Foundations of Knowledge Management
Concept Map
Knowledge Management (KM) is an organizational strategy for enhancing performance and innovation through the handling of knowledge. It involves the acquisition, storage, dissemination, and application of knowledge, integrating principles from business, information systems, and library sciences. KM has evolved from traditional knowledge transfer to modern, technology-enabled systems. It supports key objectives like efficiency, competitive advantage, and continuous learning. The text delves into KM's historical development, digital context, academic research, implementation strategies, and technological enablers.
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Foundations of Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management (KM) is an organizational approach that focuses on the acquisition, storage, dissemination, and application of knowledge to enhance performance and innovation. Established as a distinct academic discipline in the early 1990s, KM integrates principles from various fields such as business administration, information systems, and library sciences. It is a critical component of strategic management within corporations, public institutions, and non-profit organizations, aiming to leverage knowledge as a strategic asset. KM initiatives are designed to support key organizational objectives, including improved efficiency, competitive advantage, fostering innovation, and the promotion of continuous learning and adaptation.Historical Development and Practices of Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management has evolved from age-old practices of knowledge transfer, including mentorship and apprenticeships, to sophisticated systems enabled by modern technology. The latter half of the 20th century saw the development of computer-based tools like databases and expert systems that revolutionized KM. The concept of personal knowledge management emerged towards the end of the 1990s, emphasizing the role of the individual in knowledge creation and sharing. Today, KM encompasses a range of practices that facilitate the capture, systematization, and dissemination of knowledge, with a strong focus on learning from experiences and nurturing a culture that supports organizational learning and knowledge sharing.Knowledge Management in the Contemporary Digital Context
The digital era has introduced new dimensions to KM, with the proliferation of data and rapid technological advancements posing both opportunities and challenges. In the context of global supply chains and the fourth industrial revolution, knowledge flows across borders and between entities, necessitating sophisticated KM approaches. Digital transformation has led to an exponential increase in the volume and velocity of knowledge exchange, requiring organizations to adopt advanced KM strategies to manage knowledge effectively within and across organizational boundaries.Academic Research and Theoretical Frameworks in Knowledge Management
Since becoming a recognized field of study, KM has attracted extensive research and theoretical development. Pioneers like the first Chief Knowledge Officer at Skandia paved the way for the management of intangible assets. Scholars such as Ikujiro Nonaka and Thomas H. Davenport have contributed significantly to the theoretical landscape, offering diverse perspectives ranging from the techno-centric, which emphasizes the role of technology in knowledge dissemination, to the ecological, which views KM through the prism of complex adaptive systems. The interplay of people, processes, and technology is central to KM, with various models and frameworks developed to guide KM practices.Implementing Knowledge Management: Strategies and Instruments
To implement KM effectively, organizations employ a variety of strategies and tools aimed at capturing, organizing, and sharing knowledge. These include establishing knowledge repositories, nurturing communities of practice, and deploying collaborative technologies and eLearning systems. Strategies are often categorized into codification, which involves documenting explicit knowledge, and personalization, which focuses on the sharing of tacit knowledge through direct interaction. The selection of a KM strategy is influenced by the nature of the knowledge and the specific objectives of the KM program.Technological Enablers in Knowledge Management
Technological advancements have significantly enhanced the capabilities of KM by providing sophisticated tools for collaboration, content management, and knowledge dissemination. Collaborative software, workflow management systems, and semantic technologies are among the tools that facilitate efficient knowledge management. The development of the Semantic Web, which allows for the association of meaning with data, has potential implications for KM, although its full adoption remains a topic of ongoing discussion and exploration.Driving Forces and Advantages of Knowledge Management
Organizations pursue KM for a variety of reasons, including the need to improve innovation, accelerate product development, and manage intellectual assets effectively. KM enables organizations to cultivate a culture of innovation, enhance workforce expertise, and address complex challenges. The overarching aim of KM is to foster a knowledge-centric environment that aligns with and advances the organization's strategic goals and performance objectives.
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Historical Development and Practices of Knowledge Management
Evolution of Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management has evolved from age-old practices of knowledge transfer to sophisticated systems enabled by modern technology
Computer-based Tools for Knowledge Management
Databases and Expert Systems
The development of computer-based tools like databases and expert systems revolutionized Knowledge Management in the latter half of the 20th century
Personal Knowledge Management
The concept of personal knowledge management emerged towards the end of the 1990s, emphasizing the role of the individual in knowledge creation and sharing
Knowledge Management in the Contemporary Digital Context
Impact of the Digital Era on Knowledge Management
The digital era has introduced new dimensions to Knowledge Management, with the proliferation of data and rapid technological advancements posing both opportunities and challenges
Globalization and Knowledge Management
In the context of global supply chains and the fourth industrial revolution, Knowledge Management has become essential for managing knowledge flows across borders and between entities
Advanced Knowledge Management Strategies
The exponential increase in the volume and velocity of knowledge exchange in the digital era has led organizations to adopt advanced Knowledge Management strategies to manage knowledge effectively within and across organizational boundaries
Academic Research and Theoretical Frameworks in Knowledge Management
Pioneers in Knowledge Management
Scholars like the first Chief Knowledge Officer at Skandia paved the way for the management of intangible assets in Knowledge Management
Theoretical Perspectives in Knowledge Management
Techno-centric Perspective
The techno-centric perspective emphasizes the role of technology in knowledge dissemination in Knowledge Management
Ecological Perspective
The ecological perspective views Knowledge Management through the prism of complex adaptive systems, considering the interplay of people, processes, and technology
Models and Frameworks in Knowledge Management
Various models and frameworks have been developed to guide Knowledge Management practices, taking into account the interplay of people, processes, and technology
Implementing Knowledge Management: Strategies and Instruments
Knowledge Management Strategies
Codification
Codification involves documenting explicit knowledge in Knowledge Management
Personalization
Personalization focuses on the sharing of tacit knowledge through direct interaction in Knowledge Management
Tools for Knowledge Management
Knowledge Repositories
Knowledge repositories are used in Knowledge Management to store and organize knowledge
Communities of Practice
Communities of practice are used in Knowledge Management to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among individuals with similar interests or expertise
Collaborative Technologies and eLearning Systems
Collaborative technologies and eLearning systems are used in Knowledge Management to facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among individuals and teams
Selection of Knowledge Management Strategies
The selection of a Knowledge Management strategy is influenced by the nature of the knowledge and the specific objectives of the KM program
Foundations of Knowledge Management
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00
______ Management is a strategy that emphasizes on gathering, preserving, sharing, and using knowledge to boost ______ and ______.
Knowledge
performance
innovation
01
Originating in the early ______, KM became a separate scholarly field, combining elements from ______, ______ systems, and ______ sciences.
1990s
business administration
information
library
02
In the context of ______ management, KM is essential for utilizing knowledge as a key ______ asset.
strategic
strategic
