IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Information and Knowledge Management

INKM7312
MODULE OUTLINE 2018
(First Edition: 2017)

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part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
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without permission in writing from the proprietor.

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institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002).
Company registration number: 1987/004754/07.

© The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 2018 – Page 1 of 20

IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Using this Module Outline ....................................................................................................................... 4
This Module on Learn .............................................................................................................................. 5
Icons Used in this Document and on Learn ............................................................................................. 6
Module Purpose ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Module Outcomes................................................................................................................................... 8
Module Pacer ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Glossary of Key Terms for this Module.................................................................................................. 20

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Introduction

This module provides you with skills and knowledge relating to the use of latest technologies for
managing knowledge, electronic documents and records to meet the needs of individuals, work
groups and organisations. The module aims to build a general understanding of technologies for
managing personal and organisational structured and unstructured information and knowledge
and the methods of developing systems to handle it. You will study the business context,
requirements analysis techniques and implementation issues for electronic document
management, recordkeeping, content and other information and knowledge management
systems.

The use of knowledge-based systems, including decision support systems, group decision
support systems, expert systems and executive information systems within the functional
structure of the firm, are introduced. Decision support and expert systems will be discussed in
depth. For decision support systems, topics include analysis of decision criteria and modeling
techniques, and the system development process. For expert systems, you have the opportunity
to demonstrate a business application using a rule-based system. Discussion will also include
evaluation of existing software.

The module also addresses the importance of knowledge assets in gaining competitive
advantages and to study some guiding principles on how to effectively managing knowledge
assets. Some of the focuses in this modules are:
 Introducing various types of knowledge and addressing the issue of knowledge creation,
organisation, and dissemination.
 Investigating effective approaches to foster an organisational culture for knowledge
creation and sharing.
 Identifying the best practices and pitfalls of Knowledge Management implementation
and surveying KM tools/software
 Obtaining hand-on experience from analysing the KM needs and recommending
solutions to a regional organisation
.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Using this Module Outline

This module outline has been developed to support your learning. Please note that the content
of this module is on Learn as well as in the prescribed material. You will not succeed in this
module if you focus on this document alone.

 This document does not reflect all the content on Learn, the links to different resources,
nor the specific instructions for the group and individual activities.
 Your lecturer will decide when activities are available/open for submission and when these
submissions or contributions are due. Ensure that you take note of announcements made
during lectures and/or posted within Learn in this regard.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

This Module on Learn

Learn is an online space, designed to support and maximise your learning in an active manner.
Its main purpose is to guide and pace you through the module. In addition to the information
provided in this document, you will find the following when you access Learn:

 A Module Pacer;
 An assessment brief;
 A list of prescribed material;
 A variety of additional online resources (articles, videos, audio, interactive graphics, etc.)
in each learning unit that will further help to explain theoretical concepts;
 Critical questions to guide you through the module’s objectives;
 Collaborative and individual activities (all of which are gradable) with time-on-task
estimates to assist you in managing your time around these;
 Revision questions, or references to revision questions, after each learning unit.

Kindly note:
 Unless you are completing this as a distance module, Learn does not replace your
contact time with your lecturers and/or tutors.
 INKM7312 is a Learn module, and as such, you are required to engage extensively with
the content on the Learn platform. Effective use of this tool will provide you with
opportunities to discuss, debate, and consolidate your understanding of the content
presented in this module.
 You are expected to work through the learning units on Learn in your own time –
especially before class. Any contact sessions will therefore be used to raise and address
any questions or interesting points with your lecturer, and not to cover every aspect of
this module.
 Your lecturer will communicate submission dates for specific activities in class and/or on
Learn.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Icons Used in this Document and on Learn

The following icons are used in all your modules on Learn:

Icon Description

A list of what you should be able to do after working through the learning
unit.

Specific references to sections in the prescribed work.

Questions to help you recognise or think about theoretical concepts to be

covered.

Sections where you get to grapple with the content/theory. This is mainly
presented in the form of questions which focus your attention and are aimed
at helping you to understand the content better. You will be presented with
online resources to work through (in addition to the textbook or manual
references) and find some of the answers to the questions posed.

