Micah Vines B.Eng, MSc
Education
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng), in Civil Engineering, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae, Papua New Guinea (PNG)
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Master of Science (MSc), in Construction Management
, Loughbourgh University, United Kingdom
Research Interests
Knowledge Management for construction productivity, E-business in Construction, Impact of Knowledge Management and E-business on Entrepreneurship in Construction Organisations, E-business initiative to facilitate Facilities Management, and Impact of legal issues on e-business initiatives in construction industry.Research Title
Capitalising on Organisational Knowledge Assets through E-business Initiatives in Construction OrganisationsBackground of the research study
This research project as part of a PhD program investigates the role of knowledge and knowledge management in e-business initiatives, with particular emphasis on the construction industry. The project looks at knowledge from the perspective of knowledge as an organisational asset, which has immense potential benefits if exploited using e-business via the Internet to meet the needs of an organisation. Knowledge as an asset which has the potential of being "packaged" into knowledge based products and services. Better management of knowledge assets can improve business processes, increase productivity and reduce new product development times. Many construction organisations are in the throes of embracing the Internet as a core element of their business strategy. Developments in the Internet and e-business are constantly changing. The Internet and Internet-related technology now offers many advantages for knowledge intensive organisations. For example, it reduces transaction costs, extends market reach and allows round the clock trading. This raises the question- How can knowledge-based organisations exploit the opportunities that are emerging in the fast-changing environment of e-business? Again, how can knowledge management be used to improve the performances of organisations via e-business initiatives? Consideration is also given to the challenges that are facing organisations in using the Internet to commercialise their knowledge assets, and how these challenges can be overcome. Addressing the above issues calls for a robust research methodology. Effective e-business initiatives involve the consideration of technical, social and organisational issues associated with KM and these are also investigate in this project.Research Objectives
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Investigate the types of knowledge assets (eg. objective, personal, etc)
used in e-business solutions in construction organisations.
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To investigate the challenges facing organisations in using Internet to
commercialise their knowledge assets and the potential benefits that could ensure for organisations.
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To examine and document the characteristics of on-line trading of
organisational knowledge assets and its commercialisation in the construction industry.
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To examine and document the different methods by which organisations
package and exploit knowledge assets through e-business initiatives.
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Assess the extent to which organisations are ready to launch a
knowledge business, the level of competency needed and educational and training needs.
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Examine and document the critical success factors associated with
effective k-business in construction organisations ( post launch).
- Specifically examine and document the extent to which organisational structure, strategy and culture impact upon the effective exploitation of knowledge for e-business initiatives.
Research Methods
The research intends to address the social, cultural, behavioural and technological issues associated with knowledge management in construction SMEs. This calls for a robust research methodology made up of a combination of tried and tested research approaches, which include inter alia:-
A thorough review of the relevant literature on KM and E-business in general and in the construction industry.
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The use of interviews (e.g. semi-structured) and Postal Questionnaires
Benefits/Expected Outcomes of the Research
The anticipated outcomes of the proposed research include the production of appropriate guidance documents for the benefit of construction organisations, and the development of an appropriate, practical and user friendly 'Knowledge business (k-business) Readiness Awareness Protocol. This will allow organisations to measure their position within the 'Knowledge Management Maturity Curve' and their readiness to launch a k-business.Publications
JournalsConferences
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Vines, M and Egbu, C (2003). The Role of Knowledge Management in Harnessing the Potential of E-business for Construction Organisations. Proceedings of the 3rd International Postgraduate Research Conference in the Built and Human Environment, ESAI-Lisbon 3-4th 2003. University of Salford. Edited by Ghassan Auoad and Les Ruddock. Pp: 551-519. ISBN: 1 900491 915
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Vines, M and Egbu, C and Tookey, J (2003). The Role of Knowledge Management in Facilitating E-learning in Construction Organisations: Challenges and Benefits. Proceedings for the First Scottish Conference for Postgraduate researchers of the Built and Natural Environment-PRoBE, Glasgow Caledonian University 18-19 November, 2003. Edited by C.O Egbu and Tong M. K.L, Glasgow Caledonian University. Pp. 161-172 ISBN: 1-903661-50-1
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Vines, M, Egbu, C and Tookey, J (2003). The Role of Knowledge Management in Facilitating E-learning in Construction Organisations: Challenges and Benefits. Proceedings of the 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management-ARCOM, University of Brighton, UK Wed 3 - Fri 5 September 2003 pp: 661-669
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Vines, M and Egbu, C (2003). Knowledge Management and E-business Initiatives-Deriving and Appropriate Synergy for The Benefit of the Construction Industry Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction-AEC, Loughborough. 25-27th June 2003. Edited by Anumba. C.J pp: 539-548 ISBN: 90 5966 0080
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Vines, M and Egbu, C (2004). Readiness Assessment Process Protocol for E-business Initiatives in Construction Organisations. Proceedings of the 20th Annual Conference of the Association of Researchers in Construction Management-ARCOM, Heriot Watt University, 1st-3rd September, 2004. Edited by F.Khosrowshahi. ARCOM pp. 595-602. ISBN: 0953416194 (Vol. 1)
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Vines M, Hari S, Olomolaiye A, Liyanage C, Lee C, Kurul E, Egbu C, (2004), Lessons learned from knowledge management research: UK construction industry perspective, 4th International Postgraduate Research Conference, April 1st - 2nd 2004, University of Salford. Edited by Ruddock L, Amaratunga D, Aouad G, Kagioglou M, Sexton M, Salford University, Manchester, pp. 570 - 580
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Hari S, Vines M, Egbu C, (2004) "Knowledge management and E-business Initiatives in Small and Medium Sized Construction Organisations" Construction and Building Research Conference (COBRA) 2004, September 7-8, Robert Ellis and Malcolm Bell, University of Leeds, Reading, UK. ISBN 1842191993, pp 152
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Kurul E., Hari S., Egbu C., Vines M, Liyanage C and Olomolaiye A. (2004) Appropriateness of Research Methods for Knowledge Management Research in the UK Construction Industry. Paper submitted for SCRI Symposium holding at University of Salford, 30th - 31st March 2004.
- Hari S, Vines M, Egbu C, (2004) "Knowledge management and E-business Initiatives in Small and Medium Sized Construction Organisations" Construction and Building Research Conference (COBRA) 2004, September 7-8, Robert Ellis and Malcolm Bell, University of Leeds, Reading, UK. ISBN 1842191993, pp 152
Contact Details
Micah VinesM542, School of the Built and Natural Environment
Glasgow Caledonian University
City Campus
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow, G4 OBA
Scotland, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 141 331 8037
Fax: +44 (0) 141 331 3696
Email: m.vines@gcal.ac.uk
