THESIS ABSTRACT

Abstract

Knowledge and technology transfer are important for improving the capacity of local construction professionals and organizations. It is important during unavoidable disruptions when external experts, technical support, or resources may not be available. This study assessed the existing mechanism, extents, barriers, and improvement strategies related to knowledge and technology transfer practices in building construction projects executed by A-class contractors in Kathmandu Valley. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from total of 126 A class contractors whereas valid respondents were only 103, along with Key Informant Interviews and Delphi Study. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the existing practices and differences among respondent groups. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify common factors related to the challenges affecting knowledge and technology transfer. KII and a three-round Delphi study were used to identify and assess measures for improving knowledge and technology transfer. The findings showed that knowledge and technology transfer is practiced through different sources and mechanisms. Foreign contractors, suppliers and manufacturers, local contractors working with foreign organizations, and foreign experts were identified as important sources of transferred knowledge and technology. Training, demonstration, practical learning, and independent operation were also identified as important transfer mechanisms. It showed that overall mean score for knowledge transfer was 3.479. While skills mean score was 3.884. Joint working, site instructions, and on-job training were the main transfer mechanism. However, 63.107% of respondents reported transfer through observation and learning stage, while 33.010% reported independent performance, 13.592% reported they have capacity to teach others, and 23.301% reported reuse without dependency on foreign expert. Principal Component Analysis showed five underlying dimensions of barriers: resources, equipment & industry, organizational, communication and relationship, training and human resources, as well as industry-academia barriers. The KMO value was 0.796 and Bartlett’s test was (χ² = 1313, df = 253, p < 0.001). KII and Delphi showed practical training, proper documentation, clear policy and contractual requirements, industry-academic collaboration as important strategies measures for improving knowledge and technology transfer.

Keywords

Knowledge Transfer, Skill Transfer, A-class Contractors, Kathmandu Valley, Principal Component Analysis.