Knowledge Management
Instructions:
Utilizing the unit lessons, textbook, CSU Online Library, and other outside sources, write a two-page (not including title and reference pages) Research Paper identifying the key components of information systems management discussed throughout this course.
Provide a description of an organization you are familiar with (possibly a company you have worked for in the past or are currently working for) and describe briefly what services they contribute. Then, select three out of the six questions below, and provide detailed answers, supporting those answers by referencing any sources used. Be sure to use examples from your research to strengthen your argument as needed.
What personal knowledge management tools does this organization utilize? What steps has this organization taken in securing their information and knowledge? What has this organization done to gain and sustain an advantage over their competitors? Describe in detail how this organization manages the components of its IT infrastructure. In what ways does the organization demonstrate successful collaboration? Identify at least two types of hardware and two types of software used by this organization.
APA rules for formatting, quoting, paraphrasing, citing, and listing of sources are to be followed.
Solution
Knowledge Management
Coca-Cola Company flourished because of the tacit knowledge of the workers. The concept of knowledge management of the company has an enshrouded relationship with the collaboration in the company. The workers in the company can communicate using the company network in different countries. This communication and collaboration help the manager determine the information needed to foster satisfaction of the customers and have a perfect working. Knowledge management serves as a guide in this company where strength and weakness of the company in some area are noted. It serves as a basis where company assesses information to expand the company. Researchers attach more emphasize on knowledge content than investing more on technology however in Coca-Cola Company, knowledge management is attached to the advancement of information by the use of intranets, web casting and video conferencing. The use of tacit knowledge has made employee become more innovative and the company has diverse products. The tacit knowledge in the company involves the maximum use of ideas and knowledge which is found in the employees. Another knowledge management adopted by the company is the inter-personal relationship. This approach helps the company have coordinated tacit knowledge. The inter-personal relation gives the employees a chance to make the decision on the kind of technology to use (Mahjoub, 2914).
Securing Information
Other key knowledge management in this company include decentralization in which the managers of various location are given responsibility are result driven. The company has a culture of adopting local management as aspect which gives the company adaption to the local condition. The knowledge basis of the company is based on the principle that people close to the problem have the best solution. This basis gives the company limited formal knowledge management. Managers of the company believe developing knowledge has given the company an edge in the market.
To secure the information by the company various measures have been put in place by the company. The steps taken by the company include restricted access to the place where the information about the company is stored. The first time the company published its recipe was in 1919. In 1925, the Coca Cola Company deposited the formula in Trust Company Bank where it was retained till 2011 when the company moved it to Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta. Another strategy adopted by the company to secure information is by the limiting the number of people with the vital information. The company has signed of confidential agreements. This agreement is important in trade secret strategy. In 2006, some employee tried to sell the company secret to Pepsi Company but was denounced. In addition to the above strategy, the Coca-Cola Company has persistence of trade secret (AoC, 2014).
Competition
Coca-Cola
Company has many rivals in the market these competitors include Pepsi Company. However,
the company has been able to beat the competitors in the market by the adoption
of unique strategies. The company products are seen as a brand and less as a
beverage. This brand has made the company have the dominant share in the market
and has given the company loyal customers who seem unwilling to change the
brand. The company has managed to survive the market due to the innovative
skills adopted. The introduction of new designs of the bottles and customized
name on the labels have made the company get enough loyalties. Finally, the
company has a wide distribution network that covers over 200 countries. This
mass production, market share, and economy of scale make the company have an
edge over new players in the market (Hitt, Ireland, & Hoskisson,
2006).
References
AoC. (2014, October 14). Coca-Cola or how to keep a trade secret. Retrieved July 3, 2017, from Act of Cotec: https://www.actbycotec.com/en/media.104/articles.168/coca-cola_or_how_to_keep_a_trade_secret.a531.html
Hitt, M., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. (2006). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Cengage Learning. Retrieved July 3, 2017, from https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=gZ60WQm54CoC&dq=how+coca+cola+has+sustained+competitiion&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Mahjoub, R. K. (2914). Knowledge Management. ASEE Zone 1 2014 Conference (pp. 1-5). Bridgpeort, CT, USA: University of Bridgeport. Retrieved July 3, 2017, from http://www.asee.org/documents/zones/zone1/2014/Student/PDFs/179.pdf
