MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & INFORMATION

HNBS 116: Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information



Table of Contents

Objectives of Report4

The Existing Processes of Communication at DXB5

Assessment of Internal Collaboration Processes6

Recommended Communication Process or Strategy for DXB6

Personal Communication Plan6

Rationale for choices8

Personal Plan to Improve own Communication Skills8

Issues in Current Information Systems11

Information Exchange Problems from Differing Operating Systems in America and London11

Structured Nature of Information and Accessibility Limited to Higer Managers11

Lack of Accesstiing12

How ERP and KMS can help DBX12

Recommendation of Appropriate Changes14

Adequacy of Existing Access to Information and Knowledge Systems15

Using Firewalls & Password to Manage Information Access for Employees & Managers15

Local Communications Environment15

Recommendations16

Conclusions18

References20

Executive Summary

The organization needs to reinvent the current communication process as soon as possible. The organization is ill equipped to carry out productive internal communication. The formation of small groups based on loyalties and allegiances influenced by the organization's former structure is facilitating the development of a hyper-competitive work environment in which the small groups are creating lobbies. It is imperative for the management at DXB to create processes and projects that demand linear coordination. Modern day information and knowledge management practices demand that information is readily available and accessible for employees. When knowledge is formalized it becomes information, this information is not the same content if it comes from the news or a client. The two operational divisions that have been formed as a result of the remodeling are utilizing different software which serves to create a number of challenges for the organization. Presently, the organization is suffering on account of hampered and restricted communication.

Managing Communications, Knowledge and Information

Objectives of Report

The purpose of this report is to identify the existing processes of communication at DXB and to assess whether this is the most appropriate process, considering the need at DXB for greater internal collaboration. This will demand the designing of a more appropriate communication process or strategy for DXB; supported by a rationale for choices.

The discussion will incorporate an exploration of the issues that exist regarding current information systems that DBX is implementing to manage the knowledge collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of information. This will be followed by a recommendation of any appropriate changes that may be suitable to overcome this. The report will conclude by elaborating on the existing access to information and knowledge systems in order to ascertain if they are adequately exercised at DXB.

TASK 3

The Existing Processes of Communication at DXB

The existing communication process at DXB is flawed and restrictive. It does not reward collaboration and discourages individuals from seeking out information in order to develop new ideas. It is a communication culture that is counter-productive and gives origin to productivity sinks (Dess, Lumpkin & Taylor, 2004). The organization needs to reinvent (if not replace) the current communication process as soon as possible in order to avoid complications. Apart from the complications that the organization is already facing, there is a vast array of complications that the organization can run into in the future; particularly when larger projects require increased collaboration. Such scenarios will mandate the exchanging of information, ...