Know-Net > Method > Stage II : Develop

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Knowledge Management with Intranet Technologies

Stage II: Developing the Knowledge Organization

Eight concrete, value-adding modules

This second stage of the Know-Net method comprises eight different modules. During Stage I (Strategic Planning) the engagement team identifies which of the available modules are going to be used for the specific knowledge management initiative.

Modules 1 and 2 are an audit-leverage pair that focuses on business processes.
Modules 3 and 4 are an audit- leverage pair that focuses on organisational structures and networks of people.
Modules 5 and 6 are an audit- leverage pair that focuses on technology issues.
Module 7 focuses on the development of the underlying model for knowledge asset organisation and is essential for the customisation of the Know-Net tool.
Module 8 is a module that synthesises and documents the changes that the organisation is implementing as a result of the knowledge management initiative.

Iterative implementation approach to minimise risk

Stage II follows an iterative approach during its execution. Modules can run in parallel and can be repeated several times throughout the knowledge management initiative. Three simple steps underlie the proposed iterative approach. First, diagnose the most critical problems and opportunities facing the organisation with respect to knowledge management and sketch out a possible solution. Second, quickly, translate the sketch of a solution into new work processes and systems; include new ways of working as well as new computer systems, and begin using both for real. If, for example, the problem at hand is customer knowledge management, use the new process to manage a some important customers at several offices (or business areas). Given this real-world experience, determine where these new processes and systems succeed or fail, and quickly fix the failures. In other words: do it, then fix it. Third, scale up systems for rollout across the whole organization. Communicate the proven success of the trials in order to build momentum for change.

The essence of the iterative prototyping approach is rapid learning from doing. Speed ensures that change is always relevant, it forces trade-offs so that limited resources are devoted to pursuing goals of real value, it allows top people to participate in change, and it builds unstoppable momentum. Trying out new ideas in the real world allows their shortcomings to be rooted out by the harshest of tests - real-world experience - and their successes to be proven beyond challenge from the most cynical critics. By stressing speed of change and using the real world as a laboratory to learn from, the iterative prototyping approach makes change and improvement a constant fact of corporate life.

Overview of Stage II Modules
Module	What is it used for?	Who is involved?	Comment
1. Analyse Business Processes	This module helps you audit the knowledge requirements of business processes.	Consultant and employee that "governs" business process. Additional interviews with employees involved in process.	Module 1 and 2 are useful: in relatively structured environments when there is a need to better manage knowledge in specific business processes
2. Leverage Knowledge in Business Processes	To design and implement additions / modifications in business processes to improve knowledge management within process	Consultant and employee that "governs" business process. Additional interviews with employees involved in process.
3. Analyse Knowledge Networks	This module helps you understand the informal flow of knowledge within networks of people in the organisation.	Consultant and Change Agent. Additional interviews with people in knowledge networks.	Module 3 is to be used only in environments that there already exist informal networks of people that focus on a specific knowledge asset or business area
4. Leverage Knowledge Networks	This module helps you design and moderate Knowledge Networks within the organisation.	Consultant and Change Agent. Additional interviews with people in knowledge networks.	Module 4 is to be used by organisations that wish to build communities that will be collecting, storing and advancing key knowledge assets of the organisation. Particularly important for dispersed organisations.
5. Analyse the technology	Asses the current state of IT in the organisation and identify existing information sources	Consultant, Change Agent, CIO, IT director or similar	This module supports the integration with existing enterprise systems.
6. Leverage the technology	Present the technology element in knowledge management	Consultant, Change Agent, CIO, IT director or similar	-
7. Develop the Knowledge Asset Schema	Design the knowledge asset schema, knowledge objects and attributes, and ontology	Consultant with Change Agent	This module provides essential input for the design of the knowledge repository.
8. Integrate the KM architecture	Helps integrate people, process and technology changes into one holistic solution	Consultant with Change Agent	Practical tips on integrating the people. process and technology changes. Addresses cultural issues.