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Knowledge Management Workshop
UNDP Practices – Getting Involved |
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SURF-WA Staff Corner
SURF West Africa
P.O. Box 154
Dakar, Senegal
Phone: +221-849-17-95
Fax: +221-849-17-94
Mail: surf-wa@undp.org
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Knowledge Management Workshop - Towards a Knowledge Culture How can UNDP most effectively apply knowledge management (KM) approaches and develop a learning culture to address development challenges at the country level? This fundamental question was addressed by 29 Learning Managers and other CO strategic planning staff representing 12 UNDP COs who met September 22nd-26th, 2003, in Lome, Togo, to attend a workshop on KM strategy for UNDP country offices. The event was jointly organized for West Africa COs by SURF-WA, UNDP Togo, BDP/NY and the OHR/LRC. Participants defined CO KM objectives and activities, and explored opportunities in building an organizational culture that promotes learning, knowledge sharing, and effective Practice implementation. Participants also closely examined the evolution of the Learning Manager role in light of KM and Practice development imperatives at the country level. A key finding was that KM, Learning, and Practice Development need to be functionally integrated within COs and linkages with CO systems and processes, such as strategic planning and monitoring & evaluation, need to be made explicit. The importance of an integrated approach was also emphasized at the global level with a need for more streamlined CO support, systems and tools in these areas. The importance of KM approaches and culture being appropriated by COs and systematically applied in programming and project development was also emphasized. The workshop report is available in English and French from SURF-WA at http://www.undp.org/surf-wa, and on the Practices website at http://practices.undp.org. Substantive follow-up already taking place in West Africa COs includes presentations to staff on KM and Practice Development and KM strategic planning. A KM Knowledge Network has been established to support this process and discussions at HQ on the harmonization of support structures for CO KM, Learning, and Practice Development are taking place. This process will continue gaining momentum in the coming months as:
UNDP Practices – Getting Involved Practice Implementation is a priority for UNDP and the process continues to gain momentum. A Practice Organization is one in which staff organize into groups with a common purpose and vision to work collaboratively, share knowledge and approaches, and promote learning and career advancement in a trusting environment. A range of local, regional and global activities have been launched to foster a practice culture at UNDP including the Practice Experience Map and Practice Implementation Checklist cited in the Associate Administrator’s letter of Oct. 22nd. Work remains to be done in this area, but essential tools and guidelines for COs can be found on the Practices Website at http://practices.undp.org. The Practice Implementation Toolkit includes Practice Area case studies, answers to questions on how Practices can add value to your work, staff incentive suggestions and more. All UNDP staff should familiarize themselves with the Toolkit and send feedback and suggestions to the Practice Implementation Adviser Brian Gleeson. Being actively involved in this process represents an opportunity to help define the future of UNDP and create a more dynamic working environment for us all. The Practice Experience Map has been finalized. It now includes Management as a functional Practice and the finalized service lines of our five development Practices. Please note that the deadline for completion is 28 November 2003. Record your own experience now! It will only take 10 minutes of your time and it will be of immense value to your office and our organization. |