Knowledge Management
Comprehensive 12-Week Course Syllabus
Course Overview
This comprehensive 12-week programme provides an in-depth exploration of knowledge management principles, practices, and implementation strategies. The course covers the full spectrum of knowledge management, from theoretical foundations to practical applications, organisational implementation, and emerging trends. Participants will develop a holistic understanding of how knowledge can be effectively captured, organised, shared, and leveraged to create value in contemporary organisations.
Course Duration
12 weeks with structured weekly modules and applied learning components
Target Audience
- Knowledge management professionals and aspirants
- Business leaders and department managers
- Information and knowledge workers
- Organisational development specialists
- IT professionals supporting knowledge initiatives
- Learning and development professionals
- Those seeking comprehensive KM certification
Prerequisites
- No specific prerequisites required
- Basic understanding of organisational functions recommended
- Professional experience in any field beneficial
- Commitment to complete practical assignments
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Explain the fundamental concepts, theories, and evolution of knowledge management
- Distinguish between different types of knowledge and their strategic value
- Design comprehensive knowledge management strategies aligned with organisational objectives
- Implement effective approaches for knowledge acquisition, creation, and retention
- Develop systems and processes for knowledge sharing and dissemination
- Select appropriate technologies to support knowledge management initiatives
- Create cultures conducive to knowledge sharing and continuous learning
- Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge management initiatives
- Address implementation challenges through structured change management approaches
- Analyse emerging trends and future directions in knowledge management
Course Structure
Week 1: Foundations of Knowledge Management
- Historical development of knowledge management
- Key theories and conceptual frameworks
- Types of knowledge: explicit, implicit, and tacit
- The knowledge management lifecycle
- Strategic importance of knowledge in contemporary organisations
- Live Session: Course introduction and knowledge fundamentals
- Assignment: Knowledge concept mapping and reflection
Week 2: Knowledge Creation and Acquisition
- Models of knowledge creation (SECI model)
- Knowledge acquisition methodologies
- Sources of organisational knowledge
- Balancing internal creation vs. external acquisition
- Knowledge discovery techniques
- Live Session: Knowledge creation workshop
- Assignment: Knowledge creation analysis
Week 3: Knowledge Capture and Codification
- Documentation methodologies and best practices
- Converting tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge
- Knowledge representation frameworks
- Quality standards for knowledge codification
- Challenges in knowledge capture
- Live Session: Knowledge capture techniques
- Assignment: Knowledge capture plan
Week 4: Knowledge Organisation and Storage
- Taxonomies and classification systems
- Metadata strategies and implementation
- Knowledge repositories and databases
- Information architecture for knowledge
- Content management approaches
- Live Session: Knowledge organisation workshop
- Assignment: Taxonomy development exercise
Week 5: Knowledge Sharing and Transfer
- Knowledge transfer methodologies
- Barriers to knowledge sharing
- Communities of practice and their development
- Storytelling as a knowledge sharing tool
- Cross-boundary knowledge exchange
- Live Session: Knowledge sharing frameworks
- Assignment: Knowledge transfer strategy
Week 6: Knowledge Application and Utilisation
- From knowledge to action
- Decision support systems
- Problem-solving with knowledge
- Innovation through knowledge application
- Performance support systems
- Live Session: Knowledge application case studies
- Assignment: Knowledge utilisation plan
Week 7: Knowledge Management Strategy
- Strategic approaches to knowledge management
- Aligning KM with business objectives
- Resource planning for knowledge initiatives
- Strategic frameworks and methodologies
- Developing the business case for KM
- Live Session: Strategy development workshop
- Assignment: KM strategy outline
Week 8: Knowledge Management Technology
- Technology ecosystem for knowledge management
- Selection criteria for KM tools
- Integration with existing systems
- Emerging technologies in KM
- Implementation and adoption challenges
- Live Session: Technology showcase and evaluation
- Assignment: Technology assessment and recommendations
Week 9: Knowledge Culture and Leadership
- Creating knowledge-friendly cultures
- Leadership behaviours that foster knowledge sharing
- Incentive systems and motivation
- Building trust in knowledge networks
- Overcoming cultural barriers
- Live Session: Cultural transformation planning
- Assignment: Cultural assessment and recommendations
Week 10: Implementing Knowledge Management
- Implementation methodologies and frameworks
- Change management for KM initiatives
- Project management approaches
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Overcoming resistance to change
- Live Session: Implementation planning workshop
- Assignment: Implementation roadmap development
Week 11: Measuring Knowledge Management
- Performance indicators for knowledge management
- Quantitative and qualitative measurement approaches
- Return on investment calculations
- Balanced scorecard for KM
- Reporting and communication frameworks
- Live Session: Metrics development workshop
- Assignment: Measurement framework design
Week 12: Future Trends and Integration
- Emerging directions in knowledge management
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning in KM
- Social and collaborative knowledge systems
- Global and cross-cultural knowledge management
- Personal knowledge management integration
- Live Session: Future of KM panel discussion
- Final Project: Comprehensive KM implementation plan presentation
Learning Methods
- Interactive split-session virtual workshops (2 × 45 minutes weekly)
- Self-paced learning modules with applied exercises
- Case study analyses and discussions
- Practical implementation activities
- Expert guest presentations
- Collaborative problem-solving
- Reflective practice and journaling
- Applied project work
Assessment Components
- Weekly assignments and exercises (30%)
- Discussion participation and case analyses (20%)
- Mid-term knowledge management proposal (20%)
- Final implementation project and presentation (30%)
Minimum Requirements for Completion
- 80% attendance at live sessions
- Completion of all weekly assignments
- Active participation in discussions
- Submission of mid-term and final projects
- Minimum 65% overall grade
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive:
- Comprehensive Knowledge Management Professional Certificate
- Detailed competency assessment
- Implementation toolkit access
- Membership in KM practitioner community
Additional Resources
- Comprehensive reading library
- Case study collection by industry
- Tool evaluation guides
- Templates and frameworks
- Implementation checklists
- Expert interviews and recordings
- Global KM research reports
Applied Learning Component
Participants will develop a comprehensive knowledge management implementation plan for:
- Their current organisation, OR
- A case study organisation provided by the course The plan will integrate all course components into a cohesive strategy for knowledge management.
Note
This course provides both breadth and depth in knowledge management principles and practices. It is designed to equip participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to implement effective knowledge management initiatives in any organisational context.
