Barriers to enhancing project performance through experiential learning

Abstract

Experiential learning has been empirically confirmed to enhance performance of project organisations. This research investigates the literature and included field surveys to get insights into the barriers (and by default any enablers) relating to project related knowledge transfer in project orientated organisations. It seeks to explore the reality and perceptions related to experiential learning within an international group of organisations to confirm expected obstacles to learning.The research follows a quantitative approach in the form of a field survey and includes qualitative insights gained from a secondary data review. It seeks to test the validity of propositions articulating suspected barriers to learning as it is experienced or perceived to exist within the selected sample of organisations.This study is unique as, although it build on previous research, it introduces a new dimension in that experiential learning aspects as experienced by international organisations are measured simultaneously with conditions within related local organisations. The results confirmed a similar outcome between the two groups in terms of the research propositions and must be used by project orientated organisations to create management awareness in terms of the reality of specific barriers so as to guide implementation of suitable corrective measures.