KM Resources: KM Articles
There is no shortage of Knowledge Management material published in technical and business-oriented magazines, in professional journals, and on the Internet. This resource includes a list of selected KM articles, journals and other publications as well as other resources enabling the user to explore the material independently.
Journals
/ Magazines
Online Articles
International
Articles, Papers & Reports
Other Article Sources
Latest Articles: KMWorld's 100 Companies
that Matter in Knowledge Management 2003 |
A note on searching "knowledge management" articles
The topic of knowledge management encompasses a myriad of concepts and applications having to do with the purposeful generation, diffusion, and application of knowledge towards fulfilling an organization's objectives. As such, your journey down the road of discovery may be guided by the following signposts or sub topics found on the "map" of knowledge management.
Further, here is a list of key words to use in searching the Internet for information about Knowledge Management: Chief Knowledge Officer, Corporate Strategy, Customer Capital, Data Mining, Diffusion of IT Practices, Intellectual Capital, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Enterprise, Knowledge Ecology, Knowledge Economy, Knowledge Generation, Knowledge Transfer, Learning Organizational, Organizational Learning, Structural Capital, Trust-Based Organization, Working Knowledge.
Journals / Magazines
Free Publications
The following links are to the Home Pages of free publications that address knowledge management and related sub topics (e.g., database mining, etc.). The most recent articles on the fascinating topic of knowledge management can be found on these pages.
GCN (Computer Government News)
IBM Systems Journal ("Knowledge Management" edition)
TechKnowLogia (International Journal of Technologies for the Advancement of Knowledge and Learning)
Tech Web www.techweb.com
For Fee Publications
The following links are to specific articles and Home Pages of 'for fee' publications that address knowledge management and its related sub topics:
Database members see document titles as links, giving them
immediate access to documents. As a non-member, you can still purchase access
to these best practices at the Best
Practice Database
Journal of
Intellectual Capital - The top academic journal in the field of intellectual
capital.
Journal of Knowedge Management
- The top academic journal in the field of knowledge management.
Knowledge and Information Systems - Knowledge and Information Systems (KAIS) is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal published by Springer-Verlag. It provides an international forum for researchers and professionals to share their knowledge and report new advances on all topics related to knowledge systems and advanced information systems.
Online Articles
Leveraging
Knowledge Management - Various Articles
This is actually a link to CELEMI’s corporate website, and to a page
of links to eight Knowledge Management papers written by CELEMI employees.
Much of the information provided concerns CELEMI itself, rather than the
field of knowledge management. However, the papers concerning measurement
of intangible assets are interesting and offer insight into one of the more
nebulous areas of KM.
Allee, Verna,
"Chevron Maps Key Processes and Transfers Best Practices"
An excellent overview of how Chevron has implemented a successful knowledge
management system. CEO Ken Derr believes that knowledge sharing is "the
single most important" activity at Chevron, and has articulated this feeling
in the company’s corporate objectives. Chevron utilizes Lotus Notes technology
to distribute knowledge throughout the enterprise, to document "best practices,"
and to serve as a corporate yellow pages linking knowledge seekers to people
with the proper expertise.
Allee, Verna,
"Knowledge Networks and Communities of Practice"
This article describes the new logic driving interest in knowledge management
and then focus on how OD practitioners can participate in that strategic
conversation, and support knowledge creation and sharing through building
communities of practice.
Allee,
Verna, "Reconfiguring the Value Network"
Article was published in Journal of Business Strategy, Vol 21, N 4, July-Aug
2000. "The key business question in the knowledge economy is, "How is value
created?" The traditional answer to that question is - "through the value
chain." But value chain thinking is rooted in an industrial age production
line model that gradually has been superceded by the new enterprise model
of the value network or value web. A major strategic challenge today is
reconfiguring a business from value chain organization to the more fluid
structure of the value network." This article is in Microsoft Word format.
Ambrosio,
Johanna, "Knowledge Management Mistakes: Experts reveal five pitfalls to
avoid when starting down the knowledge management path"
Knowledge is power, especially in the Internet age. That's why companies
are trying to figure out precisely what their customers want and how to
get it to them before the competition does. Whatever you call it - collaboration,
decision support, knowledge management or something else - it's the bedrock
that's supporting today's corporate strategies. Knowledge management strategies
have an alarming failure rate. This article believes that this is due primarily
to a reliance on technology. The article discusses the five largest pitfalls
and how to avoid them while implementing knowledge management projects.
