Course Work

KM 610, The Information and Knowledge Professional
in the Information World

This course provides an introduction to Knowledge Management (KM) as practiced today. Real-world situations will be used wherever practical. The topics covered will include: KM Uses and Challenges, History of KM, KM Components, KM Collaboration Techniques, KM Benefits and Success Measurements, and the Capture, Preservation and Use of Explicit Knowledge. Students will be organized into virtual teams to accomplish several tasks. Weekly chats will be held and regular electronic interaction with the instructor, the teams and the class will enable a enriching group experience. The culminating class effort will be the design of a successful KM system using the material covered in the course.

KM 611, Policy, Law, and Economics of Knowledge Management

How can you manage the collection, storage and effective use of information? The legal and economic environment governing the acquisition and use of data is essential knowledge for any manager. Learn how to identify the key issues affecting the acquisition and use of information. The course will outline the legal rules governing intellectual property and the use of information along with ethical and public policy aspects of managing knowledge. You'll develop your abilities to identify and analyze issues while improving your research and communication skills and you'll have access to the premier databases of legal, economic and scholarly information. This course will give you the foundation you need to work with service providers, experts, clients and the public.

KM 620, Information Organization in the Knowledge Management Environment

Studies the constitution, structure and form of information and knowledge, including traditional principles of information and knowledge organization as well as special metadata standards for non-traditional materials, data mining, storage and retrieval, formats, strategies and software. All media types will be covered, including audio, video, electronic and print.

KM 630, Information Needs and Learning for Knowledge Workers

Designed from the point-of-view of the practitioner, this course will explore what is required to be viewed as a strategic partner in creating a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and created. The course will offer knowledge managers the tools, concepts, principles, and techniques needed to create a learning organization. We will discuss the potential roadblocks and unintended consequences of designing and implementing a knowledge management strategy within an organization, and what the organization can learn along the way. We’ll also explore the theoretical and practical sides of knowledge and how its creation, access, and protection is critical to an organization’s success and longevity. In addition we will discuss adult learning theory and how to structure learning such that it sticks and has impact.

KM 631, Management of Information and Knowledge Services

This course, which is one of the last in the program, builds on what you have learned in your previous courses, helping you develop the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective leader and manager in a knowledge-based organization. Emphasis will be placed on aligning with corporate strategy, business planning, leading and motivating staff, developing and using metrics, delivering quality products through effective project management and managing in times of change. And of course, you will use and apply knowledge management tools and techniques to help you do your job more effectively.

KM 632: The Knowledge Management Business

This course will provide a practical hands-on approach to setting up your KM business or KM internal consulting practice. We will discuss the value, creation and execution of a knowledge management business (such as an internal knowledge management team in an organizational department, or an external, commercial KM business). Students will acquire, practice and demonstrate the skills necessary to start up a KM practice, determine the knowledge management needs of organizations, and develop and implement a successful KM program as a service to internal or external clients. Emphasis is placed on practical methods and the importance of culture and behavior in delivering meaningful business results. This course also addresses at a high level the structural and legal issues relating to business formation. Through case studies, business development exercises, and the exploration of potential service offerings, you will be able to develop your unique KM business model.

KM 633, Communication in the Knowledge Environment

This course explores the fundamentals of effective communication in knowledge environments, particularly in organizational settings. The curriculum examines collaboration, teambuilding, leadership, knowledge transfer, information overload, organizational culture and storytelling and provides an overview of communication networks to enable students to gain skills in the transfer of knowledge. Students will gain expertise in how information and knowledge flow in the organizational context and an understanding of the dynamics involved in creating, changing, and managing the sharing of knowledge.

KM 641, Information Access and Online Searching

Explores the principles of information retrieval and introduces key sources for information navigation and display concepts. Explains search strategies and skills for using both print and electronic sources, including algorithms for retrieval and mediated searching.

KM 642, Knowledge Management

This course continues the introduction to Knowledge Management (KM) following KM 610. The topics covered will include: KM Uses and Challenges, KM in Systems Thinking perspective, Role of KM in organization, Development of KM programs, Tacit Knowledge Transfer Techniques, and Relationship between KM with Innovation. Students will be organized into virtual teams to accomplish several tasks. The culminating class effort will be the improvement of KM system developed in KM610, using the material covered in the course.

KM 643, Competitive Intelligence

This course presents both theoretical and practical coverage of the relationship between knowledge management and competitive intelligence (CI) and builds foundational skills for enhancing intelligence and competitiveness through KM. Topics and issues we will explore include KM functions and purposes throughout the intelligence business process, KM practices for key intelligence models, KM in strategic and tactical intelligence support, as well as tools, ethics, cultures, management, and other key considerations. Course content also encompasses protecting an organization’s knowledge assets from vulnerabilities and threats from competition. Students will develop vital understanding and skills in KM and CI through lectures, readings, case studies, practical exercises, and class discussions. Within the focus of the course, students will have the opportunity to explore issues of individual professional interest and/or related to their current/recent work environments.

KM 650, Knowledge Management Technologies

Introduces the conceptual and practical elements for enabling Knowledge Management practices with technologies. This is not an IT course nor is it focused on information technology, but rather a course that helps Knowledge Management leaders understand what technology tools are available and how to select and apply specific technology tools to the practice of knowledge acquisition, organization, dissemination and collaboration. During KM 650 you will also become familiar with the capability and processes of “digital story telling” as a means of tacit knowledge transfer and professional development.

KM 690, Capstone Experience

This course focuses on professional and career development for the new knowledge management professional. As part of the course, students will create a portfolio that includes a major project and report, a career plan, and a professional resume. The project may be undertaken in cooperation with a KM-related organizational unit.