Building the Knowledge Management Network: Best Practices, Tools, and Techniques

A complete set of best practices, tools, and techniques for turning conversations into a rich source of business information
Many organizations are now recognizing that the untapped knowledge of their members can be used to benefit every aspect of their business, from making smarter and faster decisions to improving products and efficiency. This book offers a clear-cut road map for building a successful knowledge management system to capture and fully exploit the knowledge exchanged in conversations.
Written by two of the foremost experts in online communities, this book covers a set of best practices, tools, and techniques for using conversation and online interaction to provide affordable and effective knowledge-based benefits and solutions. With a unique and invaluable perspective, the authors offer guidance for collecting, capturing, and cataloging knowledge so that it can be used to improve efficiency and reduce costs in areas ranging from internal procedures through customer relations and product development.
This book provides step-by-step solutions for developing an effective knowledge network, including how to:
* Formulate strategies and create action plans
* Select the right tools for peer-to-peer networks, interactive communities, and events
* Work with legacy systems
* Train staff and stimulate participation
* Improve productivity and measurement criteria
The companion Web site contains templates, checklists, a discussion board, and links to software.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

PART ONE: CAVE WALLS TO CRTS: THE LANDSCAPE OF KNOWLEDGE NETWORKING.

Chapter 1. Knowledge, History, and the Industrial Organization.

Chapter 2. Using the Net to Share What People Know.

Chapter 3. Strategy and Planning for the Knowledge Network.

PART TWO: MATCHING CULTURE WITH TECHNOLOGY.

Chapter 4. The Role of IT in the Effective Knowledge Network.

Chapter 5. Fostering a Knowledge-Sharing Culture.

Chapter 6. Taking Culture Online.

Chapter 7. Choosing and Using Technology.

PART THREE: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF KNOWLEDGE NETWORKING.

Chapter 8. Initiating and Supporting Internal Conversation.

Chapter 9. Conversing with External Stakeholders.

Chapter 10. The Path Ahead.

Appendix A: Resources.

Notes.

Index.