All posts in category Knowledge sharing and management

Learning by adaptation

In most of the books that i have come in touch with, the word learning literally means the acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, practice, or study, or by being taught or measurable and relatively permanent change in behavior through experience, instruction, or study. Whereas individual learning is selective, group learning is essentially political its outcomes depend largely on power playing in the group. Learning itself cannot be measured, but its results can be. In the words of Harvard Business School psychologist Chris Argyris, learning is “detection and correction of error” where an error means “any mismatch between our intentions and what actually happens.” Human learning may occur as part of education, personal development, schooling, or training. It may be goal-oriented and may be aided by motivation.

In community structures a lot of learning takes whether in a small village meeting, sub county dialogues and even at districts. This kind of learning is in most cases not documented even though its aimed at creating a permanent  positive change in a community. For example  a village dialogue about eliminating defecation in water ponds will create a lasting impact in the community because one person has talked about. This kind of learning is called adaptation learning.

Darwin ‘s Adaptation theory, also known as survival theory or survival of the fittest, is an organism’s ability to adapt to changes in its environment and adjust accordingly over time. Adaptations occur over generations of a species with those traits that help an individual animal eat and mate most profusely being passed down from generation to generation until the whole species changes to be better suited to their environment.This theory explains man ‘s ability to adapt to any environment basing on what others are doing at a particular time.

The idea of Community Led total Sanitation (CLTs) which focuses on eliminating open defecation (OD) where Communities are facilitated to conduct their own appraisal and analysis of open defecation (OD) and take their own action to become ODF (open defecation free) uses the same concept of adaptation.CLTS focuses on the behavioural change needed to ensure real and sustainable improvements – investing in community mobilisation instead of hardware, and shifting the focus from toilet construction for individual households to the creation of open defecation-free villages. The big idea comes through when individuals shift from what everyone seems to used to and adapting to health sustainable ways.

Transfer of learning is the application of skill, knowledge or understanding to resolve a novel problem or situation. which happens when certain conditions are fulfilled. Research indicates that learning transfer is infrequent; most common when “… cued, primed, and guided…”[22] and has sought to clarify what it is, and how it might be promoted through instruction. However whichever method that knowledge is transferred, adaptation is key in ensuring behaviour change at any level.

                      My imagination of how learning at institutional level occurs

References

www.wikpedia.com

www.bussinessdictionary.com

http://www.communityledtotalsanitation.org

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by sekumapter on May 8, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Knowledge sharing and management
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Posted by sekumapter on May 8, 2013

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/learning-by-adaptation/

20 liters a day

For many people there is not a day that goes by without using water. We take a shower in the morning, make coffee during breakfast, clean our clothes in the washing machine and wash our hands after using the bathroom. Can you imagine a day without water? I sure can’t… In Uganda an average household uses 20 liters per person per day. What we don’t realize every time we open the tap is that water isn’t available in all parts of the country. The lack of clean water usage leads to a lot of hygiene related health problems.

A life changer

In Uganda millions of people have access to a mobile phone. For Ugandans mobile phones seem to be more than a device used to communicate, rather they are a way of life. One single text message can make a big difference. Why not use this knowledge to improve the hygiene and access to sanitation facilities?

In 2013 NETWAS Uganda partnered SMSONE to set up their first SMS campaign in Bombo through the DANIDA funded good governance project. Here water users are able to communicate with the service provider through a sms text. So the initiative has reached over a hundred people who are able to send an sms through the toll free numbers.

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by sekumapter on May 2, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Action research, Communication
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Posted by sekumapter on May 2, 2013

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/20-liters-a-day/

Communication as a tool to enforce behaviour change

It is widely accepted that one the major challenges of the 21st century is to provide safe drinking water and basic sanitation for all. And yet governments continue investing a lot into research and implementation in the WASH sector and at both district and sub county level. The big question then arises ‘Why ain’t we making any progress?’ A Water Aid report reveals that countries like Uganda has achieved only 34 per cent access to basic sanitation compared to the required 72 per cent by 2015. This means that more than half of the Ugandan population lack access to basic sanitation facilities.

In many of the African countries like Uganda there is still big challenge to harmonize culture and the new ideas that keep cropping up each and every day. You realize that each of these new ideas is aiming at ensuring better and sustainable improved ways of living. For example the idea of mobile phones for WASH seems always manipulating, according to some communities and yet it looks at promoting effective communication, CLTs is the other initiative which has worked in many communities to eradicate ODF and still yet  many feel it hasn’t been successful.  Everything comes down to communication. When we communicate we use a lot more than just the verbal message that we want to get across. Often we don’t pay attention to the way we present ourselves, just as important as the verbal message is the non-verbal communication. Behavioural change is always the most important goal of our communication. Therefore before coming up with any community initiative, one has to design behaviour change strategy which should include:

  • Research and proper planning
  • Knowing the needs of the population

Different target groups will require different approaches. Therefore, when making decisions about which target groups and which factors to address, it is necessary to consider:

  • which target groups are most vulnerable;
  • which risk / vulnerability factors are most important;
  • which factors may be related to the impact of conflict and displacement;
  • which target groups and risk / vulnerability factors the community wants to address;
  • what could be motivators for behavior change;
  • what could be barriers to behavior change;
  • what type of messages will be meaningful to each target group;
  • which communication media would best reach the target group;
  • which services/resources are accessible to the target group;
  • which target groups and risk / vulnerability factors are feasible in terms of  expertise, resources and time.
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by sekumapter on April 12, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in behavior change, Communication
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Posted by sekumapter on April 12, 2013

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/communication-as-a-tool-to-enforce-behaviour-change/

How much is knowledge worth?