Amidon,
Debra M., "The Emerging Community of Knowledge Practice"
Although this article discusses the value of KM across functions within
and organization as well as from inter-organization efforts."
Amidon,
Debra M., "The Momentum of Knowledge Management"
Although this article is several years old, it does provide a solid overview
of how the knowledge management field is expanding. Knowledge sharing is
essential to the organization, and a "middle-up-down" management structure
provides the best foundation for implementing KM initiatives. The KM movement
is "shaking the foundation of how an organization is created, evolves and
matures."
Barkley,
Rebecca O. and Murray, Phillip C., "What is Knowledge Management?"
This article discusses the links between KM, organizational learning, and
the bottom line.
Barth,
Steve, "KM Horror Stories "
This article discusses instances of KM effort failures.
Barron
, Tom, "A Smarter Frankenstein: The Merging of E-Learning and Knowledge
Management"
This is a relatively lengthy article, covering a broad spectrum of KM topics.
The authors begin by attempting to define knowledge and by stressing the
importance of linking knowledge management to corporate strategy. The article
also provides a brief history of knowledge management and discusses various
approaches to knowledge management. This paper covers a lot of ground, and
serves as an excellent KM primer.
Berkman, Eric, "Don't Lose Your Mind: Hill & Knowlton Tackles Knowledge Sharing" This article describes the global public relations company Hill & Knowlton (H&K) attempts at implementing a knowledge-sharing system.
Berreby,
David, "The Hunter-Gatherers of the Knowledge Economy"
This article from Strategy and Business is an extended metaphor, likening
today’s Gen X workers to tribal hunters and gatherers. Berreby maintains
that although the new kids in the workforce may not fit into the mold of
the traditional employees, they best embody and enforce the principles of
knowledge management. Employers should recognize the unique skills and attitudes
of the Gen X’ers, and treat them as valuable human capital.
Buchanan,
Leigh, "The Smartest Little Company in America"
This article describes how Highsmith Inc. uses a unique knowledge-management
tool of extraordinary power to give employees all the information they need.
Bukowitz,
Wendi, Arthur Anderson case study from CIO magazine
CIO magazine offers an in-depth example of how a knowledge company provided
structure to its expansive body of knowledge. "Building a knowledge-sharing
database taught Arthur Anderson a thing or two about implementing changes
that fundamentally shift the way a company does business."
Bukowitz,
Wendi and Williams, Ruth, "The Knowledge Pool"
Authors of The Knowledge Management Fieldbook (Financial Times, 1999), answer
readers' questions on CIO.com about their area of expertise-knowledge management-and
offered tips on implementing KM within geographically dispersed organizations.
Here's what they had to say.
Chan,
Shirley and Ng, Bonnie, "KM and Asian Cultures"
With only a few exceptions such as Nonaka, Takeuchi and Choo, many of the
world's leading KM gurus are from the West.
While it may be inevitable that these western KM gurus and institutions
continue shaping the global KM developments, to what extent do their ideas
challenge Asian cultures? What are the strengths of Asian cultures that
would help Asian organisations to manage knowledge effectively?
Coffee,
Peter, "Finding patterns in knowledge is IT key"
Although this column from PC Week magazine is easily digestible,
there’s not a lot of meaningful information provided. Coffee maintains that
even the most menial jobs require a surprising amount of specialized factual
knowledge, and that computers and information technology will continue to
play an important role in documenting this knowledge and facilitating its
transfer.
Davenport, Thomas,
"Hewlett-Packard Promotes KM Initiatives"
The article highlights HP’s approach to knowledge management initiative
which emphasize awareness-building and the development of common vocabulary
and frameworks through workshops, for example.
Davenport,
Thomas, "KM at Microsoft, 1997"
This article highlights Microsoft’s emphasis on Human Resource capabilities.
It describes how Microsoft systematically acquires and develops the best
possible knowledge workers for their given positions. The article describes
Microsoft’s Project Skill Planning "und" Development program called SPUD
for short. The program focuses on human resource development, definitions,
ratings, and linkages.
Davenport,
Thomas, "KM at Hewlett-Packard, Early 1996"
This article discusses the steps that can be taken to advance the state
of knowledge management in a decentralized company, like HP. Beyond HP’s
knowledge management workshops, the article chronicles HP other approaches
which emphasize awareness-building and the development of common vocabulary.
Davenport,
Thomas, "The Last Big Thing"
This article discusses the steps that can be taken to advance the state
of knowledge management in a decentralized company, like HP. Beyond HP’s
knowledge management workshops, the article chronicles HP other approaches
which emphasize awareness-building and the development of common vocabulary.
