EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion Knowledge Management -you what??

Is anyone else involved in this? I am the Team Knowledge Officer for our department, and am interested in how engineers keep up to date? what methods do you use? are there any resources that you find helpful? or is it a case of I wont admit what I dont know and then go gophering behind the scenes ( no sarcasm intended- it happens!). I would really appreciate some insight as I would like to offer to my department the opportunity to have someone who can scan for relevant documents/ info/courses etc and make that info available on a regular basis. I can forsee some disbelief as I post this, but personally, like nurses, everyone has/should keep abreast of developments in their field and this initiative is one aimed at aiding the workforce in this area.Any ideas, suggestions? Please keep it relatively sarcasm free :[pleaaassseeee - I would be very grateful for the feedback!

In a word ... the Internet.


Why is that, I wonder? The kind of thing you mention (someone keeping abreast of current events involving a particular area - or group of areas - of interest, and issuing a regular [daily, typically] "briefing" to a list of subscribers) is already well established. Those subscribers are usually busy people (the "movers and shakers") who simply do not have enough time to scan the media every day themselves.

you are the knowledge information officer, are you not ?? "no sarcasm intended" Training courses through vendors, internal & external. Talking with vendors regarding their latest products.

... that was meant for JoLee, presumably, Neil.

On the 'net - I believe the term is Information Architect.

Yes Geoff, that was meant for Jolee

Probably. Yet another misuse of the word "Architect" (just as "Database Architect" surely must be). What's wrong with terms like:- "Researcher", or "Information Gatherer" ... "Gleaner", even?

Meanwhile, I believe that the daily briefings I referred to may be known as "lists". Fair enough. And that they usually get limited to just a page worth of bumf. That's probably as much as the "movers and shakers" (M&S?) have time (or, even, the ability) to absorb. Think bullet points and web-links.

Isn't this a bit like a training coordinator?
In our department we identify our own training needs and organise places on courses ourselves (after getting the ok from management). Obviously we work as a team and if we come across a course that is beneficial to us all we organise who goes on the course between ourselves. Usually we will arrange places on future courses for those who did not go on the course first time round. I know some departments have one person who arranges training courses I'm not sure that I'd have the time (or inclination) to be running around for everyone else.

It should be up to every individual (especially now we are heading towards registration) to keep abreast of courses and latest practices and then report them to their 'team knowledge officer'once obtained.

The main issues that may need addressing in the coming year, should in theory be covered at the individuals pdp / appraisal and every resource should be made available inorder for them to be achieved.

The individuals team leader needs to ensure their team members are trained adequately in order to meet legislation.

JohnBhoy as hit the nail on the head, it should be covered at your annual appraisal.
If you don't ask you won't get!!!