The Essence of a Good Knowledge Management Framework

A knowledge management framework is basically a strategic system that governs the organization, knowledge, delivery and distribution of data within the organization. This kind of framework ensures that all the components of knowledge management are already in place and linked together. If not, then one will have to spend a lot of time and money in making them work as one. The framework is made up of various departments like human resources, business intelligence, quality, systems and information management. A knowledge management strategy also encompasses the use of technology in enhancing the value added information delivery system.

The key component of any Knowledge management framework  is the knowledge inventory. This component takes the form of a database that stores the information regarding the various aspects of an organization’s activities. This information may relate to the various processes involved in the various departments or it may even refer to the activities performed by employees in their individual capacities. In order to make the framework work, one has to update this database on a regular basis so that it can accommodate the growing needs of knowledge throughout the organization.

Knowledge inventory helps in categorizing the various information related entities in the organization. Based on the classification, functions and responsibilities are assigned to different groups of individuals. One can also view knowledge as the common heritage of an organization. Hence, the information management frameworks tend to promote the creation of knowledge as well as the maintenance of knowledge. It helps to align the interests of various parties involved in acquiring new knowledge and its distribution.

Another important component of any framework is the knowledge base. This is basically a collection of databases associated with the major areas of activity of the organization. It helps in the easy access of information, especially when the information in the knowledge base is structured in a meaningful way. A good knowledge management solution should provide the means for retrieving data from the knowledge base.

Knowledge process cycle is another important factor of a knowledge management solution. It refers to the sequence of events that actually happen when a certain procedure is applied. This includes the conceptualization stage, the analysis stage, the planning stage and finally the implementation stage. This framework focuses more on the knowledge transfer rather than its creation. In other words, it is a framework which encourages the use of technology for information process improvement.

Knowledge transformation happens when the requirements for knowledge are identified, analyzed and converted into knowledge products. The knowledge transformation portfolio must include all the processes involved in its development. A well-developed Knowledge Management Framework Template also includes the project documentation along with the resource data sheets. With this information, the stakeholders can plan the projects according to their individual requirements. In fact, this framework tends to provide the basic structure for the project life cycle.

Another interesting aspect of the knowledge management framework refers to its usage in the project development arena. A corporate strategy would not be possible without a well-defined knowledge management framework. It basically defines the process by which information is shared among all the team members involved in a specific project. Corporate strategies, company plans, and company reviews are just some of the applications of this framework.

Finally, a knowledge management framework helps to collect and organize all the different types of knowledge about a particular subject. In a way this framework provides the structure for a certain type of information process improvement methodology. As a matter of fact, it is very similar to the WMS (Web Based Knowledge Management) technology.