Davenport,
Thomas, "Making the Most of an Information-Rich Environment"
This well-respected knowledge management author argues that the hype behind
knowledge management may wax and wane, but the numerous examples business
transformations under way are true indications of the long-term value of
knowledge and its management.
Deckmyn,
Dominique, " Finding Ways to Gauge Knowledge: Pressure from the top leads
to ROI tracking"
Return on investment (ROI) is a growing discussion topic when it comes to
knowledge management. It has been notoriously difficult to prove for knowledge
management projects. But under pressure from management to deliver tangible
results, some companies are finding ways to measure the impact of their
knowledge management initiatives. This trend can only help as knowledge
management initiatives as the effect of KM projects becomes translated into
shareholder value.
Deckmyn,
Dominique "Human Interaction Key to Knowledge-Knowledge management often
fails without live communities of interest"
Since the concept of knowledge management emerged in the early '90s, many
ambitious knowledge management projects have failed. Users and analysts
now say an overemphasis on technology has often been to blame. The secret
of success may be to promote human interaction, not technological interfacing.
This article stresses that focusing on the employee and their knowledge
is better than setting up a knowledge sharing software package and expecting
productivity to increase.
Delio, Michelle,
"Proving We're Productive: After years of talk about technology improving
the productivity of knowledge workers, recent evidence suggests that it's
true."
"Technology increases productivity" is the digital revolution's rallying
cry. Networks of smart devices, enthusiasts argue, combine with a knowledge-driven
corporate culture to turbocharge the "new economy"--an age of wealth and
opportunity for enterprises that can effectively harness knowledge and empower
their knowledge workers.
Dempsey, Michael,
"UNIQEMA: Global diversity makes CKO role vital"
Based on an interview of Uniqema CKO, Richard Miller, this articles elaborates
on the role of the CKO and implementation of a KM infrastucture for Uniqema.
Uniqema is the specialty chemicals arm of the Imperial Chemical Industries
empire.
Denning,
Stephen: "Using Stories to Spark Organizational Change"
This article elaborates on the impact of storytelling in knowledge sharing
within an organization.
Dryer, Greg,
"KM Crosses The Chasm: IDC State of the Market Survey"
With the Y2K crisis behind us, many companies are ready to address the issue
of how to manage and leverage their intellectual capital. The results of
an extensive new study, conducted by International Data Corp. and sponsored
by Knowledge Management Magazine, demonstrate that corporate interest in
knowledge management has reached a new level.
Elliott, Christopher,
"Buckman Laboratories: In The Know"
Buckman Laboratories Inc. brews specialty chemicals so potent even the most
hardened IT manager could get a little queasy. But along with the 4,000-gallon
stainless steel vessels, heating pipes and control panels used to concoct
these and 400 other exotic compounds at its corporate headquarters in Memphis,
Tenn., you'll find one of the most innovative knowledge management programs
in the manufacturing business.
Fisher, Andrew,
"VENTANA: Help at hand for those who recoil from meetings"
This brief article elucidates how the use of technology can help to ensure
that the accumulated knowledge of those attending meetings is channeled
swiftly in the right direction.
Fisher Lawrence M., "How
Elan Grew by Staying Small in an Industry of Mega-mergers, One Company Has
Grown by Taking Smaller Bites and it has Thrived"
This is a brief article on an Irish company called Elan Corporation.
The author does not specifically focus on the achievement of knowledge management
but rather the acquisition of, or alliance with, other companies to increase
knowledge. The pharmaceutical industry is highlighted in this story.
Fitter, Fawn,
"Winning the talent War: In the frenzied market for hiring knowledge workers,
the stakes are high and getting higher."
The overheated U.S. economy has acted on unemployment like a heavy-duty
dryer on a cotton shirt, shrinking it to a historic low of 4 percent. Combine
that with a shortage of post-Baby Boom workers and the increasing value
of knowledge capital, then toss in the impact of the Internet, which has
diminished product life cycles from years to months and hiring cycles from
months to weeks. The result is fierce combat over the one resource no company
can do without: skilled employees. Forrester Research estimates that unemployment
among so-called knowledge workers has fallen to less than 1 percent. No
wonder companies are preparing for a fight.
Fontana,
John, "For Lotus, Next Generation Groupware is Knowledge Management"
This article discusses how IBM's Lotus Development Unit is working on bringing
concept to reality for a new groupware application specifically designed
to target knowledge management. Price Waterhouse is helping Lotus plan its
emerging knowledge management strategy.
