Development of a knowledge taxonomy and a tool to support business development decisions in construction companies

BUDAYAN C., Haghgooie A., BİRGÖNÜL M. T.

Ain Shams Engineering Journal, vol.15, no.7, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.asej.2024.102880
  • Journal Name: Ain Shams Engineering Journal
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: Business development, Construction sector, Knowledge management, Knowledge-based tool, Taxonomy, Turkish construction
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Business development (BD) is critical for construction firms to achieve competitive advantages in selected markets. This study aims to develop a knowledge-based tool that can be used to support BD tasks and decisions. The first step of the development of this tool is creating a new knowledge taxonomy. Firstly, the components of the taxonomy were collected by conducting a detailed literature review, and semi-structured interviews with 12 well-experienced construction experts from 11 construction companies. Five main components and fifty-two sub-components were identified at the end of this stage. Six experts participated in focus group discussions to finalize the knowledge taxonomy. Finally, a new taxonomy with three hierarchical levels was proposed. The developed knowledge taxonomy was validated using three validation methods: interactive workshops with three scholars, navigation tests with three domain experts, and a case study conducted through an oral history interview with one expert. Based on this taxonomy, a knowledge-based tool was developed to manage knowledge related to the BD of construction organizations. Researchers and professionals can benefit from the findings of this study when developing similar knowledge-based systems and improving BD decisions.