Article: Integration in project business: mechanisms for knowledge integration Journal: International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies (IJKMS) 2009 Vol.3 No.3/4 pp.331 - 350 Abstract: This article presents results from a four-year study of various integration mechanisms in industrial project business. The projects analysed are complex solutions, which include demanding efforts in both engineering and organisation. Mechanisms for combining products and the processes needed to deliver projects are described and categorised according to the impact that they have on the management of knowledge and information. The design, commissioning and operations phases have been studied in particular and the entire project life cycles have been addressed to obtain an understanding that is as comprehensive as possible of the integration needs in different project phases. The results are summarised in a framework describing two dimensions of integration that are fundamental for knowledge integration when the logic is determined by how the project is delivered and what is the final outcome. The results provide support for project companies delivering solutions to their customers: to develop technical and social capabilities for integration of knowledge and information and to ensure their competitiveness. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Integration in project business: mechanisms for knowledge integration

Authors: Johanna Liinamaa, Kim Wikstrom

Addresses: Abo Akademi University, Industrial Management, Biskopsgatan 8, 20500 Abo, Finland; PBI – Research Institute for Project-Based Industry, Auragatan 1B, 20100 Abo, Finland. ' Abo Akademi University, Industrial Management, Biskopsgatan 8, 20500 Abo, Finland; PBI – Research Institute for Project-Based Industry, Auragatan 1B, 20100 Abo, Finland

Abstract: This article presents results from a four-year study of various integration mechanisms in industrial project business. The projects analysed are complex solutions, which include demanding efforts in both engineering and organisation. Mechanisms for combining products and the processes needed to deliver projects are described and categorised according to the impact that they have on the management of knowledge and information. The design, commissioning and operations phases have been studied in particular and the entire project life cycles have been addressed to obtain an understanding that is as comprehensive as possible of the integration needs in different project phases. The results are summarised in a framework describing two dimensions of integration that are fundamental for knowledge integration when the logic is determined by how the project is delivered and what is the final outcome. The results provide support for project companies delivering solutions to their customers: to develop technical and social capabilities for integration of knowledge and information and to ensure their competitiveness.

Keywords: project business; knowledge integration; integration mechanisms; industrial projects; project phases; integrated solutions; systems integration; knowledge management; knowledge sharing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2009.028844

International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2009 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.331 - 350

Published online: 06 Oct 2009 *

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Title: Integration in project business: mechanisms for knowledge integration

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