The role of knowledge management in improving the adoption and implementation practices of industrialised building system (IBS) in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the strategic changes towards the promotion of the concept of Industrialized Building System (IBS) started in 1998. It is envisaged that the benefits expected from the adoption of IBS will have positive and dramatic impact on the culture of building practices. An important issue which is likely to influence the wider and successful implementation of IBS is the role that knowledge management plays in this regard. This relates to such issues as the knowledge ability and skills of the workforce, and the role that knowledge sharing plays in effective decision making processes to do with IBS implementation in its many and different disguises. Through a literature review, and from a knowledge management perspective, this paper highlights some of the main issues that may contribute to the implementation of IBS in Malaysia construction industry. This paper also reviews existing strategies associated with the adoption for IBS, especially as they relate to lack of knowledge and awareness among industry players and stakeholders. Some conclusions are offered relating to the level of knowledge needed to change the readiness and perception of key stakeholders toward successful and wide adoption of IBS. These include, inter alia, the need for improvement of existing university curricular related to design and construction process, continuous learning among professionals, training and knowledge sharing initiatives. This paper recommends that a robust and holistic approach to the adoption of IBS is needed and vital in order to tackle the many and related issues to do with both the adoption and implementation of IBS in Malaysia. This integrated approach should consider the knowledge awareness, strategic procurement, production process philosophies, contractual arrangement, strategic policy and decision making process to mention but a few.