Using the Knowledge Transfer Partnership model as a method of transferring BIM and Lean process related knowledge between academia and industry: A Case Study Approach

This paper looks at the vehicle of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between
academia and business and how successful it is in reaching its range of objectives and
developing theoretical and practical educational materials for BIM curriculums. The KTP
operates by helping businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the
better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. At
the same time, it also helps to increase the business relevance of knowledge base research
and teaching for the academic institutions.
For this paper, the KTP project between the University of Salford and John McCall
Architects (JMA) in Liverpool is reviewed. This two year KTP focused on the implementation
of BIM and Lean principles to JMA’s architectural practice in social housing sector. The
KTP project is 70% Government funded and 30% funded by JMA and undertaken under the
Technology Strategy Board programme, enabling innovation in business. The initial aims
and objectives of the KTP are assessed and evaluated against the actual knowledge transfer
and implementation and the final outcomes of the KTP for the University, JMA and the KTP
associate are highlighted.