The aims of this module are to:

Provide students with the concepts and principles relevant to the process of knowledge management;

Introduce to the student current issues concerning knowledge management and its application within contemporary business and the concept of a learning organisation;

Provide students with a solid theoretical understanding of key issues relating to learning organisations;

Enable students to apply theory to case studies and to consider examples of learning organisations around the world;

Support the development of subject specific and transferable skills necessary for future employment in careers that ultimately have a managerial component;

Support the enhancement of skills in written and spoken communication.

(LO1) Students will demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role, value and function of knowledge management theory and the concept of a learning organisation;

(LO2) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the underlying theories supporting knowledge management and how this is manifested within organisations across different sectors;

(LO3) Students will demonstrate criticality and a depth of analysis across the multiple aspects of knowledge management within a learning organisation;

(LO4) Students will understand the criteria for an organisation to be regarded as an effective learning organisation;

(LO5) Students will demonstrate an ability to critically analyse case studies covering knowledge management in organisations in different sectors in a global market;

(LO6) Students will learn to work and understand the limitations of operating with complex processes and the challenge of designing iterative procedures in a learning organisation.

(S1) Self motivation. Developed through individual research of theory and case studies.

(S2) Organisational skills. Developed through preparation of research material.

(S3) Critical analysis. Developed in lectures.

(S4) International awareness. Developed through analysis and understanding of international case studies throughout the module.

(S5) Commercial awareness. Developed through analysis of case studies throughout the module.

(S6) IT skills. Developed through researching library databases for company information, WP, using AV equipment.

(S7) Problem solving skills. Students will develop the ability to understand complex issues.

(S8) Lifelong learning skills. Students will develop research skills; ability to research organisations; find, organise and analyse relevant information; apply theory to real-life situations.

(S9) Ethical awareness. Developed through understanding case studies from a wide range of sectors.

(S10) Communication skills. Developed through report writing.

Lectures x 28 hours
Some of the module will be delivered in a traditional lecture format but some of the lecture slots will consist of interactive activities in which students will be expected to participate, comment and discuss case studies they have been given in advance and the application of theory to current organisations.

Lectures x 12 hours (unscheduled, i.e. time spent away from the timetabled sessions but directed by the teaching staff)
There will be weekly activities and pre-recorded lecture sessions on Vital to establish a base knowledge for the formal lecture.

Self-directed learning x 110 hours
Self-directed learning hours will be used to develop understanding of case studies and to prepare for discussions on material delivered through Vital and in previous lecture sessions.

To include:

The origins of knowledge management. To consider structural transformation that includes: industrial changes and new modes of consumption;

What is knowledge management? Considering aspects such as knowledge services, the creation of knowledge within the organisation, the management of external knowledge, and the knowledge 'architecture', ie models of knowledge management;

Why knowledge management is important and how it creates a learning organisation through the experience of its customers or service users;

Organisational capabilities and knowledge management; specifically to consider culture and attitudes, skills sets, technology (including e-commerce) and communities of practice;

The challenges of management of knowledge; economic, political, social and technological threats and opportunities that are or will impact on knowledge management and the ability of an organisation to learn from both success and from mistakes;

Rea ding lists will be provided for each topic and students will be expected to undertake extensive individual research both into academic literature and individual case studies, which will include exploiting library databases and resources. Supplementary materials will be posted onto VITAL and students will be expected to prepare for seminar sessions as well as participate in discussion boards on VITAL where appropriate.