Opportunities to make connections between different chunks of theory in the

module or to real life.

Real life or world of work information or examples of application of theory,

using online resources for self-exploration.

You need to log onto Learn to:

 Access online resources such as articles, interactive graphics,
explanations, video clips, etc. which will assist you in mastering the
content; and
 View instructions and submit or post your contributions to individual or
group activities which are managed and tracked on Learn.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Module Resources
Prescribed Material (PM) for Becerra-Fernandez, I. and Sbherwal, R. 2015. Knowledge
this Module Management: Systems and Processes. 2nd Ed. Routledge:
New York. ISBN:978-0-7656-3915-8
Recommended Readings, Please note that a number of additional resources and links
Digital, and Web Resources to resources are provided throughout this module on the
Learn platform. You are encouraged to engage with these as
they will assist you in mastering the various objectives of
this module. They may also be useful resources for
completing any assignments. You will not, however, be
assessed under examination conditions on any additional or
recommended reading material.
Module Overview You will find an overview of this module on Learn under the
Module Information link in the Course Menu.
Assessments Find more information on this module’s assessments in this
document and on the Student Portal.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Module Purpose
The purpose of this module is to explore how information and knowledge is used to make
business decisions and then investigate systems used to manage information and knowledge
in the business.
Module Outcomes
Critically analyse organisational knowledge and information of an organisation.
MO1
Develop appropriate processes of information gathering to improve business
MO2
decision making.
Critically evaluate the ethical values, decisions and actions guiding the
MO3
management of information and knowledge in organisations.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Assessments
Integrated Curriculum Engagement (ICE)
Minimum number of ICE activities to complete 4
Weighting towards the final module mark 10%

Assignments/Projects Assignment 1
Weighting 25%
Duration 10 hours
Submit after LU3
Learning Units covered LU1 – LU3
Resources required Textbook, Articles and Online Search Engine

Tests/Examination Test 1 Examination

Weighting 30% 35%
Duration 1 hour 2 hours
Total marks 60 marks 120 marks
Open/ closed book Closed Closed
Resources required Textbook Textbook
Learning Units covered LU1 – LU2 ALL

Assessment Preparation Guidelines

Format of the Assessment Preparation Hints
(The Focus/Approach/Objectives) (How to Prepare, Resources to Use,
etc.)
Assignment Refer to the assignment for this Refer to the assignment for this
information. information.
Test Refer to the assessment brief for Refer to the assessment brief for
this information. this information.
Examination Refer to the assessment brief for Refer to the assessment brief for
this information. this information.

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Module Pacer
Code Programme Contact Sessions Credits
INKM7312 BCD3; BDM3; BDI3; BM3 46 18
INKM7312d BBA3d 48
INKM7312e BBA3e 36
INKM7312f BBA3f 52
INKM7312p BDM3p; BM3p 38
INKM7312w BBA3w; BM3w 12
Learning Unit 1 Introduction to Information and Knowledge Management

Overview:
In this learning unit, we look at the forces driving knowledge management and at knowledge
management systems. Then we will look at the issues facing knowledge management, the
perspectives used to view knowledge management, and describe some of the ways used to
characterise knowledge management. Finally, we look at some the various reservoirs or
locations where knowledge resides.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 4 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a part-time student, you will likely spend 3 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a distance student, you will likely complete this learning unit during the course of
Academic Week 1.

If you are a student on an IIE digital campus, you should complete this learning unit during
the course of Academic Week 1 and will likely spend 4 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1 and 2 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please also ensure that you complete the following activities on Learn:

