A Fuzzy Logic Model for Benchmarking the Knowledge Management Performance of Construction Firms

Abstract

Knowledge management is rapidly becoming a key organizational capability for creating competitive advantage in the construction industry. The emergence of knowledge management in this capacity poses enormous challenges to executives of construction firms. This paper proposes a model for benchmarking the knowledge management performance of construction firms that can guide and assist construction business executives in meeting these challenges. The proposed model incorporates benchmarking and knowledge management concepts with fuzzy set theory to adequately handle imprecision, vagueness, and uncertainty that prevail in this process. It uses the fuzzy-weighted average (FWA) algorithm to evaluate the knowledge management performance of construction firms. It is an internal reporting model that can provide powerful diagnostic information to executives of construction firms by evaluating their firm's knowledge management performance, identifying their firm's strengths and weaknesses with regard to each knowledge management practice, and setting priorities for managerial actions related to knowledge management practices that need improvement. A real-world case study is presented to illustrate the implementation and utility of the proposed model.