This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Phase 1: Infrastructural Evaluation
The first phase of the 10-step technique involves two steps. In the first step, you analyze your existing infrastructure, then identify concrete steps that you can take to leverage and build on your KM platform. In the second step, you perform a strategic analysis to link KM objectives and business strategy.
Step 1: Analysis of Existing Infrastructure
In this first step, you gain an understanding of various components that constitute the KM strategy and technology framework. By analyzing and accounting for what is already in place in your company, you can identify critical gaps in the existing infrastructure. Consequently, you will be able to build on what already exists. Instead of telling you what components to build on, I will guide you through the process of making those decisions specifically in the context of your company. Although leveraging existing infrastructure is the logically, scientifically, rationally, theoretically, common-sensically, and financially right approach, it also stands a better chance of generating stronger management support for your KM project because of the perception that you are not completely abandoning the "old" existing investments.
Step 2: Aligning Knowledge Management and Business Strategy
Business strategy is usually at a high level. Developing systems is always at a low level: Specifications and features are needed, not abstractions or visions. The second step in the 10-step road map allows you to make the connection between these two: Raise KM platform design to the level of business strategy and pull strategy down to the level of systems design. As a part of the process of creating this alignment between KM and business strategy, Chapter 6 describes what you must do.