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 1: Theme Breakdown

INKM7312 Theme 1: The concept of knowledge Prescribed Material (PM)
Sessions: management
1-4
INKM7312d LO1: Explain what knowledge Chapter 1
Sessions: management is in a given context
1-4 LO2: Discuss the forces driving knowledge
INKM7312e management in an organisation
Sessions: LO3: Discuss the role of IT in managing
1-3 and analysing organisational
INKM7312f knowledge and information
Sessions: LO4: Apply principles of knowledge
1-4 management in analysing and
INKM7312p evaluating organisational knowledge
Sessions: in different contexts
1-3
Academic Week:
1
Related
Outcomes:
MO001 Theme 2: The nature of knowledge Chapter 2
MO002 management
MO003 LO5: Distinguish between knowledge, data
and information using suitable
examples
LO6: Use the different perspectives and
views on knowledge when analysing
organisational knowledge
LO7: Explain the different types and
locations of knowledge in
organisations
LO8: Develop a knowledge management
infrastructure and architecture
LO9: Discuss the importance of managing
knowledge management
foundations in an organisation
LO10: Explain knowledge management
processes using suitable
organisational examples

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 2 Knowledge Management Foundations, Economies of Information

and Solutions

Overview:
In this learning unit, we will look at the key aspects of knowledge management and how to
implement knowledge management practices to the benefit of an organisation. The learning
unit will explore the concepts of knowledge management foundations and solutions and
discusses what is involved in organisational impacts of knowledge management.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 12 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a part-time student, you will likely spend 10 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a distance student, you will likely complete this learning unit during the course of
Academic Week 4.

If you are a student on an IIE digital campus, you should complete this learning unit during
the course of Academic Week 4 and will likely spend 12 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the following activities on Learn:

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 2: Theme Breakdown

INKM7312 Theme 1: Knowledge Management Prescribed Material (PM)
Sessions: Foundations
5-16
INKM7312d LO1: Develop a Knowledge Management Chapter 3
Sessions: infrastructure and architecture
5-16 LO2: Discuss the importance of managing
INKM7312e knowledge management
Sessions: foundations in an organisation
4-12 LO3: Explain knowledge management
INKM7312f processes using suitable
Sessions: organisational examples
5-17
INKM7312p
Sessions:
4-13
Academic Week:
2-4
Related Theme 2: Knowledge Management Chapter 4
Outcomes: Solutions
MO001 LO4: Explain how knowledge management
MO002 solutions can improve organisational
MO003 decision making
LO5: Explain the approaches to
implementing knowledge
management
LO6: Discuss internal and external
knowledge sources important for
organisational effectiveness
LO7: Develop a knowledge management
strategy to support business
strategy
Theme 3: Organisational impacts of Chapter 5
knowledge management
LO8: Discuss the value and impact of
people, processes and products in
organisational knowledge and
information practices

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 3 Knowledge organisation, systems, practices, and implementation

Overview:
In this learning, unit we look at knowledge management systems and technologies. First we
look at knowledge application systems. Knowledge application systems are typically enabled
by intelligent technologies, and in this learning unit we introduce the concept of artificial
intelligence (AI). Secondly, we look at systems to capture knowledge. Knowledge capture
systems are designed to help elicit and store knowledge, both tacit and explicit. We then look
at knowledge sharing systems. Knowledge sharing systems are designed to help users share
their knowledge, both tacit and explicit. Finally, we look at knowledge discovery systems.
Knowledge discovery systems support the development of new tacit or explicit knowledge
from data and information or from the synthesis of prior knowledge. Knowledge discovery
systems rely on mechanisms and technologies that can support the combination and the
socialisation processes.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 15 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a part-time student, you will likely spend 12 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a distance student, you will likely complete this learning unit during the course of
Academic Week 8.
If you are a student on an IIE digital campus, you should complete this learning unit during
the course of Academic Week 8 and will likely spend 16 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 3 and 4 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of
your prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives
for this learning unit, please complete the following activities on Learn:

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 3: Theme Breakdown

INKM7312 Theme 1: Knowledge application systems Prescribed Material (PM)
Sessions:
17-31
INKM7312d LO1: Explain how knowledge management Chapter 6
Sessions: systems can assist in a variety of
17-32 organisational problems
INKM7312e LO2: Select appropriate knowledge
Sessions: management systems in a given
13-24 organisational context
INKM7312f
Sessions:
18-35
INKM7312p
Sessions:
14-25
Academic Week:
5-8
Related Theme 2: Knowledge capture systems Chapter 7
Outcomes:
MO001 LO3: Explain the major roles and
MO002 responsibilities that come into play
MO003 during the knowledge capture,
discovery, application and
management
Theme 3: Knowledge sharing systems Chapter 8

