(125a) Benchmarking Best Practices in Integrating Knowledge Management and Organizational Learning

For years, organizations have been pouring money into both knowledge management and learning and development programs to help employees tap into the knowledge resources of the institution. Unfortunately, this dual focus has often resulted in a confusing array of overlapping knowledge sources. How do employees know where the best knowledge is? When faced with a problem or issue at work, employees need answers or expertise - whether they come from communities of practice (CoPs), learning management systems (LMS), expertise locator systems, best practice repositories, training courses, online learning, or mentors. In an era where more time is spent learning on the job rather than in formal training, integrating KM and learning allows people to learn what they need, when they need it.

This presentation will highlight the recent findings from APQCs 16th best practice consortium research study on knowledge management. It will highlight how five best practice organizations (IBM, Accenture, Turner Construction, Aerotek, and Defense Acquisition University) have integrated knowledge and learning into their business strategies to improve individual and organizational performance. The presentation will focus on the roles of leadership, an integration strategy, strong partnerships among business and service providers, effective technology enablers, and measurement on the integration path.