Foreman,
Joel, "Distance Learning and Virtual Organization"
According to this author's essay, "distance learning courses" is synonymous
with "virtual learning organizations. The author takes these terms, provides
a historical perspective and definition, and then proceeds to out line his
experience in trying to construct and implement a virtual learning organization.
Forteza,
Jorge H., and Neilson, Gary L., "Multinationals in the Next Decade: Blueprint,
Flow and Soul"
This article discusses a new organizational model showing how multinational
corporations can successfully manage its resources in the year 2000 and
beyond. "Think global, sell local" has replaced the "Think global, act local"
motto this restructuring idea and emphasis is clearly placed on thoughtful
creation of company objectives.
Frappaolo,
Carl & Wilson,Larry Todd, "After the Gold Rush: Harvesting Corporate
Knowledge Resources"
This article investigates so-called tacit knowledge resources to
determine whether that knowledge could be codified if it were subjected
to some type of mining and translation process. Then, it looks at how organizations
might undertake such an investigation and introduces one such mining process
known as knowledge harvesting.
Friedman,
Mark H. "Barrier Bashing: Successful knowledge management initiatives rely
heavily on a balance between people and technology"
The purpose of this article is to separate the hype from the real value
by debunking some of the common mythology surrounding KM and providing some
perspective on how to solve knowledge-based problems.
Frizzell,
Virgil, "Critical Components of KM"
Article focusing on why collaboration and communities of practice are essential
ingredients of successful Knowledge Management programs.
Fryer, Bronwyn, "Get Smart" This article discusses the basics of KM.
Gottschalk,
Petter, "Use of IT for Knowledge Management in Law Firms"
This article focuses on KM in Law firms. To examine knowledge management
in Norwegian law firms, the study that involved two phases of data collection
and analysis was designed. The first phase was a field study of the largest
law firm in Norway. The semi-structured interviews conducted in the initial
field study documented a strong belief in the potential benefits from knowledge
management. The second phase was a survey of Norwegian law firms.
Gundry, John
and Metes, George, "Team Knowledge Management: A Computer-Mediated Approach"
This white paper presents a comprehensive discussion of the need for knowledge
management, operational characteristics, the challenges of team knowledge
management, managing team knowledge through computer conferencing, and team
knowledge management and working by wire. It emphasizes the increasing use
of electronic group collaboration tools to support team work.
Hammer,
Michael, "Value Behind The Bluster -- The One Thing Outdated About Knowledge
Management Is The Hype."
The author looks beyond knowledge management as a business fad and
explores the real business value and business payoffs of effective knowledge
management. He examines the new frontier of the revenue generating part
of the business and its processes: product development, order acquisition,
etc.
Hilderbrand,
Carol: "Does KM=IT?"
This article discusses the close association between technology and knowledge
management and some of the myths surrounding it. The author suggests that
KM is in danger of being perceived as so seamlessly entwined with technology
that its true critical success factors may be lost.
Hilderbrand,
Carol, "Knowledge Fusion"
This article is a case study on how the Tennessee Valley Authority's nuclear
division saved time and money by integrating machine-maintenance knowledge
and workflow processes. It is an excellent study on how knowledge management
can not only save the firm money, but also produce a positive ROI.
Hilderbrand,
Carol, "United Technologies"
This article illustrates some difficult issues in the second wave of knowledge
management. UTC has the distinct challenge of having begun some of the early
stages of knowledge management in the late '70s.
King,
L. Wendy, "Portal, Experts, Team: A Law Firm Creates Extranet 2000"
This article asles the question and answers: How does a law firm not only
maintain and share the tacit knowledge within the firm but also, make their
knowledge readily available to the clients?
LaPorte,
Bruno, "Knowledge is Currency at the World Bank. How collaboration
and knowledge sharing fight world poverty"
Bruno LaPorte gives an overview of the World Bank’s KM efforts to-date
and highlights the ways communities have aided in the systematic redistribution
of the kind of knowledge that fights poverty and corruption.
Lelic,
Simon, "Your Say: KM in research and development"
The core role of the research-and-development function in the modern
organisation suggests an affinity with the principles and practices that
relate to knowledge management, yet thus far KM seems to have made only
limited inroads into the R&D community. Simon Lelic talks to representatives
from Arup, Convera, Entovation, Pfizer and Unilever and explores how KM
can add value to the R&D function.
