Refining the classification of knowledge transfer mechanisms for project-to-projects knowledge sharing: A latent class analysis approach

Due to the complex, unique, and temporary nature of projects, project-to-project knowledge transfer is regarded as challenging by, and has attracted attention from both practitioners and academic scholars. The challenging nature of project-to-project knowledge transfer led to the proliferation of a host of tools and instruments (so-called knowledge transfer mechanisms) in which little structure can be discovered making selection by (project) managers a difficult task. Informed by the extant literature, this paper aims to deal with this unstructured proliferation by empirically categorizing knowledge transfer mechanisms. The study takes stock of the wide range of knowledge transfer mechanisms available, and analyses them in terms of specific characteristics (e.g. explicitness or reach). A multi method approach is used in which a multi-level latent class analysis is applied on data collected via an expert panel. Five categories of transfer mechanisms could be empirically established where these mechanisms showed common characteristics. The taxonomy developed will allow organisations and project managers to more efficiently select appropriate transfer mechanisms for use in project-to-project knowledge transfer.