Knowledge Management

Abstract

The course introduces and contrasts the objectivist and the practice-based theoretical perspectives on Knowledge Management that are predominant in Organization Studies/ Management and Sociology. Futher, common Knowledge Management approaches, methods and tools will be presented, and some of them will be applied in class.

Objective

After completing this course, students: 1. know the objectivist and the practice-based Knowledge Management theory. 2. understand the concepts of tacit and explicit knowledge and their underlying characteristics. 3. know available Knowledge Management tools and methods. 4. can analyze challenges in knowledge development and knowledge sharing in organizations. 5. are able to select and apply knowledge management tools and methods in an managerial context. 6. are able to come up with meaningful measures to improve KM in an organization based upon KM assessment results.

Content

The efficient management of knowledge as a resource of an organization is considered to be a major source of competitive advantage. Still, many organizations find it challenging to develop an appropriate approach for dealing with knowledge. This course aims at drawing a realistic picture of what can be achieved by managers in the frame of knowledge management initatives and specifies available means and approaches. This course will provide a general introduction into knowledge management at different levels: It will first introduce the objectivist and the practice-based perspective as the most common theoretical perspectives on Knowledge Management. These two perspectives translate into different practical approaches to manage knowledge in organizations. The course will then provide a broad overview on the different tools and methods that are discussed in the literature as part of the knowledge management "toolbox". It differentiates knowledge management from data management (such as document or big data management) and focusses on knowledge sharing approaches. It will raise awareness on opportunities and barriers to attempts of managing knowledge in organizations. Students will discuss KM case studies, assess the status of Knowledge Management in an organization which they know well and develop a case study about this organization. This involves crafting out recommendations on how to improve the knowledge management in this organization.

Resources