People often say “you can’t value knowledge”
In a strict sense, that is probably true, but there is a proxy for the value of knowledge, and that is how much a knowledge worker earns. The chart to the right is drawn from here, and shows how average UK salaries increase with years of experience. Each year of experience seems to equate roughly to an added £1000 in salary. This “value of experience” is a proxy for the value of knowledge, because experience is where knowledge comes from.

The chart shows average salaries, covering all types of job; not necessarily knowledge workers. The value per year of experience depends on the job, and on the knowledge.

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by sekumapter on March 28, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Knowledge sharing and management
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Posted by sekumapter on March 28, 2013

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/how-much-is-knowledge-worth/

Social Learning in Business

Most learning happens informally on the job. Formal instruction, or training, accounts for less than 20%, and some research shows it is about 5% of workplace learning. It is suggested, though not obligatory, that participants have attended the workshop on Moving from Training to Performance Support or have some experience in the fields of performance improvement or HPT. We will look at ways to enhance social learning, or people learning together while working.

We have come to a point where organizations can no longer leave learning to their HR or training departments. Being able to understand emerging situations, see patterns, and co-solve problems are essential business skills. Learning is the work.

Continue

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by sekumapter on February 25, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Knowledge sharing and management
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Posted by sekumapter on February 25, 2013

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2013/02/25/social-learning-in-business/

How Can SMS Texting Increase the Impact of good governance in water supply?

In Uganda due to the very many phones springing up every year, voice calls and SMS texts are the most common means of communication. This is evidenced by the different telecommunications companies like MTN, UTL, WARID and others which have penetrated the market. In Uganda, approximately half of the country‘s districts are still below the national coverage of 64% which implies that very many people still don’t have access to improved water and sanitation.(SPR,2012).  Surprisingly, these vulnerable people are more likely to have a mobile phone instead of access to a clean toilet.

Year after year, the government struggles to provide growing populations with basic water and sanitation needs while mobile phones have become ambiguous in the developing world. Global statistics also indicate that most of the water problems today are as a result of poor governance in WASH. The low levels of accountability and transparency in the WASH sector have led to increase in number of broken pumps, contaminated water sources, unsafe water chains and so on.

Coordination of users with the service provider is vital to the success of ensuring sustainable service delivery. This document presents SMS as an effective channel of communication for water users and providers and how it can help in ensuring long term planning, monitoring, policy-making, and governance.

Getting high quality and useful information and knowledge to the community members has also been a problem. One of the main reasons for this is the lack of access to sources and channels of knowledge and information. But with the availability of mobile phones, radio spot messages within and availed to the communities, this process will allow increased dissemination of knowledge and information on WASH accountability.

3.0 Purpose of this Channel

The purpose of using this SMS channels is to introduce the rapidly growing use of mobile technology into activities that promote enhanced accountability in  WASH services provision, in particular by providing service users (e.g. citizens in general)  a greater voice in providing feedback on quality and quantity of services and support provided.

The issues to be addressed include among others: increased and facilitated communication, involve citizens that cannot afford expensive travel to offices to complain or ask for support, increased efficiency and effectiveness of services rendered, enhanced customer satisfaction among others.

Why an SMS?

During a household listing exercise and baseline survey, it was realized that most water users have access to mobile phones at their disposal than toilets.

The impact of SMS can be seen in almost every aspect of life, from teenagers’ fragmented attention spans, to presidential campaigns, to the ways victims of natural disasters seek relief.

SMS and mobile phones in general, get that one-to-one contact and engage rural, remote communities. Though it doesn’t have the best reach compared to the radio, thus there is need to combine the two, if we can reach out to the community and figure out what they’re thinking, what they’re saying, and put that on the radio so that it’s communities talking to communities in a localized manner to start more discussion, then it sparks more feedback through mobile phones. By using real voices and reports from communities, the service provider  is able to address the concerns and wants of the community and advocate for beneficiaries with a clearer idea of goals and need. SMS are effective and open channel of communication.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of WASH services provided under governance of local government
  • Enhanced Town council level capacity to manage citizen’s involvement through mobile channels.
  • A rapidly increase in citizens involvement in providing feedback and monitoring of WASH services
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by sekumapter on December 11, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Action research, Knowledge sharing and management
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Posted by sekumapter on December 11, 2012

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/how-can-sms-texting-increase-the-impact-of-good-governance-in-water-supply/

Communicating more effectively today

Being able to communicate effectively is essential in every career. As recruiters will tell you, it’s a skill coveted by employers. However, the ability to communicate well goes beyond being able to express yourself. It’s more than giving a compelling presentation or writing a solid report. It’s part of the talent for developing interpersonal relationships.

