KM strategy

I recently completed the KM strategy for Board review. Since I haven't quite figured out how to link files to my blog, I'm just posting meat of the action items below.

From the KM strategy document

The KM strategy involves linking people, processes, and technology to achieve KM goals. The approach considers the need for short-term, visible improvements while at the same time developing the business infrastructure and culture to ensure long-term growth and success. A phased approach for implementation is presented below.

Phase 1 (2004) – Getting started – In 2004, the KM program started moving forward in earnest. The main objective was to begin focusing the Foundation’s culture on KM and to design and implement the business infrastructure. The following activities were accomplished:

Short-term/visible activities
- Developed processes for and provided information on ongoing research projects via the Web
- Started internal collaboration between RM and TT to identify “hot topics”

Long-term/infrastructure activities
- Designed the content management system (CMS) and prepared system cost estimates and requirements for BOT consideration
- Raised staff awareness of the needs for KM
- Developed KM strategy


Phase 2 (2005) – Managing content - In 2005, the main focus will be on structuring AwwaRF’s content. Details on 2005 activities have been reviewed and approved by the BOT ad-hoc committee. These include:

Short-term/visible activities
- Make all final reports available electronically via the Web
- Migrate paper files to electronic files (complete the knowledge base)
- Continue internal collaboration on “hot topics”
- Implement advanced search features on the Web site
- Begin using templates, workflows, and collaborative tools

Long-term/infrastructure activities
- Implement the CMS and basic functionality
- Continue to raise awareness of staff
- Develop strategy for adding value to content

Phase 3 (2006) – Adding value to content - In 2006, the emphasis will shift to transforming information into more knowledge-based products. Examples could include expanding the Featured Topic section of the Web site, providing an expert forum, improving researcher/subscriber collaboration through communities of practice, synthesis documents, etc. A detailed strategy will be provided to the ad-hoc BOT committee in the fall of 2005 that outlines options.

Also in 2006, there will be an increased use of CMS functionality that includes the use of automation of processes (i.e., workflow), further use of templates for more consistency of content generation, and use of collaboration tools. An online proposal submission process will be launched in 2006.

Phase 4 (2007+) – Provide customized content to subscribers and other stakeholder. In this phase, the Foundation could begin to offer more personalized, custom information for subscribers.