KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Knowledge Management in Human Resource Management



Application of Knowledge in Human Resource Management

Introduction

American Management Systems, Inc. was founded by five individuals initially working together in the 1960's for the Department of Defense under the auspices of Secretary Robert McNamara. They are Ivan Selin, Charles, Rossotti, Patrick Gross, Jan Lodal and Frank Nicolai. They are highly educated with 23 years of post-graduate education among them. These young analysts conceptualized and designed software that will improve decision-making in national defense expenditures.

There are three major challenges facing the company and they include knowledge management strategies, human resources and the company's Lifecycle Productivity System (LPS). SWOT Analysis is used to determine significant internal and external factors that influence the direction of the company. Two alternative solutions are presented to improve the company's performance. They are: resolution which knowledge management strategy will be retained by the company and improving recruitment and training strategies.

Today, it is not enough that the company has been in the business longer than anyone. What is more important is the ability of the company to stay abreast with the times. AMS is one of the pioneering companies in the field of information management. Their vast experience throughout the years may prove invaluable. But there is a need to re-evaluate their business strategies to meet the standards of today's demanding market.

Situation Background - "AS-IS"

American Management Systems, Inc. was founded by five individuals initially working together in the 1960's for the Department of Defense under the auspices of Secretary Robert McNamara. They are Ivan Selin, Charles, Rossotti, Patrick Gross, Jan Lodal and Frank Nicolai. They are highly educated with 23 years of post-graduate education among them. These young analysts conceptualized and designed software that will improve decision-making in national defense expenditures.

The AMS initially had five major clients: Boise Cascade Corporation; the New York City Health and Hospital Corporation; the Norton Company; the State of Illinois; and the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare. The AMS hired 20 managers in its first year and earned a profit of $4,223.00. The firm was focused on serving companies in information management. By the end of 1970's, it was the nation's largest 40th company. Its revenues rose from $58,000M in 1980 to $225,000M in 1989. The company has developed a client base ranging form government to private organizations requiring their services. About 29% of their contracts come from the government particularly in defense.

The Knowledge Centers was established in 1995 as part of the strategic plan to improve the services of AMS. Initially, AMS offered services provide highly standardized products and services. Hansen et al (1999) appropriately described that companies performing similar services as AMS use "Knowledge Objects" are general pieces of knowledge extracted and stored in an electronic repository. However, as more innovations are introduced in business operations, it became apparent that AMS has to consider customizing their services specific to the needs of their client. As the projects coming into AMS are becoming increasingly complex and large scale, there is ...