Knowledge Transfer in Organizations with Geographically Dispersed Projects: Case study at SKANSKA Sweden AB
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Transferring knowledge in an organization is argued to be the basis for firms to have a competitive advantage. Even if knowledge transfer can lead to significant performance improvements, achieving successful knowledge transfer remains challenging. There is a clear gap in understanding what barriers and enablers influence knowledge transfer in an organization with geographically dispersed projects. Therefore, this thesis aims to address this gap through a single case study conducted at the construction and project development company Skanska Sweden AB, in the region Hus Norr. In this region, large geographical distances separate projects. The case study is conducted to be able to answer the research question of this study: \textit{What barriers and enablers can influence knowledge transfer in organizations with geographically dispersed projects?}
This study adopts a qualitative research approach, based on a single case study. The theoretical framework led to a synthesis and a list of barriers and enablers to knowledge transfer in geographically dispersed projects. This list was used as a model for analyzing the empirical data. Data was collected through multiple methods to ensure triangulation. Semi-structured interviews, observations, and archival research were all conducted.
The findings of this thesis resulted in a framework that extends the list developed based on the theoretical framework with enablers and barriers to knowledge transfer for organizations with geographically distributed projects. The framework includes barriers and enablers divided into the factors: \textit{Knowledge Mechanisms, Organizational Factors, Resource Factors, Individual Psychological Factors, Communication Factors, and Relationship Factors}.
This study offers both theoretical and practical contributions, as the framework presents a novel approach to addressing knowledge transfer in geographically dispersed PBOs. It extends existing research by providing new insights into how geographical distance affects knowledge transfer in dispersed projects and by identifying additional barriers and enablers. By integrating prior research with empirical findings into a unified framework, the study offers a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence effective knowledge transfer. The framework also enables organizations to critically assess their current practices and systematically identify areas for improvement.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 67
Series
LIU-IEI-R, ISSN 2004-8602, E-ISSN 2004-8610
Keywords [en]
Knowledge Transfer, Barriers and Enablers, Project-Based Organizations, Nationally Distributed Projects, Geographically Distributed Projects
National Category
Industrial engineering and management
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-214382ISRN: LIU-IEI-TEK-A–25/05111–SEOAI: oai:DiVA.org:liu-214382DiVA, id: diva2:1964813
External cooperation
Skanska Sverige AB
Subject / course
Master's Program in Management of Innovation and Product Development
Presentation
2025-05-30, A36, Linköping, 10:15 (Swedish)
Supervisors
Examiners
2025-07-042025-06-052025-07-04Bibliographically approved