A Knowledge Integration Framework of Epc Project Based on Kbs and Stakeholder Networks

EPC projects are promising all over the world, though the management of EPC projects at present did not seem scientific and systematized particularly in the developing countries. As EPC projects are diversified in knowledge which covers different professional fields, lifecycle periods and stakeholders, the knowledge integration not only helps solve the problems of management inside the current projects, also supports the accumulation of knowledge of the forthcoming projects. However, the recent study of knowledge integration has not gone deep into the characteristics of EPC projects so the existing methods are not applicable for EPC projects. The main purpose of this paper is to propose a solution framework for the problems in the knowledge integration of EPC projects. We first put forward a new method to identify the knowledge contained in the project work packages based on the work breakdown structure. When the knowledge is decomposed into concepts, concept attributes and relationships between concepts, it is easier and clearer to integrate. Then we establish an integration model for knowledge networks in which the knowledge from different business fields and lifecycle periods can be integrated respectively. The ultimate carriers of knowledge integration are the project participants. As a result, we finally emphasize the links between stakeholders with the knowledge network and the application for knowledge integration in EPC projects which is discussed. In view of the unique challenges in management of EPC projects, the solution method has an important role in knowledge integration for EPC project firms.