Strategic Knowledge Management

Module: – Strategic Knowledge Management

Task:

“Before we measure something, we must ask whether we understand what it is we are trying to measure.” (Gray et al, 2015)

Critically discuss the above statement in relation to effectively developing the strategic knowledge base in YOUR organization.

Details of what is required:

It is an essay-based piece of work and discussion of relevant theory. Note that a critical study aims to provide a balanced analysis of differing perspectives, and points of view, before drawing the argument to a coherent conclusion

Key themes to be addressed are:

1. Knowledge Management/Environment
2. Communities of Practice/Interest
3. The Challenge of Performance Measurement
4. Intellectual Capital and Social Networks

Organizational examples should be used to illustrate the themes covered in the essay.

Note the following:

(1) Utilize academic research using literature from journals, books, etc.

(2) Undertake a critical evaluation making effective use of evidence and sources

(3) Present findings in an appropriate format (Harvard referencing)

Layout details:

(i) Introduction to the assignment describing scope, objectives, methods of investigation etc.

1. Clear structure to the essay providing the course of the analysis
2. The essay should display a coherent introduction; analysis & conclusion

(ii) Discussion of key areas:

1. The four main themes need to be clearly covered in the essay and it is important to develop the links between them
2. Aspects of Knowledge i.e. tacit/explicit need to be clearly explored and discussed in relation to how they can be developed
3. The categories of IC need to be developed and the reasons and challenges of measuring should be examined

1. The potential for Communities of Practice to offer a way of developing knowledge should be discussed, along with the challenges of managing them for organizational benefit
2. The value and challenges of Performance Management need to be developed within the discussion
3. Application of examples where KPIs and other measurement systems have been used to develop performance e.g. Skandia, Essex police

(iii) Application of theory:

1. Clear awareness of the relevant authors in developing the analysis of the main themes e.g. Nonaka; Drucker; Rastogi; Nahapiet & Ghosal; Marr; Wenger & Lave, etc.

(iv) Structured analysis:

1. The essay needs to display a coherent analysis drawing the themes together in order to explore the question in a relevant way
2. The essay is not meant to be separate sections that should be left to the conclusion to link. Weaker essays will fall into this pattern

(v) Creativity of thought:

1. The essay needs to display a clear analysis drawing on the main theory being explored to display the comfort with the ideas being covered
2. Examples from organizations can be effective in illustrating the thought of the analysis