Information & Knowledge Management Basics

"Knowledge management is not the latest fad.... Knowledge management is not new - it just hasn't had a label before". (Koina 2002).

Achieving sustainability depends upon using and applying current science. Organizations need to have information and knowledge management systems in place to support organizational learning. Not all organizations believe that managing information is important. Furthermore, there is a knowing-doing gap where organizations know they need to do something, but do not know how to move forward and to put principles into practice. This project is designed for clients and partners who either do not possess a fundamental knowledge of Information & Knowledge Management or who require additional learning activities to realize its full management potential.

"Knowledge management is the explicit and systematic management of vital knowledge and its associated processes of creating, gathering, organizing, diffusion, use and exploitation. It requires turning personal knowledge into corporate knowledge than can be widely shared throughout an organization and appropriately applied. (David Skryme 1997).

As part of this project, the Information Management Extension Specialist will work with organizations to improve awareness and understanding of key elements of information and knowledge management principles/practices (leadership, culture, people/skills, business processes and technology). Other areas of activities include extension revolving around information and library sciences, information architecture, experiential knowledge, and knowledge systems designs related to natural resources and environmental information, as well as general needs assessments, information audits, and systems evaluations.

The IM extension team, partners, and network of volunteers will also provide extension services to scientists, practitioners, and managers interested in advancing their knowledge and use of information and knowledge management practices within their organization. This project will focus on the "Principles of Information & Knowledge Management" topic area as outlined in the program’s 5-year Extension Plan.

Extension Activity Features
With the collaboration of our partners and network of volunteers, the IM Extension Program provides customized workshops and extension activities that present various aspects of knowledge management.

"Knowledge management is about enhancing the use of organizational knowledge through sound practices of information management and organizational learning. The purpose is to deliver value to the business". (Broadbent 1998).

The goal of these extension activities is to increase awareness and knowledge of best management practices with regards to Knowledge and Information Management by:

• Presenting a general understanding of basic concepts, attitudes, and values
• Providing case studies and success stories
• Identifying barriers
• Identifying best practices, tools, and resources

Benefits
On completing these extension activities, learners will:

• Increase their awareness and knowledge of gaps relating to knowledge management tools, technologies and strategies.

Planned Outcomes
As a result of this project, natural resource managers, scientists, and information specialists will say they have a better understanding of the principles of information and knowledge management as well as its importance and value. Learners will also say that they will increase their investment in this area as it is a vital corporate resource that must be managed. Finally, learners will say that they will pursue further education that supports integrating information and knowledge management into their activities, projects and corporate culture. All these outcomes are essential for supporting sustainable natural resource management decisions.

Create an extension request