Knowledge management
Contents
Definition
Summary
Description 1
The IAEA defines knowledge management as: “an integrated and systematic approach for identifying, acquiring, transforming, developing, disseminating, using, and preserving the knowledge that is critical to an individual or organization in achieving specified objectives”. Because knowledge is not a ‘thing’, it is difficult to imagine a process for managing it. A person cannot choose either ‘to do’ or ‘not to do’ knowledge management but they can choose to become knowledgeable, to share and transfer that knowledge to another person. The knowledge management approach in business is prompted by the combination of three primary elements — people, processes, and technology — operating within a culture that recognizes the importance of knowledge to the success and safety of all (see Fig. 2).
FIG. 2. The basic elements of knowledge management.
People
Within the general context of this report, it is reasonable to say that knowledge cannot exist without people. We refer to ‘a knowledgeable individual’ — we are unlikely to talk about, for example, a ‘knowledgeable database’. People are a critical part of a knowledge management programme and it is rightly regarded as valuable personal asset that can take a considerable time and investment to accumulate.
Processes
The safe operation of any nuclear facility relies largely on the strict adherence to processes that have been shown to be effective and achieve the desired outcomes. Process control is generally achieved through the implementation of documented procedures by suitably qualified people. Knowledge management processes benefit from clear procedures aimed at creating, locating, capturing (or codifying) and disseminating knowledge. Changes to process must be controlled and routinely reviewed to assess the impact on the entire knowledge base.
Technology
The third component in a successful knowledge management system is technology. The term ‘technology’ can include a broad range from simple databases to complex computer networks (such as the World Wide Web). The use of technology is not critical for the success of knowledge management — but in the modern age it does have a very important role to play, particularly at the global level.
Culture
The way an organization conducts business through its ideals, beliefs, values and knowledge constitutes the basis of combined and coordinated action. An organization’s culture, or ‘the way it conducts its business’ is strongly influenced by its executive management, and the standards the executive demonstrate and demand will shape business culture.
Source: Knowledge management for radioactive waste management organisations
Description 2
Coordinated, integrated, systemic practices and activities which enable and promote effective knowledge processes and ensure adequate knowledge assets as needed to achieve organizational goals. (Last published: an integrated, systematic approach to identifying, acquiring, transforming, developing, disseminating, using, sharing, and preserving knowledge, relevant to achieving specified objectives)
Source: Knowledge Management for Nuclear Industry Operating Organizations
Description 3
The integrated, systematic approach to the identification, acquisition, transformation, development, dissemination, use, sharing and preservation of knowledge relevant to achievement of specified objectives. Knowledge management helps an organization to gain insight and understanding from its own experience. Specific activities in knowledge management help the organization to acquire, store and utilize knowledge.
Source: Risk Management of Knowledge Loss in Nuclear Industry Organizations
References
[4] Discussion of people, processes and technology from Managing Knowledge & Work: An Overview of Knowledge Management, PLUNKETT P.T. (author) for the Knowledge Management Working Group of the Federal Chief Information Officers’ Council, US General Services Administration, Washington, DC (2001).
