Knowledge management
Knowledge management refers to the mechanism by which an organization utilizes values from their intellectual as well as their knowledge based resources. It is worth noting that despite the fact knowledge is addressed by information technology, it can be well put that information technology is not a knowledge management by itself but rather a means.
Therefore the importance of knowledge covers almost all aspects of life and so the management of knowledge must be well addressed to ensure the basic objectives expected are attainable. In regards to the aspect of its utilization, three main perspectives come in play. These are: business perspective which addresses to what extend an organization makes use of knowledge in business strategies and operations such as provision of services and products, and investments. A second view would be from a management perspective; here focus is centered on directing, monitoring and organization of knowledge to meet the business agenda. Also hands on practical perspective. This would entail the application of skills and expertise to conduct intensive knowledge-related tasks.
Having these three potential perspectives in mind, it falls upon an organization to therefore ensure the creation of a discipline as well as formulate a knowledge based profession that best manages knowledge explicitly.
So how does an organization make use of its knowledge assets inform of data and information? In the context of technology in reference to knowledge, data can be said to be the raw facts and figures which that represents unprocessed information. In the real world example measurements and survey facts gathered from a field study would serve no purpose unless it is processed and analyzed in a manner it can be usable in making decision. This conversion of data into a usable form such as reports, graphs or charts is what constitutes information.
Since not all information presents value to an organization, it is up to an organization to determine which knowledge will be of benefit to an organization. For instance taking an example of a real life situation whereby an organization may have in its disposal information such as staff welfare reports, balance sheets, and production blueprints would be better managed and handled as they posses’ great benefits to an organization especially since they aid in key objectives by facilitating activities such as planning, policy making, and training . However picking what part of knowledge that is best fit for an organizations interest has always proven to be a challenge, and this calls for modern and efficient approach in knowledge management.
As implied earlier that information technology is not knowledge but rather a means that facilitates it, organizations can make better use of information technology to better address the challenges that come about with utilizing data and information at their disposal to the best way that serves their interest. In the case where effective and reliable measures have been set up, information technology could be greatly benefit an organization in several ways.
First of all it provides for better and free flow of ideas within an organization. Taking a real situation where an organization adopts social network to publicize itself. This could greatly provide for a channel through which its clients can address their opinion and ideas regarding the services or products an organization provides. This can be a great avenue that an organization can collect ideas that can be exploited to best meet their mandate.
Secondly services rendered to customers and clients can be greatly enhanced especially if an organization happens to be a business setting. This is well achievable by use of proper and relevant information dissemination techniques such as the use websites to convey information online. A good case scenario is the use online client support.
Also with better knowledge management yields a reduction in operation costs. This can be well accomplished through streamlined approach where redundancy is eradicated not only in data handling but also its use in general by making use of streamlined approach. For example an organization by use of better data storage techniques such as cloud frameworks and data encryption manpower cost as well as additional resources conventionally needed in offering the same are greatly reduced thereby making management of knowledge assets cheaper.
Reference
Coakes, E. (2003). Knowledge Management: Current issues and challenges. Idea Group Inc.
Kai Martins, P. H. (2003). Knowledge Management. Springer.
pitfalls, K. M. (2003). Peter Holdt Christensen. Copenhagen: Copenhagen Business School Press.
Rollet, H. (2003). Knowledge Management: Processes and technologies. Springer.
