| Summary: | Purpose - This research investigated the advantages of using a diagramming tool such as the Functional Analysis System Technique (FAST) model to enhance the effectiveness of capturing and communicating lessons learnt onto future projects. The research looked at current ways of capturing tacit knowledge within a projectized organisation to get a clearer picture and propose alternatives on how the knowledge can be communicated and transferred to novice team members in future. The idea is to capitalise on the graphical nature of the FAST model, presupposing the human mind can comprehend graphical tools better than going through long tedious reports. Design - Focus Group Sessions were conducted using two groups from different business units within a project management and consultancy firm in South Africa. The participants represented the various project stakeholders that comprise a project team. The focus group session consists of a presentation on the background of the study and the FAST process. This served as a brainstorming session and a typical project scenario in capturing and communicating lessons learned was presented to the participants. The first diagram showed the activity log list as found on a project site for a particular lesson learnt process. The second diagram showed the same lesson learnt process presented in a FAST diagram. Afterwards, the participants evaluated the effectiveness of the FAST model to capture and communicate lessons learnt in a project environment. The responses were compiled and findings presented in table format. Findings - The analysis of the data and the responses of the participants proved that the FAST diagram can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of capturing and communicating lessons learnt. This knowledge transfer initiative provides cost benefits as it improves the project execution and competitive advantage of the organisation. Project execution efficiency is improved by codifying tacit knowledge and avoiding repeating the same mistakes on projects. Practical Implications - Developing a culture of capturing lessons learnt on a project as the execution phase unfolds can be a challenging exercise. Most companies pay less or no attention at all to capturing lessons learnt. However lessons learnt documentation must be supported by a quality control system that is robust and allows easy navigation within a repository. The FAST model empowers project custodians through its dynamic structure to document activities on the project. This ensures the FAST diagram is continuously updated to tie in with the changes on the ground as the project unfolds. Limitations: The results were generated in a controlled environment and require confirmation through longitudinal research of the use of FAST for this purpose in practise on live projects. Keywords: lesson learnt, knowledge transfer, data repository, Function Analysis Systems Technique, tacit knowledge, Value Engineering, knowledge management, activity log-list
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