Linder,
Jane and Phelps, Drew: "Call to Action"
It's not news that CIO's today are struggling to keep up with the speed
and complexity of business. Like everyone else in an organization, IT professionals
are aiming to pick up their pace and their reach. But while many companies
are addressing the escalating demand for information by creating larger
"storage bins" and making sure they can pull more information through their
expansive networks, others have begun to realize that it's just not going
to be that easy.
Malhotra,
Yogesh: "Knowledge Management for E-Business Performance: Advancing Information
Strategy to ‘Internet Time’"
The focus of discussion is on e-business enterprises as most observations
are already evident in such organizations. However, most of the arguments,
observations and conclusions are relevant to executives interested in information
strategy and business transformation for the twenty first century.
Malhotra, Yogesh:
"Why Knowledge Management Systems Fail?"
Enablers and Constraints of Knowledge Management in
Human Enterprises, by Dr.Yogesh Malhotra, Brint Institute
Why knowledge management systems (KMS) fail and how risk of such failures
may be minimized.
Manasco, Britton,
"Dow Chemical Capitalizes on Intellectual Assets"
This article summarizes how Dow Chemical turned its portfolio of 29,000
unproductive patents into a potent and profitable form of intellectual capital.
Manasco,
Britton, "Steelcase Designs the Intelligent Workspace"
While many companies pursue development of corporate knowledge by large
investments in information technology, office furniture designer Steelcase,
Inc. has developed a "knowledge channel" concept to facilitate the creation
of knowledge.
Manasco, Britton,
"Sun's Knowledge Network Enhances Its Selling Skills"
Sun Microsystems, Inc. recognized the need to keep its sales force on an
equal footing with its competition. Rather than incur the high cost of centralized
sales training, the company developed an intranet-based solution.
Manchester,
Philip: "An essential ingredient of success"
"Market pressures and the changing business environment mean that every
organization must exploit its knowledge assets to the full. Some 95 per
cent of chief executives believe knowledge management is vital." Information
technology is a key enabler of knowledge management but "in practice, knowledge
management requires a combination of many disciplines, from human resources
and personnel development to corporate re-engineering and IT."
McDonald, Margaret
and Shand, Dawne, "Request for Proposal Part 1:A Guide to KM Professional
Services"
Many professional services firms today claim to be experts in knowledge
management, so selecting the right one to help design and implement your
KM project can itself be a challenging exercise. Because companies typically
spend far more on consulting and system integration services than on hardware
and software, the choice of services partner may mean the difference between
a project's success and failure.
Microsoft
and ServiceWare Combine Knowledge Bases to Improve Technical Support For
Customers
Microsoft and ServiceWare engaged in a unique "knowledge exchange" program
to provide customers of Microsoft products with increased the technical
information and problem solving techniques.
Moore,
John, "Knowledge Management 101"
To present the basic idea of an organization’s knowledge assets, this
article aimed to illuminate the straight forward of knowledge management.
It made an organization’s knowledge stores more accessible and useful.
Moran, Nuala:
"Knowledge is the key, whatever your sector"
This article discusses the need for knowledge management in all companies
looking to move ahead in the future marketplace. "What is new about attitudes
to knowledge today is the recognition of the need to harness, manage and
use it like any other asset. This raises issues not only of appropriate
processes and systems, but also of how to account for knowledge in the balance
sheet."
Nevins,
Mark David, and Stumpf, Stephen A., "21st-Centure Leadership: Redefining
Management Education"
The successful managers and leaders of next century will be characterized
not by how they can access information, but by how they can access the most
relevant information. Let’s see this article. It is a big challenge for
business leaders of the next century that will revolve how global business
practices.
Newing, Rod,
"BP AMOCO: 'Shared learning' from the US Army"
BP Amoco took a leaf out of the US Army's book to establish a "shared
learning" initiative.
"100 Companies That
Matter", KM World
This site lists the one hundred companies, in KM World's opinion, that are
best using knowledge management to manage the thinking assets of their enterprises.
The majority of the firms listed sell knowledge management internally as
well as leveraging knowledge internally to produce value for the firm and
its shareholders.
Powell,
Tim, "Disinformation about Knowledge Management"
This article lists ten of the most widely held and persistent myths about
organizational knowledge.
Radosevich,
Lynda, "Smells Like Team Spirit"
To hasten the merger and grab a competitive market position, enterprise
resource planning system, Oracle Application software, can resolve to build
an integrated business. In addition, much more interests for an eight-step
process for achieving a blended workforce.
