Knowledge Management in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Consulting: A Case Study

Abstract

The goal of knowledge management as a process is to improve the organization’s ability to execute its core business functions more efficiently and effectively. The key to knowledge management is capturing intellectual assets for the tangible benefit of the organization. On the other hand, the aim of any design engineering consulting firm is to produce projects with high quality and in less time. The paper starts by discussing the importance of knowledge management in improving the competitive edge of firms in general and of consulting firms in particular. Then, the paper discusses the process of building a knowledge management system in the Mechanical and Industrial Department at DAR AL HANDASAH, which is a leading consulting firm in the Middle East and the world. The paper concludes with the lessons learned from the experience of building the knowledge management system and the steps needed to improve it.