One of the most significant and most rewarding projects I have worked on in my career was helping create the foundation for Fluke Networks to become a knowledge organization. This project allowed me to utilize research skills and knowledge modeling methodology. I analyzed the audience, prepared an initial proposal, mapped the solution and prepared a final report. I used Adobe FrameMaker to layout the proposal and report using a template I created myself. Additionally, I developed original graphic illustrations using Adobe Illustrator, Macromedia Fireworks and Ulead PhotoImpact.
The deliverables for the project included an e-newsletter, which improved communication significantly in the organization, and a knowledge map, which was created by collecting and taking inventory of the already existing knowledge within the organization. The map was created using an open source mind mapping utility called FreeMind. The map is being utilized to grow Fluke Networks into a more mature knowledge organization.
Collaboration with the project sponsor allowed me to tie the knowledge management initiative to the strategic goals of the organization. Seminars on organizational behavior and organizational development and diagnosis provided me with a useful background for understanding strategic development and organizational change Thus, I was able to ensure that the project met Fluke Network's strategic goals and that organizational changes were communicated to management and employees at every milestone.
I learned a great deal about knowledge management, about my organization and about myself. Ultimately, I realized that the most difficult part about changing an organization is actually making it happen and that knowledge management is about individuals within an organization interacting with each other to share and create knowledge. Knowledge management is about the people, about interaction and about communication.
The presentation slides for the final project don't provide the complete story of my presentation because I did not rely upon the slides to convey the content of my presentation as you typically see with slide presentations. Instead, I used the slides as aids to expand on points I wanted to make. I found this method liberating and a much easier way of conducting a presentation.