Rosenberg,
Mark: "Reinventing Training-To succeed in the new economy, companies must
get knowledge into the hands of workers when and where they need it."
This article explores the explosive growth of on-line learning in corporations.
The article makes the case for knowledge management as an important enabler
of effective web based learning. Knowledge management can create a positive
climate that makes the learning process more effective and more comfortable
for all. Knowledge management fosters the growth of knowledge communities,
learning communities or communities of practice.
Ruggles,
Rudy: "The Role of Stories in Knowledge Management"
This article argues that while a certain amount of knowledge can be reflected
as information, stories hold the key to unlocking the vital knowledge which
remains beyond the reach of easily codified information.
Rutherford,
Emelie, "End Game"
This article is a conversation with David Weinberger, coauthor of the Cluetrain
Manifesto. He discusses the death of corporate life, as we know it as employees
form intranet/internet based work groups and get closer to the customer
and his/her problems via the Internet.
Schultz,
Andrew E. "Knowledge and the Independent Contractor: How to protect your
company when workers aren't employees"
An increasing number of companies see a more flexible workforce as a way
to operate more efficiently, to protect themselves against layoffs in an
economic recession and to respond more effectively to moves by their competition.
Accordingly, in many companies there's increasing pressure on senior management
to limit the number of full-time employees. This is particularly true of
public companies; Wall Street generally sees a low employee head count as
a favorable sign. This trend is an important one in which managers must
balance this need against the loss of knowledge and the complexity of managing
independent contractors.
Sherman, Lee,
"A Matter of Connections: More than an infrastructure supplier, Cisco makes
market dominance a product of knowledge."
Search on "knowledge management" on Cisco Systems' customer portal, the
Cisco Connection Online (CCO) Web site, and you won't find much: a fact
sheet, some marketing materials for small businesses and a smattering of
other documents. But Cisco is an object lesson on how well a company can
use knowledge management to reshape its culture and processes without resorting
to KM rhetoric.
Silverstone,
Stuart: "An Anthropologist at Work-A conversation with knowledge management
pioneer Brook Manville"
This is an interview with Brook Manville, the former CIO of McKinsey &
Co., a leading global management-consulting firm. He helped to design McKinsey's
original knowledge management program. He is now the chief learning officer
and chief customer evangelist at Saba Software; an e-learning company that
provides business-to-business learning networks. The wide-ranging interview
discusses knowledge management, its future direction, and also focuses on
employee development.
Strassmann,
Paul, "Prices, Finances and Knowledge Capital: The effects of knowledge
capital on profitability aren't as simple as they may seem."
An article in Fortune this spring ("We're Worth Our Weight in Pentium Chips,"
March 20, 2000) used the measure of cost per pound as a way to show that
"manufactured goods increasingly are congealed brainpower"--in effect, it
tried to explain the worth of knowledge capital embodied in various products.
Such approximations may be useful in explaining the value of so-called "intangible"
goods. They also may begin to demonstrate that the value of knowledge can
reveal itself only in the form of the price someone is willing to pay for
it.
Stepanek,
Marcia, "Using the Net for Brainstorming Smart companies are exploiting
cyberspace to spark innovation"
This article discusses the rise in knowledge markets within companies. The
notion is that large companies can harness the Web with small entrepreneurial
teams to drive innovation at a rate they've never before experienced. It
has some excellent examples of the positive effect of this strategy in large
companies. It also stresses the other positive impacts of knowledge markets
such as the decentralization of decisions and the lessening of the bureaucracy
that ensues.
Stuart,
Anne, "5 Uneasy Pieces, Part 2, Knowledge Management"
Take a look! The reasons were why many managers would be hard pressed to
explain, precisely and concisely and what this evolving business trend means.
This is a descriptive article that sheds light on what knowledge management
is and is not. It explains how knowledge management is designed to work
in an organization, what knowledge management promises, and what its pitfalls
are.
Sutton,
Robert, "Knowledge management is not an oxymoron"
This article discusses the pitfalls of knowledge management in a firm and
the common mistakes its designers make. It also discusses the conditions
needed to make knowledge management initiatives successful for a firm.
Weaver
Smith, Barbara, "Knowledge Management and the Social Sector" and "Donor Relations: Nonprofit KM
Strategy"
Barbara Weaver Smith is the President of Smith Weaver Smith, Inc., a
knowledge management consulting firm providing services to the private sector,
non-profit sector, education sector. She focuses on virtual conversations
and work groups, and supporting Internet-based collaborations. These two
short articles highlight some KM principals for the nonprofit sector.
