Putting theory into practice to build knowledge management systems

Abstract

This article describes our process for putting theory into practice to build knowledge management systems. We begin by discussing our definition of knowledge management and describe our theoretical foundation for developing systemic solutions for organizations to manage their knowledge. Next, we describe our process for creating a knowledge management strategy and how we design the technological aspects of a knowledge management system that will enable organizations to achieve their knowledge management strategy. We also describe how we provide training on the completed system and the organizational development interventions necessary to ensure that management and the members of the organization support the strategy. We conclude by providing an example scenario to illustrate how the resulting knowledge management system would operate in an organization’s work environment.