Knowledge management and e-learning systems points of interaction for

successful academia-industry knowledge

transfer

A. Antonova, E. Gourova,   K. Todorova, R. Nikolov,

Sofia University

Overview

Basic concepts KM and e-learning features & processes Points of interactions Further work

The Knowledge dimentions(Knowledge, KM, KMS)

The knowledge is confident understanding of a subject, potentially with the ability to use it for a specific purpose.

Tacit and Explicit knowledge

The Knowledge dimentions(Knowledge, KM, KMS)

data - ‘set of discrete, objective facts about events…’

information - ‘has meaning… it has a shape: it is organized to some purpose.’

knowledge - ‘a bite (of information) is taken, chewed, digested, and acted upon that it becomes knowledge’

The Knowledge dimentions(Knowledge, KM, KMS)

KM is a complex discipline, aiming to optimize knowledge processes, in order to improve the organization ability to take better decisions assuring its sustainable development

The e-Learning dimentions

e-Learning

“learning or training prepared, delivered, or managed using a variety of information technologies and which be deployed either locally or globally.”

KM, E-learning and society needs relationship

Society (organizational or individual) needs

of knowledge acquisition and

sharing

KM development

E-learning development

Fig. 1 KM, E-learning and society needs relationship

KM processes

Tacit knowledge

Explicit knowledge

Tacit knowledge

Explicit knowledge

To

From

(Socialization)Sympathized knowledge

(Externalization)Conceptual knowledge

(Internalization)Operational knowledge

(Combination)Systematic knowledge

Fig. 2 KM processesSource Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995

Basic processes related to Knowledge Management

Socialization: Transfer tacit knowledge from one person to another person

Externalization: Translate tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge in a repository

Combination: Combine different bodies of explicit knowledge to create new explicit knowledge

Internalization: Extract the explicit knowledge from a repository that is relevant to a particular person’s need and deliver it to that person where it is translated into tacit knowledge

Cognition: Apply tacit knowledge to a business problem

defined by Frappaolo, C. and W. Toms l

Important characteristics of the knowledge worker

learning ability – challenged by the increasing situations providing learning opportunities.

integrative competencies – the increase in available and accessible data and information requires capabilities to identify, assimilate, understand and act upon them.

critical thinking – ability to make sense of data and information, evaluate them, judge their accuracy and reliability.

information literacy – recognize when information is needed, and how to locate, evaluate, integrate, use and effectively communicate information.

learning how to learn – challenge to learn rapidly, continuously, flexibility to fulfil work responsibilities and maintain their employability.

KMS functionalitiesBasic functionalities of Knowledge Management System are to assure integrated Information Technologies Solutions in order to improve

Knowledge generation, Knowledge storage, Knowledge application Knowledge transfer

Knowledge management and e-learning systems interactions

Business Academia

KM E-learning

Organization Student

Information technologies

KM influence over e-learning

KM E-learning

KM influence over e-learning Demand-side KM Apply-side KM

Social dimension (people and process)

Individual learningGroup learningInnovation and IC

managementCommunities of inquiryThink thanksManagement planning

Training programsCommunities of practiceKnowledge captureStorytellingKM cultural initiativesOperations management

Technology dimension (IT)

Knowledge portalsInnovation management

tools

Information portalsIntranetsInformation managementWork product managementContent managementImagingGroupware

E-learning systems approach

combination of all four approaches to learning:

theory input;practical experience;application of theory; idea generation

E-learning influence over KM processes

KM E-learning

E-learning influence over KM processes

New organization* should have four main centres:

Operational centre Knowledge centre Learning centre Career management centre

(*the Intelligent Complex Adaptive Systems - ICAS)

Knowledge management and e-learning – common features

Explicitknowledge

Tacit knowledge

One person (Learner)

Organization(team members)

E-learning Systems

KMSCommon features

CollaborationHelp desk

Communication Project

developmentLOsCMS

Fig: KM and e-learning common features in context of explicite and tatic knowledge exchange

(adapted by Mertins, K., Heisig, P., Vorbek, J)

Knowledge management and e-learning – common features

KMS CMS LMS

VCTeam

VCLearners

Fig: KM and e-learning common features in context of explicit and tacit knowledge exchange

(adapted by Mertins, K., Heisig, P., Vorbek, J)

Practical implementation of technologies for

knowledge management – literature research

25% 23% 23%

18%

12% 10% 9% 9%6% 5% 5%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

Fig: Technologies for knowledge sharing

Conclusions

Common features of both e-learning and KM systems

Common functionalities and better integration for KMS and e-learning

Further research in the topic will prove the practical utilization of the proposed methodology, leading to new forms of Industry-academia cooperations

Future work

Future research efforts will be dedicated on better and more effective integration of knowledge management capabilities in e-learning delivery and powerful use of learning materials and activities in the process of knowledge manipulation and exchange in organizations and institution in order to provide organizational success and prosperity.

Thank you!