A Methodology and a Toolkit that Integrate Technological, Organisational, and Human Factors to Design KM within Knowledge-Intensive Networks

Tomaso Forzi (Research Institute for Operations Management Aachen University of Technology, Germany)

Meikel Peters (Institute of Industrial Engineering and Ergonomics Aachen University of Technology, Germany)

Abstract: A well-functioning Knowledge Management is a competitive advantage for enterprises that act in co-operative and distributed networks with knowledge intensive production processes. A Knowledge Management approach that integrates both, hard factors (e.g. Information Technology) and soft factors (e.g., cultural aspects) for distributed and dynamic entrepreneurial (inter-organisational) networks is currently missing. This paper presents research findings of a project that is developing a methodology as well as an appropriate toolkit to support a service provider responsible for the KM within distributed entrepreneurial networks. The project integrates explicitly both new Information and Communication Technology driven organisational concepts, human-oriented approaches and existing KM methodologies and instruments.

Keywords: collaborative networks, inter-organizational networked businesses, knowledge management, knowledge networks

Categories: C.2.1, C.2.3, C.2.4, I.2.4, I.2.6