The mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge between projects – a case study of five PMOs

Abstract

PurposeThis article describes advances in the study of knowledge transfer (KT) in project-based organizations (PBOs). Project management offices (PMOs) have both a moderation role and a mediation role to play in KT between projects. In order to improve KT between projects, this paper explores the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability. The aim is to improve the usability of transferred knowledge.Design/methodology/approachThe case study method was used to investigate KT in five-divisional PMOs within a multinational engineering and project management PBO. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted and the results were analysed using ATLAS.Ti (a computer-aided qualitative data analysis software).FindingsThe findings show that it is the way in which the PMO structures knowledge management (KM) infrastructure and processes, which determines the success of its mediation role in the transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge between projects. The articulability of knowledge influences the PMO's mediation role and the PMO's mediation role in turn improves the usability of knowledge, thereby creating a conducive environment for a competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis study offers a framework to assist scholars and practitioners to understand the mediation role of the PMO in the transfer of knowledge with different levels of articulability within the projects environment. Such understanding can improve the usability of transferred knowledge, thereby creating a competitive edge for a PBO. The study shows that the PMO can be used as an instrument for KT between projects, a theme that was not found in literature. The paper thus offers new empirical information.

Knowledge ambidexterity in construction project-based organizations: predicaments of knowledge networking intention within outbound consultant-supplier interfaces

“…Third, previous studies paid much attention to knowledge creation and networking between inbound projects (Ren et al, 2018;Tshuma et al, 2022;Zhao et al, 2022) and international joint ventures (IJVs) (Khamaksorn et al, 2022;Roth and Corsi, 2023;Ye et al, 2021). Thus, these findings extends and empirically support the theory of knowledge inertia by empirically verifying the differential effects of the three types of KI on KNI in the AEC organisations.…”

“…Third, previous studies paid much attention to knowledge creation and networking between inbound projects (Ren et al. , 2018; Tshuma et al. , 2022; Zhao et al.…”

Project Management Efficiency Measurement with Data Envelopment Analysis: A Case in a Petrochemical Company

“…Refs [18,19] shed light on the evolving roles and changing responsibilities of PMOs over time. Additionally, [20] emphasizes the PMO's crucial role in facilitating knowledge transfer among similar projects. By operating centrally, the PMO plays a pivotal role in fostering the exchange of insights among stakeholders.…”

Benefícios da relação entre Gestão do Conhecimento e Gestão de Projetos

“…Pauli e Sell (2019) assinalam que a GC beneficia a GP como uma função integrativa, na qual a aprendizagem de conhecimentos impacta no desempenho dos projetos.Yap, Shavarebi e Skitmore (2021) também apontam que a aprendizagem de conhecimentos e o reuso desse ativo influenciam o controle de tempo e custo dos projetos.ParaAmoako-Gyampah et al (2021), a GC influencia o compartilhamento do conhecimento no contexto dos projetos da GP. De forma semelhante, a aquisição do conhecimento promove a eficiência dos métodos de gerenciamento de projetos (TIZKAR SADABADI; ABDUL MANAF, 2018), bem como a transferência desse ativo entre os projetos (TSHUMA; STEYN;VAN WAVEREN, 2022). Para Souza, Favoretto e Carvalho(2022), o conhecimento se conecta a eficiência do projeto, influenciando seu sucesso.Foote e Halawi (2018), sob a ótica tecnológica, posiciona os repositórios de conhecimento como ferramentas que melhoram o sucesso de projetos desenvolvidos no âmbito da GP.…”