The Role of Statistics in Organisational Knowledge Management

The Role of Statistics in Organisational Knowledge Management

What do we mean by knowledge management? A definition n “Knowledge management is applying the collective knowledge and abilities of the entire work force to achieve specific organizational objectives. ” --Knowledge Management Working Group of the Federal Chief Information Officers Council (US 2001) n Not simply data and information management or technological tools and processes The promise n “If we only knew what we know, we would be 30 percent more productive. ” -- Lewis Platt, CEO Hewlett-Packard (1992 -1999)

Why the focus on KM at Fa. CS? Complexity of issues requires drawing information selectively from an expanded range of sources A line of policy enquiry through disparate sources Producing a tightly crafted story Knowledge base = information + skills, judgement and experience

The Changing Nature of Information Needs Types of inquiry n n Interaction of many factors (social, behavioural, economic) Pathways, transitions (longitudinal analysis) Types of Information n Contextual w Basic background details and characteristics n Targeted w Focused on specific policy questions n Value-added w Modelling, statistical analysis

Fa. CS Knowledge Model Minister Information Sources Research community Data providers Centrelink NGOs Customers Community Press International Policy Development and Advice Program Delivery Knowledge Networks Strategic Partnerships Branches Evaluations Data Strategies and Services Section, 2002

KM - Where is Fa. CS at? Knowledge and Information Committee ISB – Information solutions and tools, library, INAs Fact Sheets – distilling killer points Strategic Plan – knowledge investment and management Research and Evaluation Committee – research in a knowledge capability context Bringing it all together in a knowledge framework

Fa. CS Knowledge Framework (draft) Fa. CS Outcomes policy opportunities/problems policy questions info management needs resource mobilising HR needs raison d’être Evidence right products Based Policy Information right knowledge Various Information Systems Organisational Design Skills and Abilities Organisational Culture right access right infrastructure right capacities right behaviours Policy Strategies Section, 2002

Fact Sheets A key tool in promoting policy ideas Synthesing the key facts relating to policy questions Types n n n Minister’s fact sheets Regular fact sheet/newsletters Knowledge framework information sheets

Knowledge Framework Information Sheets A process starts with an information audit Summary of sources Information sheets on target groups or specific policy issues Useful in identifying data gaps A basis for research agenda and development of strategic information partnerships

Information Needs Analysis Identifying key sources of information Understanding the nature of information flows Questionnaire of information usage in the last 3 mths Aim to improve information resources and access for Fa. CS staff

How do stats fit in? Statistics are a key knowledge product Statistical sources are seen as one among many information sources Relatability of data becomes more important Development of indicators and performance measures Changing role for ABS?

Stats units / outposted officers Become knowledge brokers in knowledge market Leadership role in data usage and management Networks assume greater importance as importance of knowledge sharing increases

Statistical Co-ordination National Statistics Service n agencies seeking to obtain greater knowledge from their administrative information resources Information Development Plans (IDPs) n bringing together information needs across sectors, jurisdictions and agencies

Discussion Do you see similar trends in the approach to knowledge in your agencies? Do these trends have implications for the role of the ABS? How do we promote the role of the stats units in a KM context?

Issues/Lessons Must gain high level support from the start Must be linked to corporate objectives Cannot be bound by technical tools and processes