KM

Knowledge Management (KM):

• KM Is a multi-faceted discipline that focuses on the creation, capture, storage, sharing, and effective utilization of knowledge within an organization. It encompasses a wide range of processes, tools, and techniques aimed at harnessing the collective wisdom of individuals and ensuring that everyone has access to the information they need to perform their jobs effectively and contribute to organizational goals.

• KM processes are systematic and structured activities used to acquire, store, distribute, and apply knowledge within an organization. These processes aim to capture and transform individual and collective knowledge into valuable assets that can be easily shared and utilized by employees. -- By implementing these knowledge management processes, organizations can effectively capture, leverage, and utilize their intellectual assets, leading to improved performance, innovation, and competitiveness.

Key Aspects of the KM Process: (7)

1. Knowledge Creation: This process involves identifying, generating, and capturing new knowledge by encouraging innovation and collaboration among employees.

2. Knowledge Capture: The process of capturing tacit and explicit knowledge through various means such as interviews, observations, surveys, and documentation. This helps ensure that valuable knowledge is not lost when employees leave the organization.

3. Knowledge Organization: This process involves classifying, organizing, and structuring knowledge to make it more accessible and understandable. It includes activities such as categorizing information, creating taxonomies, and developing knowledge bases or databases.

4. Knowledge Sharing: The process of facilitating the exchange and dissemination (spreading) of knowledge among employees. This can be done through various methods such as training, workshops, forums, intranet portals, and social collaboration tools.

5. Knowledge Transfer: The process of transferring knowledge from one person or team to another, via activities like mentoring, coaching, job rotation, and communities of practice.

6. Knowledge Application: The process of applying knowledge to solve problems, make decisions, and improve organizational performance. This may involve using knowledge in the development of products, services, or processes, as well as leveraging lessons learned from past experiences.

7. Knowledge Evaluation: The process of assessing the value, relevance, and effectiveness of knowledge management efforts. This can be done through metrics, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Value & Benefits: (5)

1. Improved decision-making: Employees have access to accurate and relevant information to make informed choices.

2. Enhanced collaboration: Knowledge sharing fosters closer connections and enables teams to work more effectively together.

3. Increased productivity: Easy access to relevant information reduces time spent searching for answers and eliminates duplicate efforts.

4. Higher innovation: Shared knowledge inspires creativity and leads to the development of new ideas and solutions.

5. Improved employee engagement: When employees feel they are contributing their knowledge and expertise, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

Common tools and techniques include:

1. Knowledge repositories: These are centralized platforms for storing and accessing documents, reports, and other forms of information. Use a collaborative system (ex: SharePoint).

2. Collaboration tools: Software applications that facilitate communication, information sharing, and project management within teams. Use M365.

3. Communities of practice: Groups of individuals with shared expertise who come together to learn from each other and share best practices. Use MS Teams.

4. Training programs: Investing in skills development empowers employees to effectively capture, share, and utilize knowledge.

KM-Types -- Explicit Knowledge -- Tacit Knowledge.

• Knowledge-types: (2)

  1. Explicit Knowledge:

• The knowledge that is articulated and documented. It can be easily transferred and shared through language, writing, diagrams, or other formalized forms.

• Can be objective or subjective. For example, scientific facts are explicit knowledge and are considered objective, while personal opinions or beliefs are also explicit but subjective.

• Does not necessarily come from direct observation or experimentation. Explicit knowledge can be compiled from various sources, including other forms of knowledge like implicit knowledge, existing data, or theoretical frameworks.

2. Tacit Knowledge:

• Knowledge from experience and NOT documented. Example: Jimi Hendrix's playing style.