Andreas Seufert

Towards Knowledge Networking

In this article we describe an integrated view on knowledge management and networking being a very powerful combination for the future of knowledge management. We start by giving an overview of the increasing importance of networks in the modern economy. Subsequently, we conceptualize a network perspective on knowledge management. Therefore we first give a theoretical foundation on networks, and secondly explain the interdependences between networks and knowledge management. These reflections lead to the development of a framework for knowledge networking, where we distinguish between a microperspective and a macro‐perspective. Finally, we develop a framework for knowledge networking which can be used as a basis in order to structure and reveal interdependences. We conclude by giving some implications for management and future research.

The Genius approach: building learning networks for advanced management education

We describe the framework, implementation, and experiences of our research program Genius (groupware-enabled learning environments for education in management at the University of St. Gallen) for the design of learning networks used in management education. We start by giving an overview of the requirements for management education from a didactic perspective. Subsequently, we set forth our views on learning networks and describe both the didactic and technological approach adopted in the framework. Finally, we illustrate various applications and main points of focus by using three Genius projects as examples. The paper ends with a summary of first experiences and a preview of anticipated further development of this approach.

Towards the continuously learning organization through knowledge networking-case Swiss Re Group

Organizational learning requires individual learning. On the other hand individual learning has to interact in a dynamic social environment in order to contribute to organizational learning. This relationship between individual and organizational learning can be conceptualized as a spiral of knowledge creation (Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995) where companies can turn into continuously learning organizations by enabling and managing the dynamic knowledge conversion processes between the individual and the organization, and between tacit and explicit knowledge. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the concept of a continuously learning organization based on the concept of knowledge networking. For this purpose we illustrate based on a theoretical foundation-the realization of this concept by building up knowledge networks, analyzing the different networking types and discussing their roles within the Swiss Re Group, a global acting insurance company in Switzerland. Finally we conclude by summarizing our first findings and outlining steps for our future research.

Groupware enabled Data Warehousing in Dienstleistungsunternehmen

Als Dienstleistungsunternehmen werden traditionellerweise Unternehmen bezeichnet, die immaterielle Guter produzieren oder verkaufen. Fokussiert man statt der Branchenorientierung (Handelsunternehmen, Banken, Versicherungen etc.) die Art der Leistungserstellung, so lasst sich das Spektrum des Dienstleistungssektors folgendermassen beschreiben.