Identifying KM objectives: Identifying the top-three objectives of a knowledge management program is a crucial prerequisite. The objectives of any organization are normally abundantly clear – to make money or to fulfill a particular purpose. The same is true for many organizational activities. But knowledge management, by its very nature, is different. It is multi-faceted and, in many respects, conceptual so that practitioners need to have a clear picture of the results they wish to achieve first before starting a KM program. The ten commitments: The importance of securing high-level support for knowledge management is widely acknowledged, but little discussed. The importance of obtaining high-level commitment is referenced in all the best knowledge management guides, but few detail how it should be done. Yet such support is a vital part of KM. It will ensure that your organization thoroughly supports the KM program to be implemented – and a lack of support can defeat a KM initiative before it has even really started.

1. Knowledge Management Programs: Identifying Objectives and Obtaining Commitments Stan Garfield KM Chicago March 2010

18. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its member firms.