photo credit: Markusram

Knowledge Management can sometimes seem like a difficult term to define. There are several different approaches to the topic which cause the confusion. One definition is a range of systematic processes and practices used by a business to manage the knowledge in an organisation,  distributing that knowledge and helping with the adoption of insights and experiences. It is interest of businesses to stop people re-inventing the wheel all the time.

Another problem is the definition of Knowledge. It can be facts, ideas, opinions, principles, theories and frameworks. Knowledge can also be something that people aren’t aware of but exist in the common knowledge of a subject.

One thing that is clear is that Knowledge management is a technological solution or a manual. It is centred around the complete processes of finding where knowledge is currently hidden, capturing the information and helping spread it to everyone who needs it.

The term Knowledge Management seems to have started being used around 1991. In 1999, the term personal knowledge management appeared to express the systems and processes that solo individual can use for their benefit. With the increasing computer power of mobile devices, personal knowledge management processes and application will be come more widespread.