There are a myriad of books that have been published on knowledge management. However, very few of these books give the practical know-how of what truly is needed in the information professional/manager's mind: · How to make the decision whether knowledge management is right for you · How to explain the pros and cons of the various knowledge management alternatives/solutions · How to determine which knowledge management solution, if any, is the best fit with your organizational culture · How to explain the way to show the expected value-added benefits of using knowledge management · How to discuss lessons learned in applying knowledge management (i.e. how others have utilized KM techniques for enhanced decision making) This book is an applied and concise guide, based on the author's many years of experience, addressing these areas. Tools developed by the author (e.g., knowledge audit instruments, knowledge access and sharing surveys, techniques for determining knowledge management success, etc.) are included.

This influential book establishes the enduring vocabulary and concepts in the burgeoning field of knowledge management. It serves as the hands-on resource of choice for companies that recognize knowledge as the only sustainable source of competitive advantage going forward. Drawing from their work with more than thirty knowledge-rich firms, Davenport and Prusak--experienced consultants with a track record of success--examine how all types of companies can effectively understand, analyze, measure, and manage their intellectual assets, turning corporate wisdom into market value. They categorize knowledge work into four sequential activities--accessing, generating, embedding, and transferring--and look at the key skills, techniques, and processes of each. While they present a practical approach to cataloging and storing knowledge so that employees can easily leverage it throughout the firm, the authors caution readers on the limits of communications and information technology in managing intellectual capital.

Successes and Failures of Knowledge Management highlights examples from across multiple industries, demonstrating where the practice has been implemented well—and not so well—so others can learn from these cases during their knowledge management journey. Knowledge management deals with how best to leverage knowledge both internally and externally in organizations to improve decision-making and facilitate knowledge capture and sharing. It is a critical part of an organization's fabric, and can be used to increase innovation, improve organizational internal and external effectiveness, build the institutional memory, and enhance organizational agility. Starting by establishing KM processes, measures, and metrics, the book highlights ways to be successful in knowledge management institutionalization through learning from sample mistakes and successes. Whether an organization is already implementing KM or has been reluctant to do so, the ideas presented will stimulate the application of knowledge management as part of a human capital strategy in any organization. - Provides keen insights for knowledge management practitioners and educators - Conveys KM lessons learned through both successes and failures - Includes straightforward, jargon-free case studies and research developed by the leading KM researchers and practitioners across industries

While companies search the world over to benchmark best practices, vast treasure troves of knowledge and know-how remain hidden right under their noses: in the minds of their own employees, in the often unique structure of their operations, and in the written history of their organizations. Now, acclaimed productivity and quality experts Carla O'Dell and Jack Grayson explain for the first time how applying the ideas of Knowledge Management can help employers identify their own internal best practices and share this intellectual capital throughout their organizations. Knowledge Management (KM) is a conscious strategy of getting the right information to the right people at the right time so they can take action and create value. Basing KM on three major studies of best practices at one hundred companies, the authors demonstrate how managers can utilize a visual process model to actually transfer best practices from one business unit of the organization to another. Rich with case studies, concrete examples, and revealing anecdotes from companies including Texas Instruments, Amoco, Buckman, Chevron, Sequent Computer, the World Bank, and USAA, this valuable guide reveals how knowledge treasure chests can be unlocked to reduce product development cycle time, implement more cost-efficient operations, or create a loyal customer base. Finally, O'Dell and Grayson present three "value propositions" built around customers, products, and operations that could result in staggering payoffs as they did at the companies cited above. No amount of knowledge or insight can keep a company ahead if it is not properly distributed where it's needed. Entirely accessible and immensely readable, If Only We Knew What We Know is a much-needed companion for business leaders everywhere.

Discusses management models and concepts, strategies for sharing knowledge, and ways to implement the concept within a company.

Social network analysis (SNA) is a technique that is used to determine knowledge flows and gaps in mapping social networks for various knowledge types. Social Networking: The Essence of Innovation discusses how social networking and SNA can influence innovation in an organization through the presentation of a broad range of concepts, examples, and case studies. The book's initial chapters deal with developing personal knowledge networks, linking social networking to innovation and strategic intelligence, and exploring synergies among knowledge management, business intelligence, and competitive intelligence. The introduction, an overview of social network analysis, is followed by case studies and an exploration of applications, including knowledge mapping and the analysis of organizations. Software systems devoted to these areas are described, citing results achieved, and a final chapter takes a look at future prospects, making this an essential tool for managers, executives, business analysts, educators, and strategic planners.

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There is a critical point of failure for every knowledge management effort: when the strategy is isolated from the organization, and when there is no vision anchoring the strategy. This book guides professionals in learning to create a foundation for 21st century knowledge organizations.