirect impact mediated through SC and RC ( Singla et al, 2022 ). Hence, these findings also remarking the mediating role of RC in the human capital and property tax reassessment performance link and the structural capital and property tax reassessment performance relationship.…”

“…Hence, the final items for the survey used 12 items for human capital (HC), 11 for structural capital (SC), 12 for relational capital (RC), 10 for property tax reassessment performance (PTRP) and eight for the demographic profile. All independent constructs use reflective indicators, as most recent literature suggests ( Barrutia and Echebarria, 2021 ; Rahman et al, 2022 ; Singla et al, 2022 ). On the other hand, the dependent variable, PTRP, used the reflective-formative measurement model type.…”

“…Recent findings indicate that the interaction between these components leads to several outcomes for an organization, like improved financial performance in the hotel industry ( Sardo et al, 2018 ) and enhanced entrepreneurial opportunity recognition among SMEs ( Rahman et al, 2022 ). Several studies suggest that HC needs a support system to leverage its effect on performance, and such a system is provided through SC and RC ( Singla et al, 2022 ). Prior literature suggests that HC endorses the organizational component, an essential aspect of SC ( Sardo et al, 2018 ).…”

“…In addition, Singla et al (2022) argued that RC resulted from better HC in a project performance context. Similarly, Rahman et al (2022) examined the relationships that both HC and SC had with RC, finding these to be positive and significant in the context of employees in Omani SMEs.…”