Guide to Case Studies on Knowledge Management

Knowledge management case studies may be some of your best sources of information on the benefits, and challenges, of implementing a knowledge management system at your company. Knowledge management is a growing trend, as more companies realize that their intellectual resources are just as valuable as their financial assets.

But what does knowledge management include? How can it help a company? And what's the best way to implement it? These are all questions that case studies on knowledge management can help you answer.

Through knowledge management case analysis, you can learn:

1. What a knowledge management system must include
2. How long it takes to implement a knowledge management system
3. How to educate your employees about knowledge management issues
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use knowledge management analysis to discover the benefits of knowledge management

You may have heard about the benefits of a knowledge management system, but aren't sure how they apply to your company. Or maybe you need to hear from people who have used something before you feel comfortable investing the time, energy and resources to implement it at your own organization. Knowledge management studies outline how some companies have saved money or increased sales through their knowledge management systems.

I recommend: The Knowledge Management Resource Center features information on knowledge management case studies and success stories, including studies from well-known organizations like Frito-Lay and Tufts University School of Medicine. Visit their bookstore to build a knowledge management library for your business. Step Two Designs features vendor-neutral case studies on its site. sorted by business category.

Identify knowledge management issues and challenges through case studies

Cases in knowledge management are the next best thing to witnessing what it takes to successfully adopt a knowledge management system. A knowledge management case study takes a comprehensive look at the process, not just the positive final outcome. By reading about the challenges other companies encountered, or the mistakes they made, you can prevent the pitfalls they experienced. Conversely, by reading about how they solved these same challenges, you can put this insight to work at your company.

I recommend: Macroinnovation Associates features case studies and white papers on knowledge management on its website, which form the basis of their knowledge management workshops and consulting services. Check out the knowledge management resources and links section at KMCI's website and then attend one of their workshops to learn how to apply the concepts you discover in case studies.

Research how knowledge management applies to your industry through cases in knowledge management

Knowledge management cases give you an inside look not just at the general principles of knowledge management, but how they apply to specific industries. At knowledge management websites, you can find studies covering everything from the oil and gas industry to healthcare. This industry-specific information can help you make a more informed choice about if knowledge management is right for your company, and how it might impact your specific business.

I recommend: Providers Edge features case studies for major companies like Whirlpool and Xerox. Check out their links to knowledge management events for opportunities to discuss case studies and new practices with others in your business sector. CIO Insight features business management case studies, including information about knowledge management case studies, on its site.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Read as wide a variety of knowledge management studies as you can. In addition to those that apply to your specific type of business, seek out studies that cover other industries or issues; this will give you a broader understanding of knowledge management practices.

The official source of Case Studies on Knowledge Management is
the Case Studies on Knowledge Management page at Business.com