I recently read the discussion, and the associated comments, around KM education, which includes university courses (Masters programs), Certification programs, and Certificate programs.

This discussion is hosted by Art Schlussel in the CKO (Chief Knowledge Officer) forum in LinkedIn. It inspired me to elaborate on my thoughts concerning KM education. As I stated in my comments to Art, for any education to be effective it must be supported by practical application, including having experienced mentors work with participants who have recently completed any number of various KM training venues.

In the discussion, Art mentioned that a partnership between the US military and a well know accredited university would build a comprehensive KM training program is in its preliminary stages. However, the major issue is, what does or will this training consist of, taking into account the fact that the US military wants it to follow their KM Competency Model (see above).

I believe that the KM Training should have a holistic approach, which will cover the following:

• The basics, and differences between data, information, and knowledge.
• Establishing “your” definition of knowledge management.
• Developing/executing knowledge management strategy (including knowledge audits, knowledge mapping, KM process.)
• Identifying and addressing knowledge gaps (result from knowledge audit.)
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing (Communities of Practice.)
• Knowledge transfer planning (mentor protege, knowledge codification.)
• Collecting and applying knowledge management metrics.
• Identifying, planning, and executing KM projects/initiatives.
• Knowledge management tools (wikis, blogs, search, KM systems.)

While this is not an exhaustive list, the approach must include the planning, strategy, and processes applied for knowledge management as well as the software that will enable and support the execution of the KM program initiatives.

The Army’s KM Competency Model serves as a foundation to how the Army will approach KM and forms the basis of what KM will address from the Army’s perspective. The Army’s Enterprise KM Competency Model represents one holistic approach to institutionalizing KM.

I believe that a holistic approach to KM is where we must begin in our training as well as our execution of KM at our organizations.