Lars Bo Henriksen

Knowledge management and engineering practices: the case of knowledge management, problem solving and engineering practices

Abstract Recent debates on knowledge management, competence strategy and the like have made knowledge a pivotal concept in studies of management of technology. It is rather trivial to argue that engineers need to know in order to function as engineers. But how does knowledge work in engineering practices? The Knowledge Project was an attempt to get closer to the everyday life of engineers and to find ways of making engineers search for knowledge more efficient. The major results from The Knowledge Project are described in this article.

Social Capital and HRD: Provocative Insights from Critical Management Studies

The problem and the solution. This article initiates a critical management studies evaluation of social capital in an HRD context by drawing on insights from Foucault and Habermas.This article presents alternative interpretations of three seminal social capital concepts—weak ties, structural holes, and social resources. Pragmatic, albeit critical, insights for HRD theory and practice are illustrated to counterbalance the managerialist appropriation of social capital in pursuit of largely economic ends. It is argued here that social well-being is as relevant to HRD practice as economic well-being. Ethical dimensions are noted and avenues of reflexivity for HRD practitioners are suggested.

Knowledge Management and the Missing Tradition - On the Role of Tradition, Knowledge and Competencies in Industrial Production

The ideas of knowledge management, competence strategy and learning organisation have been dominating debates on organisational behaviour and management recently. This article argues that most contributions to this debate are based on a quite naïve conception of knowledge and competencies. One important problem is the neglect of tradition. Through an analysis of the conventional views of knowledge and competencies and through a rehabilitation of tradition the article shows how tradition can provide us with another conception of knowledge management and related ideas. Two case studies from small Danish manufacturing companies are presented in order to show how tradition functions even in the most modem organisations.

Jakob and the Manipulator

Engineers work with technologies, they create them, they operate them, and in many ways such technologies define engineering. But how do engineers relate to the technologies that define their trade, occupation, or profession? How do they perceive, understand and envision the possibilities that their skills and competences equip them with when confronted with yet another technological project.

Are They Ready

The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) has warned, time and time again, that in the near future Danish companies will have severe difficulties hiring enough qualified engineers. The main reason is that most young people, as they transition from second level schools, simply do not want to pursue a career in engineering, science and technology.

Organisational Development and HRD

Foundations of Human Resource Development - David McGuire Assessing the Effectiveness of Training Solutions - David McGuire Evaluating Training Outcomes - David McGuire Performance Management and HRD - David McGuire Human Resource Accounting - Peter Cleary Creativity and HRD - Robin S Grenier and David McGuire Adult Learning Theories - David McGuire Workplace Learning and HRD - Ulla Thogersen and Kenneth Molbjerg Jorgensen Organizational Learning and HRD - Kenneth Molbjerg Jorgensen Organizational Development and HRD - Lars Bo Henriksen et al Identity and HRD - Kenneth Molbjerg Jorgensen and Lars Bo Henriksen Futures and Strategic Learning - Kenneth Molbjerg Jorgensen Strategy Narrative and Storytelling Leadership Development - David McGuire Diversity and HRD - David McGuire International HRD - David McGuire Reflections on HRD - David McGuire