Expansive learning in construction projects-A contradiction in terms

This research is a preliminary study performed as part of a primary research into expansive learning in interorganizational network set up to solve a construction project. The construction industry has long had issues about productivity, which can be an indication of lack of learning. A case study of a workshop was conducted where coordination and collaboration meetings were observed. The data was analysed using activity theory and the expansive learning model. The analysis shows that the strong focus on object by project's activity system hinders expansive learning. The students learned through acquisition and participation but not by expansive learning. The construction industry needs to accept that the learning generated from projects will be limited to learning by acquisition and participation. The interorganizational network cannot facilitate expansive learning while working on object-fixed projects. Research in construction management fails to generate and document knowledge because of the limitations of case studies.