1. Critically Review various approaches to acquisition and management of knowledge and how your chosen organisation can utilise that knowledge for better business performance.

HR60014E – Knowledge Management

Level 6

1.1 Introduction, aims and summary of content

Introduction to the Module:

This module provides a critical review and analysis of the key themes that underpin the subject of Knowledge Management in organisations. In this module students will be exposed to the concepts and fundamental principles of knowledge management. They will explore the methods, techniques and circumstances in which knowledge management principles can be applied. This module will provide a range of views on the social, behavioural and organisational conditions associated with bioinformatics knowledge and data management. It will also introduce a range of tools and techniques to support the curation, management and dissemination of knowledge including knowledge representation, ontologies, data mining and knowledge storage.

Key aims of this module are to develop:

• An understanding and appreciation of the dynamics of knowledge management to sustain organisational performance
• The ability to comprehend how knowledge within organisational contexts can be sourced and utilised
• An appreciation of the mechanisms and learning experiences needed to foster proactive knowledge management culture

Module Contents:

The content of the module is as follows;

Theme 1: Epistemologies of Knowledge

1. The objectivists perspective on knowledge
2. The practice-based perspective on knowledge

Theme 2: Social and Cultural Issues Relating to Managing and Sharing Knowledge

1. What motivates people to share knowledge
2. Knowledge management communities of practice
3. Power, conflict, and knowledge processes
4. Information and communication technologies and knowledge management
5. Organisational culture, HRM knowledge management policies

Theme 3: Learning, Innovation and Knowledge Management

1. Learning and knowledge management
2. Innovation dynamics and knowledge processes

Theme 4: Organisational Context

10. Knowledge processes in network / virtual organisations

11. Knowledge processes in global multinationals

1.2 The ability to both identify and apply global perspectives on knowledge management in the 21^st century economy Learning outcomes to be assessed

By the end of this module students should be able to demonstrate the following;

LO1.A thorough understanding of knowledge management and the various approaches adopted within an international context.

LO2.A firm comprehension on how organisations can source and fully utilise knowledge management within global businesses.

LO3.A recognition of the key attributes and processes to facilitate diverse learning experiences in the pursuit of value added knowledge.

L04.An appreciation of how knowledge management impinges on sustained competitive performance in todays dynamic and evolving organisation

Assessment Brief:

This Assessment covers LO 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Acquisition and management of knowledge is a value-added activity for an organisation which operates in the highly competitive market. It is important to understand that the knowledge system is not just a collection of information stored in computers but it is an activity where knowledge is acquired, processed, stored and efficiently disseminated to all the functional areas of the organisation.

It is very important to note that knowledge management alone will not help, but it is essential to link knowledge management initiatives to concrete business strategies. The logic of such perspective is that an organisation’s knowledge management strategy should link to and flow from its business strategy this is done via developing and understanding of the role of knowledge resources and processes in an organisation’s business strategy and developing knowledge management strategy to sustain and enhance these knowledge resources.

(Hislop, D., Bosua, R. & Helms, R., 2018. knowledge management in organisations: a critical introduction. 4th ed. Oxford United Kingdom: Oxford University press)

Activity:

Organisations nowadays use a range of strategies, tools and techniques in order to gain competitive advantage and compete in the markets. Markets nowadays are very volatile and competitive and it is absolutely essential for the organisations to make right decisions at right time and in the right direction. This requires a knowledge management system in the organisation which facilitate strategic decision-making process.

(Drucker, P. (The Theory of the Business, Harvard Business Review, Sep-Oct. 1994, https://hbr.org/1994/09/the-theory-of-the-business).

This is a 3000-word report on an organisation of your choice where knowledge is used as a source of sustained business performance.

You will typically start with an introduction to the topic as well as a brief introduction of your organisation highlighting the reasons why did you choose that organisation. You will then proceed to address the following three parts of your activity. Finally concluding your report with a comprehensive list of findings, conclusions and recommendations.

1. Critically Review various approaches to acquisition and management of knowledge and how your chosen organisation can utilise that knowledge for better business performance.

2. Critically analyse how organisation can utilise its experience in adding value to its knowledge.

3. Critically evaluate how your chosen organisation can utilise Knowledge Management for sustain competitive performance.

You should draw on the published literature (both academic and company related) to build your report and to substantiate your research findings

Guidance on structure:

ð  Introduction:
This section will typically introduce the topic as well as the organisation you choose and reason for choosing that organisation.  You will also be identifying the key objectives of this report in this section. To conclude this section, you will critically analyse how your chosen organisation will be benefited from the report.

ð  Critically analysis:
In this section you are expected to demonstrate your knowledge and in-depth understanding of knowledge management. You will be required to conduct a detailed, and comprehensive academic research on this on Knowledge Management. You are expected to make extensive use of academic resources and clearly cite each and every resource, author, essay, piece of literature, article from where the theories were taken. This section is based on the 3 key objectives outlined in your assessment brief.

ð  Research findings and conclusion:
From the previous section, you will draw a range of findings conclusion must and recommendations. Your conclusion and recommendations must be coherent with finding and conclusions.