LO5: Develop knowledge management

processes by designing systems for
appropriate organisational
knowledge and information
management
LO6: Discuss the barriers of different types
of knowledge systems
Theme 4: Knowledge discovery systems Chapter 9

LO7: Use systems and technologies to

discover, capture, share and apply
knowledge

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 4 Management and Tools of Knowledge Management

Overview:
In this learning unit, we will look at emergent knowledge management practices. In
particular, we focus in the discussion of social networks, how they facilitate knowledge
sharing, and how they benefit from communication technologies.

If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 4 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a part-time student, you will likely spend 3 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a distance student, you will likely complete this learning unit during the course of
Academic Week 9.
If you are a student on an IIE digital campus, you should complete this learning unit during
the course of Academic Week 9 and will likely spend 4 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Theme 1 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the following activities on Learn:

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 4: Theme Breakdown

INKM7312 Theme 1: Emergent knowledge Prescribed Material (PM)
Sessions: management practices
32-35 LO1: Explain the framework for study of Chapter 10
INKM7312d knowledge management tools
Sessions: LO2: Distinguish between different tools
33-36 for managing knowledge
INKM7312e LO3: Select and evaluate knowledge
Sessions: management tools
25-27 LO4: Apply knowledge tools for content
INKM7312f organisation and management
Sessions:
36-39
INKM7312p
Sessions:
26-28
Academic Week:
9
Related
Outcomes:
MO001
MO002
MO003

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 5 Knowledge Issues, Trends, Assessments and Evaluation for

Organisations

Overview:
This learning unit looks at the contingency view of knowledge management, which argues
that there are various knowledge management solutions that may have different impacts on
performance depending on the circumstances, and we examine the key factors affecting the
suitability of these solutions. We then look at leadership in organisations, which is important
because if knowledge management does not permeate all levels of an organisation,
beginning at the top, it is unlikely that the knowledge management programs will ever catch
on or be effective. Assessment of knowledge management solutions involves evaluating the
extent to which knowledge discovery, capture, sharing, and application processes are utilised
and how well they are supported by knowledge management technologies and systems.

We will look at the various factors that influence knowledge management, leadership and
assessment of knowledge management, as well as the path that knowledge management is
on as we progress into the future.
If you are a contact student, you will likely spend 11 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a part-time student, you will likely spend 10 sessions on this learning unit.
If you are a distance student, you will likely complete this learning unit during the course of
Academic Week 12.
If you are a student on an IIE digital campus, you should complete this learning unit during
the course of Academic Week 12 and will likely spend 12 sessions on this learning unit.

Please work through Themes 1, 2 and 3 on Learn, together with the relevant sections of your
prescribed source/s. To ensure that you are working towards mastering the objectives for
this learning unit, please complete the following activities on Learn:

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Learning Unit 5: Theme Breakdown

INKM7312 Theme 1: Factors influencing knowledge Prescribed Material (PM)
Sessions: management
36-46
INKM7312d LO1: Discuss issues and challenges for Chapter 11
Sessions: knowledge economies and
37-48 enterprises
INKM7312e LO2: Determine the value of knowledge
Sessions: and innovation
28-36 LO3: Explain the fundamentals of
INKM7312f intellectual property including
Sessions: protection and exploitation
40-52 LO4: Describe intellectual capital
INKM7312p measurement models
Sessions:
29-38
Academic Week:
10-12
Related Theme 2: Leadership and assessment of Chapter 12
Outcomes: knowledge management
MO001 LO5: Discuss the challenges for leadership
MO002 in knowledge management
MO003 LO6: Explain the importance of
organisational leadership in managing
knowledge management initiatives
LO7: Explain how knowledge is assessed
and audited

Theme 3: Future of knowledge Chapter 13

management
LO8: Apply different types of knowledge
management assessment

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IIE Learn Module Outline INKM7312

Glossary of Key Terms for this Module

Refer to page 331 from the prescribed Textbook for the glossary of terms for this module

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