Course Resources Archive

Organisational learning is argued to be a critical process affecting the success or otherwise of organisations. Therefore attention needs to be given to examining and improving organisational learning. This is often achieved through mechanisms and techniques associated with knowledge management. Learning and knowledge are intertwined, as the former is a necessary condition for the creation of the latter. This module will explore that connection to develop a critical understanding of the concepts of knowledge management and of organisational learning and associated theories and the personal and professional skills associated with designing and implementing knowledge management strategies that promote organisational learning.  The module explores the implications for professional and ethical practices.

1.   Definitions of knowledge and knowledge management, meanings and theories of organisational learning and related critiques; connections and relationships between the two concepts; critical appraisals of the possibilities and limitations of ‘managing’ organisational learning and knowledge.

2.   The links between organisational structures, cultures, strategies and learning; processes of organisational learning and knowledge creation; patterns of communication and influence in organisations; the notions of learning climate and learning environments in organisations; links between organisational learning/knowledge management and processes of managerial control and HR practices; the notion of the learning organisation and associated critiques.

3.   Identifying and specifying critical contextual factors; assessing and analysing the role and impact of contextual factors; the nature and content of knowledge management policies and strategies; connecting knowledge management strategies to processes of planned and unplanned, formal and informal organisational learning; learning through, at and near work; the notions of creativity and innovation and their role in knowledge management; identifying the role and contribution of knowledge management policies, strategies and programmes in performance improvement in a range of contexts.

4.   Securing and managing necessary resources; working collaboratively and effectively with others; the notion of stakeholders and its application in building support and commitment; mechanisms for knowledge capture, storage, dissemination and sharing; methods and techniques to promote and facilitate organisational learning; monitoring and evaluating knowledge management strategies.

5.   Definitions and understandings of ethics including philosophical bases; the similarities and differences of notions of equality and diversity; notions of professionalism and professional practice; implications for and applications in knowledge management; rationales for and processes of continuing professional development (CPD); a range of CPD methods.

On completion of this module, learners will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the meanings attached to the concepts of knowledge management and organisational learning and associated theories.
2. Analyse and critique a range of applications of the concepts in organisational practices.
3. Design and develop organisation-based knowledge management strategies and programmes that promote, facilitate and exploit processes of organisational learning, taking account of a range of contextual factors.
4. Manage the implementation of knowledge management strategies and processes to support and facilitate organisational learning with the engagement and support of other professionals and managers.
5. Act ethically and professionally with a demonstrated commitment to equality of opportunity and diversity and to continuous personal and professional development

Work Based Learning delivery students will devise an agreed work plan with their Advisor to meet their individual learning needs to achieve the module learning outcomes

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.