We are now in the 'third wave' of Knowledge Management - the first was focused on the potential of new technology, while the second focused on the nature of knowledge and how people 'know' and learn. The focus in the third phase is two-fold: building individual and team productivity, and proper alignment of Knowledge Management efforts in helping deliver on strategic goals of the organization.

    Knowledge Management- a Blueprint for Delivery explores and builds on current ideas about the dynamics of knowledge in organizations, answering such questions as: 'What is knowledge management?' and 'What does it mean for today's companies and organizations?'

    Written by two leading knowledge management practitioners, this book looks beyond academic theory and software company hype to focus on the roles that knowledge and information play in creating high-performance organizations.

    Built on their extensive experience of Knowledge Management programme design and delivery, Knowledge Management- a Blueprint for Delivery:

  • contains a comprehensive survey of the whole area of Knowledge Management, from theory and strategy creation through to techniques, tools, and delivery of change
  • provides an insight into developing and managing Knowledge Management initiatives
  • bridges the gap between theoretical, strategic, and practical hands-on perspectives

  • Foreword; Acknowledgements; 1 Introduction- Understanding KM; 1.1 Making sense of knowledge...and how you manage it; 1.2 Why is it so important?; 1.3 Understanding types of knowledge; 1.4 To mobilize or manage?; 1.5 So many influences; 1.6 Introduction to the framework-where do we start?;1.7 Understanding the framework for action; 2 New challenges, new vision; 2.1 Stage 1: understanding pressures to change; 2.2 Stage 2: define the organization's response; 3 From strategy to action; 3.1 Stage 2 (cont.): define the organization's response; 3.2 Business case template; 3.3 Moving into action; 4 Designing the new reality; 4.1 Stage 3, part 1: leadership, people and process; 4.2 Stage 3, part 2: technology and information; 5 Making it all happen; 5.1 Stage 4: implement the new reality; 5.2 From pilot to programme; 5.3 Programme design, additional considerations; 6 Reaping the rewards; 6.1 Stage 5: Never rest- realize the benefits; 6.2 Managing risk; 6.3 Becoming a learning organization; 7 Epilogue: Lessons from the journey; 7.1 The five-stage KM delivery network; 7.2 Five golden rules; 7.3 Looking to the future: mobilizing knowledge in a changing world; Appendix 1 Issue identification; Appendix 2 Knowledge role audit; Appendix 3 Knowledge process audit; Appendix 4 Resistance to change

    Biography

    Tom Knight, Trevor Howepson

    "The authors have succeeded in creating an impressively well-structured, comprehensive exploration of the field of knowledge management. Each topic is examined with a common-sense approach, and the book never loses sight of the issues that really matter to organizations. Knowledge Management - a blueprint for delivery promises to be of enormous value to anyone interested in KM."

    Simon Lelic, Editor, Knowledge Management magazine

    "This is a 'must read' book for any manager in any industry today. . The approach to implementing KM and building a learning organization outlined by the authors is underpinned by major concepts that cannot be ignored by businesses that want to survive and thrive in the 21st century."

    Prof Brian Lehaney, School of Mathematical and Information Sciences, Coventry University

    "Today's economic and business environment is driving organizations to re-think notions of resources (to include intangible assets, tacit knowledge and individual and group contributions) and of capabilities (to include knowledge creation and sharing, cross boundary processes, and learning). Organizations now require a coherent and holistic strategy for knowledge, within which practical initiatives can be supported. This new book is a timely contribution which draws on the experience of the authors in developing such strategies and implementing the results."

    Paul Quintas, Professor of Knowledge Management, The Open University Business School

    "At Futurelab, we spend a lot of time looking ahead. But how can organizations best prepare for a speeded-up, broadband future? Integrating knowledge and learning is increasingly the most important core capability of successful companies - to successfully face the future, we need to learn to make the best of what information, knowledge and tools we have available now. This book is the primer we all need - full of practical and specific advice, grounded in experience."

    Martin Freeth, Chief Executive NESTA Futurelab