Wiig, Karl M.,
"On The Management of Knowledge"
This article approaches the management of knowledge on two levels: knowledge
assets and knowledge related processes. The author emphasizes that knowledge
must be managed from three perspectives: business perspective, management
perspective, and hands-on operational perspective.
Young,
Debbie "An Audit Trail"
This article focuses on the success of Mitre Corp's intranet that was developed
to harness the firm's knowledge capital through sharing and collaboration.
To date Mitre Corp. has invested 7.2 million in the system, netting an ROI
of $62.1 million.
International Articles, Papers & Reports
Ball,
Alison, "A Survey of Collaborative Internet Technologies" Produced
for IDRC program staff by the Unganisha Project, June 1998.
This document provides a comprehensive survey of technologies that facilitate
networking and collaborative work. It takes into account the lack of widespread
availability of many technologies in developing countries. It provides a
lot of very useful advice on the appropriate use of Internet technologies
for various purposes in developing country contexts.
Beguin, Jean-Pierre
and Julio A. Estrada, "IDB Knowledge Exchange Network" April 1999.
This is a proposal for the establishment of a Knowledge Exchange Network
(KEN) in the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The document highlights
the basic concepts behind the KEN, provides a menu of options for possible
components of the KEN, identifies current IDB experiments with knowledge
exchange, provides an overview of other organizations' initiatives related
to knowledge management, and talks about formalizing knowledge exchange
in the IDB, organizational impact, estimated costs, etc.. and proposes an
action plan.
DSE (German Cooperation
Agency), "Knowledge - The Shift in Paradigm" Forum for the Future,
Summary Report, Berlin, 20-22 October 1998.
This document provides details of the proceedings of a Round Table on the
role of knowledge in development as a follow up to the World Bank's 1998/9
World Development Report on Knowledge for Development.
Hunt, Patrik (ed), "Knowledge
Management: Implications and Applications for Development Organizations"
Report of a workshop co-organized by the Bellanet International Secretariat,
the Benton Foundation, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA),
and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Benton Foundation,
Washington, D.C. February 2-4, 2000. Bringing together members of the international
development community involved in or interested in developing their own
knowledge management initiatives and knowledge management professionals
from the business and private sectors, this workshop was a first of its
kind. The document can be accessed at http://www.bellanet.org/km where you'll
find more about KM initiatives in the international development community.
Nath,
Vikas, "Heralding ICT-enabled Knowledge Societies: Way forward for the Developing
Countries" (Sustainable Development Networking Programme, India,
no date: probably Feb./March 2000).
This article builds on another article by the same author entitled "Knowledge
Networking for Sustainable Development," and discusses the concepts of "knowledge
sharing", the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs),
barriers to knowledge societies and some policy implications for public
and private sector participation. Some of the barriers to knowledge societies
that are mentioned include developing countries' inability to recognize
the knowledge they possess and use it for their own advantage; lack of access
to technology, the lack of content development in and for developing countries;
the lack of skills; and language barriers.
Nath,
Vikas, "Knowledge Networking for Sustainable Development" (Sustainable
Development Networking Programme, India).
Vikas Nath is a program officer for the Sustainable Development Networking
Program (SDNP) in India. SDNP is a UNDP-supported initiative to kick-start
networking in developing countries and help people share information, knowledge
and expertise relevant to sustainable development to better their lives.
The author discusses the role of information and knowledge in the development
process, the concepts of knowledge-based networking and the role of ICTs
in facilitating knowledge-based networking for sustainable development.
He stresses the role of intermediary organizations in providing a platform
(a voice) for people to voice their concerns and needs, in managing the
growing body of knowledge about development, and in building capacities
of local communities to transform information and knowledge into tools of
empowerment and equitable development.
Finally, he provides information about the SNDP in India which has developed
a portal website with extensive information, a news service (Building Bridges
Service), a Query Desk Service (QDS), an Event Reporting Service (ERs),
Dev-Online (allows individuals and organizations to put research papers
and other relevant documents on the SDNP website), Web-Space for other organizations,
and training on ICTs.
Potvin,
Joseph & Michel Menou, "GK-LEAP Conceptual Framework" - The Global Knowledge
Learning and Evaluation Action Program (GK-LEAP): Toward a Conceptual Framework
for Learning about ICTs and Knowledge in the Process of Development
March 7, 2000.
