Business benefits from knowledge management (KM)

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 12, 2005

BSI is working with acknowledged experts to produce current and up-to-date materials, guidance and other resources on knowledge management (KM).

According to Royal Dutch/Shell, knowledge management practice can be broadly defined as "The capabilities by which communities within an organisation capture the knowledge that is critical to them, constantly improve it and make it available in the most effective manner to those people who need it, so that they can exploit it creatively to add value as a normal part of their work".

Over the years many companies have informally been using many techniques to capture and share knowledge across their operations.

There is now an increased focus on implementing more ordered and systematic knowledge management (KM) schemes.

BSI's David Keech says: "BSI is working with acknowledged experts, thought leaders and practitioners to produce current and up-to-date materials, guidance and other resources on KM.

"Such guidance enables businesses, government, and other organisations to make their own rational and informed assessments and decisions about KM".

Investing in KM allows companies to provide: better service and products for their customers; faster generation and application of ideas and innovations; access to industry best practices and best-in-class methodologies; access to competitor and market intelligence; access to internal and external networks of expertise; ability to deliver continuous learning; likelihood of lower cost administrative processes; more efficient and timely marketing and communications; greater (cultural and linguistic) geographic reach; and reduced loss of knowledge through staff turnover.

BSI Business Information is about to publish three new documents on KM adding to the already well known 'PAS 2001 Knowledge Management, A Guide to Good Practice' produced in conjunction with PwC.

(1) 'Skills for Knowledge Working, A Guide to Good Practice'.

During the past decade the widespread adoption and subsequent development of ICT has enabled organisations to radically change the way they work, resulting in widely dispersed workforces.

Based on research from KM consultants, and KM leaders in over seventy organisations, this guide looks at the effect that KM and networked working has had on the skills and competencies required in organisations.

It illustrates how organisations develop knowledge working through the development of appropriate roles, skills and competencies.

Price £25*, BSI order ref PD 7505, ISBN 0 580 46527 6.

(2) 'Linking Knowledge with Other Organizational Functions and Disciplines, A Guide to Good Practice'.

This guide provides guidance on how to link KM and other key organisational functions and established emerging processes, within and between organisations.

The guide is intended for all levels of staff and anyone interested in KM, from employees to directors.

Price £25*, BSI order ref PD 7506, ISBN 0 580 46526 8.

(3) 'Knowledge Management in the Public Sector, A Guide to Good Practice'.

This guide will provide 'informed clarity' for practitioners and senior management around the potential and actual scope of activity and benefits of KM in the public sector.

The guide, as well as being for use by those in the public sector including politicians, policy-makers, employees and managers, can also be used by stakeholders and the general public.

Price £25*, BSI order ref PD 7504, ISBN 0 580 46528 4.

In addition to teh three new publications above, BSI is also publishing new information and records management books.

If you are also involved in information or records management, then you will be interested in the two new books covering the legal admissibility and evidential weight of information.

BIP 0008-2 covers information communicated electronically and BIP 0008-3 covers the electronic identity of documents.

For more information about BSI Business Information publications for KM please visit BSI's webiste.

*Postage and packaging is £4.17 within UK (inclusive of VAT), £5.83 overseas (+ VAT if applicable), or free for BSI Subscribing Members.

Pre-payment is required from non-Members.

All prices, content and publishing dates may be subject to change.

For full details on these publications, plus the rest of BSI's portfolio of documents on KM visit BSI's website.