Communication plays a part whether you’re trying to generate sales, participate successfully on a team, or simply get along with your office-mates. It’s particularly important when it comes to cultivating relationships with significant people like your boss.  The repercussions of poor communication can range from continual team conflicts to poor performance reviews.

One of the reasons we run into problems is because we like to communicate differently.  As you may already know our communication style depends a lot on our personality preferences which is explored using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Not surprisingly there’s a big difference between Extroverts and Introverts. Generally, Introverts prefer to communicate via email so they have time to digest the information they’ve received and gather their thoughts before responding to others. On the other hand, Extroverts who often “think out loud” would rather pick up the phone.

Somewhat surprisingly, communication styles are not that different between generations according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder. The company surveyed two groups of managers and workers – one group aged 25 to 34 the other group aged 55 and over.  The majority of respondents from both groups said they preferred face-to-face communication, while a relatively small percentage said they preferred the phone. Although ranking a distant second to in-person conversations, respondents ranked digital communication, email or text, the next-best option. Unfortunately, the survey did not distinguish between a preference for text as opposed to email.

Of course, when it comes to communication there are gender differences as well. Men tend to focus more on what’s being said. Women frequently pay attention to more subtle messages like body language which is something to think about when you’re sitting in all those meetings. Be sure to listen to what’s being said and how people are saying it.

The bottom line is that when it comes to communicating effectively you need to think about the other person’s preferred style. If your favorite client always emails questions you might want to email your response even if you’d rather pick up the phone. If your boss generally sends texts you may want to adopt that as well. On the other hand, if your boss leaves you a voice mail you may not want to reply with a text.

One of the keys to successful communication is to use the other person’s preferred style. What if you’re not sure? It’s simple. Just ask.

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by sekumapter on October 12, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Communication, Knowledge sharing and management

Posted by sekumapter on October 12, 2012

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/communicate-more-effectively-today/

Knowledge management in geological sciences

Knowledge management (KM), an emerging concept reached the scientific world from the corporate domain during the past decade. The idea that various forms of knowledge, both explicit and tacit, if managed properly in organizations can yield better results is revolutionizing the world. Till date, KM has not permeated the scientific world to the extent that it should have. Scientists and academicians are basically knowledge-workers whose work involves application of multidimensional knowledge in their respective fields. Tremendous scope exists for the creation of knowledge repositories and networks in the scientific world for overall improvement in the quality of work. Also, a paradigm shift is taking place in organizational set-ups, from the conventional hierarchical organizations which are closed systems to Learning Organizations that encourage people to grow and develop, to share their knowledge and learn with others, and to learn from errors.

Geology, a major branch of science, involves application of knowledge about the earth and its processes for the betterment of human civilization. Geologic mapping, mineral exploration and groundwater studies are the important spheres of activity where skilled professionals work with the objective of identifying valuable resources for development. Knowledge relating to geological studies is mostly of the tacit type and can be captured only with the help of advanced technology and innovative ideas. Dissemination of this knowledge through networks would improve the overall quality of geological work by introducing greater professionalism. While geological knowledge in explicit form (in books, journals, websites) is transacted in educational and research contexts that in a tacit form through skills and experience dominate a survey organization’s knowledge exchange. In geological mapping and exploration programmes, the embedded organizational knowledge, including the tacit knowledge of senior professionals is seldom put to use.

Read more: Knowledge management in geological sciences


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by sekumapter on December 31, 2011  •  Permalink
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Posted by sekumapter on December 31, 2011

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/knowledge-management-in-geological-sciences/

Knowledge management

Knowledge is information in use

Use = Experience + Skills + Attitude

Management(Knowledge) = Management(Information) in Management(use)

Management(Information) => IT + audio + video + library

Management(use) => manage circumstances => HRM

  • Process documentation
  • Learning (personal, group, community, organisation, sector)
  • Reflection (AAR = after action review)
  • Communication
  • Advocacy

PS Sector learning should read ‘learning on sector performance improvement’.

Think about local / indigenous knowledge

Knowledge exists in peoples heads.

One cannot manage knowledge but can manage circumstances to share / develop knowledge

KM (knowledge management) => K…M +> KS .. IM => KS (knowledge sharing) + IM (information sharing)

IM => support by IT (information technology)

KS => support by HRM (Skills, Experience) + management circumstance

KS happens outside meetings; in the coffee break etc so plan in meeting agenda time to share knowledege and also learn from each other.

There are different ways in which we learn. Some through meetings, conferences, lectures, dialogues e.t.c but what is the best way of learning?

Is it having a well furnished room with different people?

Is it sitting in a meeting and sharing what the next plan will be?

What is learning?

I think learning is more like a conversation just that!! Its when people have a conversation whether in a meeting or conference and share their experiences to influence change. Knowldege management brings about sharing, learning, managing information through communication and advocacy.

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by sekumapter on October 28, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Knowledge sharing and management

Posted by sekumapter on October 28, 2011

http://sekumapter.wordpress.com/2011/10/28/knowledge-management/

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