Dr Alison Corfield
Thursday 11th October 2012 – 7:30pm
Oxford e-Research Centre, 6 Keble Road, Oxford, OX1 3QG
Abstract:
Knowledge management is the fad that won’t go away. Many CEO’s are still not sure what it is and how it can work for them but they want to get the benefits from KM. You have an opportunity to learn about three key approaches that knowledge management fosters and how they can deliver cost effective value to the work you do without needing unpalatable budget bids.
Based on research into the practical application of knowledge management in medium-sized organisations, Dr Corfield is convinced that many ICT departments are missing a trick by failing to spot the advantages that working with KM tools and techniques can offer. Whether or not you have a named KM function in your place of work, these approaches are here for you to use.
The talk will also address the negative perception of knowledge management – is it just a lot more mumbo-jumbo management jargon intended to give yet more consultants a foothold in the organisational gravy train? The answer may sometimes be YES, but this is all the more reason to get to grips with what the real benefits could be!
Starting with a clear explanation of what advantages knowledge management is now offering, the speaker will discuss why it still has a certain mystique today. Behind the words lie some very simple and practical ideas. Three useful approaches will be discussed.
Cross organisational approaches. Have you ever been astounded by what knowledge people have that they don’t know they have? Working with staff in their traditional departments often exposes the very narrow ‘silo’ mentality of people in organisations. They can’t see beyond their noses and hoard valuable information that could do wonders for other parts of the organisation. By opening out opportunities for knowledge sharing and development, huge benefits can be found.
Improved processes for knowledge and information handling. Does your organisation have ‘wheel reinvention’ as one of its regular occupations?. Hours of productive time is lost as people fail to spot what has been already achieved, and duplicate costly work from scratch. A strong KM focus can help to galvanise people into really thinking through what more effective work processes could do for cost reduction.
Getting more strategic. Do you grind your teeth in frustrated rage as people with no clue about ICT speculate on the miracles it is expected to perform? Which of course it could accomplish but not by magic – only by real engagement and understanding from staff. KM includes the tools and techniques to engage staff across the organisation.
Short bio:
As someone who has worked in both ICT and KM, Dr Corfield has recently completed research into knowledge management in medium sized organisations. She now works as an adviser, speaker and writer on knowledge management and its potential to bring competitive advantage, particularly in tough economic times. Her talks use quotes and illustrations from research as well as cartoons and video clips to bring to life the latest trends and perspectives in the sometimes obscure, but always relevant field of knowledge management.
This talk is suitable for CIOs, CEOs, IT staff and other people interested in organisational change.
Please Note: The talk can include short activity sessions to give participants the opportunity to identify common experiences and challenges and from this pick out the practical ideas about KM activities that are helpful for delivering a robust IT strategy in their own organisations.
Event Information
The meeting is on Thursday 11 October, 7.00 for 7.30 and ends around 9.00.
It will be held at the Oxford e-Research Centre, 6 Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3QG.
Sandwiches and light refreshments are available from 7.00pm.
Meetings are open to non-members and free.
POSTER
A PDF poster to advertise this event at your place of work can be downloaded from http://www.oxon.bcs.org/downloads/Oct%2011%202012.pdf.
