How to Start KM Initiative LO20862

anewman@orgblueprint.com
Thu, 11 Mar 1999 09:03:11 -0500

Ankush Korla writes (LO20847):

>I am currently responsible for KM Initiative in my company. The first
>step, I understand, in KM Implementation is Need Identification, which
>involves things like estabilishing the knowledge links to Strategy, As-Is
>Process Audit and Knowledge Mapping.
>
>I wish to know more about specific frameworks or questions that can be
>asked in this Need Identification Process.Are there any specific tools
>that you know of to assist at this step.

I recommend a more holistic organizational approach before you start
knowledge mapping. A broader analysis will help you determine where to
focus your KM efforts and also give you a sense of organizational
readiness for this type of learning, which IMO is the key -- not the
information collection. This analysis will also tell you what
organizational supports and constraints exist for a KM initiative.

We have identified "business" issues and "people" issues and I do have
questions to consider for each, if that would be helpful to you.

Business issues to consider....
Core Business
Business Strategy
Customers
Competitors and Partners
Technical Infrastructure
Organizational Culture

People issues.....
Current Talent
Future Talent
Improving Performance
Intellectual Capital (of course!)
Training and Development
Leadership and Coaching

I can fax these to you, or you can find them -- as part of a more thorough
article including competencies for managing knowledge, KM solutions, case
studies, etc. -- in the American Society for Training and Development
(ASTD) Info Line "Knowledge Management". This is an OD/learning
perspective, of course. ASTD's number is 1-800-628-2783.

Amy Newman
Organization Blueprint
www.orgblueprint.com

-- 

anewman@orgblueprint.com

Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>