7KML Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning

Organisational learning is arguably one of the critical processes that affect the success or failure of an organisation, for instance, in attaining competitive advantage. The efficiency and effectiveness of organisational learning significantly influence the performance outcomes of the organisation.

As such, exceptional attention needs to be accorded to examining and improving organisational learning.  It can be done through mechanisms and techniques associated with knowledge management. Learning and knowledge are intertwined, with the former being a necessary condition for the creation of the latter. Hence, there is an established link between these two concepts.

What is the Purpose of the Module?

The unit explores the connection between learning and knowledge and developing a critical understanding of the concepts of knowledge management. It also explores organisational learning and associated with designing and implementing knowledge management strategies that support organisational learning.

Also, the unit explores the implications for professional practices while requiring the learners to reflect critically on theory and practice from a professional and ethical viewpoint. It provides opportunities for applied learning as well as continuous professional development.

Who is Suitable for this Module?

Those who are suited for this unit:

• Have responsibility for the HR functional management role who are seeking to enhance and develop their career.
• Have an HR career and CIPD professional membership ambitions.
• Have HR responsibility for decision making within the organisation’s operational, strategic and tactical level.
• Have duties for the HR function and activities within an organisation minus a specialist function.
• Are independent or employed consultant who works and support organisations in achieving their goals and objectives.
• Have an HR career and CIPD professional ambitions.

What are the learning Outcomes for this Module?

On completion of this unit, learners should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the meaning associated with the concepts of knowledge management and organisational learning and related theories.
• Scrutinise and critique various applications of different concepts in organisational practices.
• Design and develop organisation-based knowledge management strategies and programmes that enhance, facilitate and exploit progress of organisational learning. All these must take into account a wide variety of contextual factors.
• Manage the execution of knowledge management strategies and processes to support and facilitate organisational learning. This is done with the engagement and support of other professionals and managers.
• Act ethically and professionally with a demonstration of commitment to equality of opportunities and diversity. Also, they have to continue with personal and professional development.

What is the Assessment Criteria of the Module?

The assessment of this module is done in two different ways. First, at least 50% of the learning outcomes are assessed through summative assessment. The other 50% of the learning outcome is assessed through teaching, learning and formative assessment activities. These activities include the following;

• Exams
• Case studies
• Assignments
• Projects
• Reports
• Integrated work activities
• Time constrained tests
• Viva Voce

Additionally, a competency-based assessment may be used in various approved centres for this method. However, the assessors for this assessment method must be occupationally competent.

These centres are free to choose their assessment activities from the CIPD Assessment Bank or formulate their own. In case the centres create their own assessment activities, the activities must be approved by CIPD before use.