This is a proposal for a new strategic initiative of the Global Knowledge
Partnership (GKP), which will provide a context for GKP partners to coordinate
their monitoring, evaluation and learning efforts in the area of ICTs and
knowledge for development.
Richardson,
Don & Scott McConnell, "Electronic Networking for Rural Asia-Pacific
(ENRAP): A Participatory Approach to Developing Local Applications"
ENRAP (Electronic Networking for Rural Asia-Pacific Projects) is an initiative
to support Internet use and knowledge sharing amongst rural development
projects in the Asia-Pacific region. In a sense, it is an example of efforts
to facilitate knowledge sharing between developing countries. It uses a
participatory approach, involving local stakeholders at all stages in the
process of developing locally relevant ICT applications for knowledge networking.
The process involves mapping exercises, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threat) exercises and regional workshops. MSWord Document.
Saywell, Darren,
"Electronic Conferencing and On-Line Dialogue for Development Purposes"
Contribution to the Global Knowledge Network Conference, Bonn, December
1999.
This short article provides a review of the advantages and disadvantages
of e-conferencing for development purposes, some lessons learned, and some
guidance for future efforts. A key issue is to find ways to increase the
participation of the 'end-users' or beneficiaries of development programs
and to give them a voice through e-conferencing. The World Bank's paper,
"What is Knowledge Management?" makes a reference to the need for information
and knowledge flows not only from the North to the South (i.e., developed
countries to developing countries) but also from the South to the North
and among developing countries. MSWord Document.
Stiglitz, Joseph,
"Scan Globally, Reinvent Locally: Knowledge Infrastructure and the Localization
of Knowledge" Keynote Address, First Global Development Network Conference,
December 1999, Bonn, Germany.
In this keynote address, Stiglitz, the World Bank's (then) Chief Economist,
talks about the role of knowledge in development and the specific characteristics
of knowledge. In particular, he analyzes knowledge along two dimensions:
general vs. local knowledge; and explicit vs. implicit knowledge. He argues
that the World Bank can play a significant role in "scanning" globally for
good practices, and as "knowledge broker" in facilitating learning by developing
countries facing certain problems. Finally, he emphasizes the need for active
social learning and the role of knowledge institutes and policy makers in
developing countries in playing an active role in reappropriating and adapting
knowledge for development. PDF Document.
Stiglitz,
Joseph, "Public Policy for a Knowledge Economy" Remarks at the Department
of Trade and Industry and Center for Economic Policy Research, London, January
27, 1999.
In these remarks, Stiglitz, (Chief Economist, World Bank) talks about
knowledge as a public good, about the characteristics of the knowledge economy
and the requirements in terms of public policy for such a knowledge economy.
"Summary
of Findings - Pacific Island Knowledge Assessment" Prepared by SMEC
Int'l/Carl Bro a/s for the Knowledge Assessment Internet Conference.
The implementation of (a modified version of) the US National Research Council's
National knowledge assessment model in the Islands of Fiji, W. Samoa and
Tonga. See also the archives of the discussion list as well as a bibliography
on the same topic at http://www.vita.org/technet/kaarch.
US
National Research Council (for TechNet), "Prospectus for National Knowledge
Assessment"
This document is a proposal developing the concept of a national knowledge
assessment as a tool for assisting countries to analyze their capabilities
for participating in the knowledge revolution. The proposal was developed
by the US National Research Council for TechNet. TechNet is a department
of the World Bank dealing with the role of technology in development.
Other Article Sources
The portals listed below offer free news letters on Knowledge Management: Free newsletters:
http://knowledgeshop.com/ - The Internet's Intellectual Capital "store"
http://www.inc.com/ - Focused
on providing small business information, web tools and services
WWW Virtual Libraries on Knowledge Management:
http://www.brint.com/papers/ - A collection of Knowledge Management and Intellectual Capital white papers, presentations and interviews from many global sources.
Other searchable databases or websites:
http://www.insead.fr/CALT/Encyclopedia/ComputerSciences/Groupware/Workflow/ - A portal Web site developed and maintained by the European management institute.
http://knowinc.com/ - A summary of resources, such as white papers and online tutorials about Knowledge Management and associated topics.
http://www.brint.com/IntellP.htm (Intellectual Property: Copyrights, Trademarks & Patents)
http://www.km.org/
Society of Knowledge Management scientists, practitioners, and managers
formed for the purpose of creating Knowledge Management standards.
This section of the site was last updated on February 22, 2003.