HIVK03033U Cph: Knowledge and Information in Organzations, Constituent elective C

Volume 2016/2017
Education

Information Science and Cultural Communication

Content

Knowledge and information processes are closely connected to structures, processes and the culture in the organizations in which they take place. But organizations also share and produce knowledge between organizations, sectors and businesses. The course revolves around three integrated themes:

1) Organizational theory. This theme discusses contemporary and classic organizational theory. The conceptual basis and epistemological perspectives of organizational theory are introduced and case studies will be used in order to discuss selected theories and their use.

2) Knowledge processes in organizations. This theme has its focus on practice theoretical approaches to the study of information, knowledge and learning processes in organizations. The concepts “knowledge practices” and “information practices” is presented, and both the analytical and methodological considerations related to studying knowledge and information practices in organizations will be discussed.

3) Learning and competence development. This theme take a closer look at different approaches to organizational learning and competence development related to recent trends and developments within society and organizational studies.

Learning Outcome

The objective of the module is to provide the student with:

Knowledge and understanding of:

  • Organisational structure, culture and processes.
  • The scientific-historical and epistemological background of organisational concepts and theories.
  • The interplay between organisations and their cultural and institutional surroundings, as well as organisations' complex interaction with users and stakeholders.

 

Skills in:

  • Describing selected theories, methods and traditions within the organisational theoretical field.
  • Analysing knowledge and information practices in and between organisations.

 

Competences in:

  • Discussing organisation-theoretical concepts and theories ind scientific-historical and epistemological contexts.
  • Contributing to the development of strategies and plans for action concerning an organisation's knowledge and information practice.
  • Analysing knowledge processes, including knowledge management and sharing, both externally and internally.

 

Academic objectives

The examinee is able to

  • Give an account, in a reflected way, of selected theories, methods and traditions within the organizational theoretic field
  • Independently discuss organizational theories and their significance for analysis of an organizations knowledge and information practices
  • Independently analyse knowledge processes, and organizationsknoledge and information practices, to assess their political, institutional and cultural implications
  • Participate in the development of strategies and plans for action concerning an organization's knowledge and information practices, including knowledge management and knowledge sharing.

 

Sample literature:

  • Dalkir, Kimiz (2011). Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice. Second Edition. Cambridge, Mass., MIT Press.
  • Hislop, D. et al (2013). Knowledge management in organizations. A critical introduction. Oxford University Press.
  • Leonard, D., Swap, W. & Barton, G. (2015). Critical Knowledge Transfer – Tools for Managing Your Company’s Deep Smarts. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Pilerot, O. & Limberg, L. (2011).Information sharing as a means to reach collective understanding. A study of design scholars´ information practices. Journal of Documentation, Vol.67, No.2, pp.312-333.
Lectures, student presentations, case-studies/field trips, discussions, group work and workshops.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 45
  • Exam
  • 120
  • Exam Preparation
  • 245,8
  • Total
  • 410,8
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Exam language: English or Danish
Extent: 20 standard pages for an individual exam
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Exam period

Winter exam 2016

Re-exam

Same as for the ordinary examination in Februar 2017