FOUNDATIONS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN ORG
FOUND. FOR KNWLDGE-DRIVEN
Note: This course starts with a multi-day, on-campus Residency in late Aug./early Sept. and continues online thereafter.
Knowledge-driven organizations increasingly dominate the economy. What are their attributes? What vision and strategy guides their development? How are they designed? What are the jobs necessary for this new workplace? This course has been designed to give students a grounding that will be important for their future working career. It will focus on how the global economy and all its subsequent ramifications has evolved from a predominantly industrial base to one based on knowledge.
The Foundations course will begin by giving students a historical perspective as to how the "knowledge" economy specifically came about. We will be using historical and economic data and models which offer a clear understanding as to how the global economy and organizations evolved into their current state-where value is produced by knowledge and ideas significantly more than the earlier industrial processes and operations.
The course will then present detailed and comprehensive treatments of how societies, organizations and individual lives have been changed due to this great shift in the factors of production. The course will also focus on how networks, communities and practices work and have evolved to focus more on knowledge production and transfer than on the more industrial factors of production such as land, labor and capital. In addition, the course will examine the critical role of intangibles such as culture, trust and missions in the workings of organizations in this new era. Insights from anthropology, psychology and sociology as well as economics will be incorporated into the course curriculum.
A complex and comprehensive case study on NASA and their knowledge operations will be one of the key learning tools for this course as it proceeds.
- W 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
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Instructor:
Edward J Hoffman
Info - 3 points
LEADING COLLABORATION
This course is about leading boundary-spanning coalitions. An old African proverb tells us that, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." While this advice is especially relevant in our interconnected 21st-century world, we have learned that working together is not always easy to do well.
“Collaboration at Scale: Leading Boundary-Spanning Coalitions” takes the study of collaboration into an even wider realm by examining the potential and complexity of large-scale, cross-organizational collaboration, and how to lead it.
The concept of scalability is common in the business world and this course demonstrates what it takes to make collaboration scalable and suitable for a variety of challenging contexts larger than a single organization. Inherent in the concept of scalability are the notions of "appropriate scale" and also "at scale." Both of these notions raise valid questions that we will address in this course. (Though our interpretations of scale have evolved with the advent of social media, specific technology selection is not the focus of the course.)
Students will learn the characteristics, conditions and dynamics of various large-scale collaborations, as well as how to design and lead them effectively. Course materials will be drawn from the for-profit and nonprofit worlds. Using a balance of practice and theory of networks and large system facilitation, students will demonstrate their mastery of course materials through an assignment in which they diagnose and (re)design a “collaboration at scale.” This could be in the business, scientific, religious, political, or humanitarian domains.
- T 4:10 p.m.-6 p.m.
- T 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
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Instructor:
Blake Dicosola
Info -
Instructor:
Angela Finlay
Info - 3 points
IKNS Capstone
IKNS Capstone Project Sem
OVERVIEW: The IKNS Capstone represents the culmination of learning throughout the IKNS program in which students master business-critical concepts in data, analytics, people, networks, integration, and strategy. Working individually and in small teams, students design and deliver a project for a capstone sponsor seeking IKNS expertise to help solve a real-world problem within the sponsor’s organization. Using what they have learned from across the curriculum, students apply IKNS frameworks and use both qualitative and quantitative research to develop a written business report, oral presentation. and a final product for the sponsor including but not limited to a roadmap, strategic plan, white paper, or minimum viable product (MVP). The Capstone provides a final testing ground for students to apply their learning to real organizational needs and also become familiar with consultative approaches. During this course, students collaborate to complete an assignment specified by their Capstone project sponsor. At the conclusion of the Capstone, students provide a report and a strong integrated presentation to the sponsoring organization. Project activity begins at the end of August, with concrete individual and team assignments during the course culminating in a final report and oral presentation delivered in December.
LOGISTICS: Open to IKNS only. Pre-requisites: Students must complete 24 credits towards their degree prior to the start of the course.
- WRF 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Instructor:
Blake Dicosola
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Instructor:
Jamie Muskopf
Info - 3 points
Findability, Semantic Modeling, and Comp
FindabilitySemanticModeli
The fusion of traditional information science principles with advanced AI technologies is revolutionizing knowledge management. This course explores how artificial intelligence, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), is transforming information organization, retrieval, and utilization in digital environments.
Students explore the world of AI-enhanced findability, learning to architect intelligent knowledge platforms that maximize the value of structured and unstructured data. The course covers:
Large Language Models (LLMs) and their game-changing applications in information retrieval
Vector databases and cognitive search capabilities
Advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and semantic technologies
Knowledge graphs and how they are being used to add meaning to LLMs
Machine learning for sophisticated classification and categorization
Ethical considerations in AI-powered information systems
Through hands-on projects culminating in the design of real-world applications, students will gain practical experience in architecting AI-enhanced information systems. You'll learn to make informed decisions about integrating AI technologies into information architecture, balancing traditional methods with cutting-edge solutions.
This course is ideal for future knowledge strategists, information architects, and AI enthusiasts who want to lead the next generation of intelligent information systems. Join us to explore the intersection of AI and information science and prepare to shape the future of knowledge work.
No programming experience is required—just your curiosity and readiness to engage with the forefront of information technology.
- W 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Ralph Poole
h-index: 0 Info - 3 points
LEADING LARGE COMPLEX PROJECTS
Project management has been important to many types of missions, projects, and activities for many years; however, it has been especially critical to the success of large complex projects across decades and centuries. Large complex projects span the globe across all industries and sectors. They also span concepts, product design, development, manufacturing, operations, and logistics, etc. Products may include hardware, software, services, product support, systems, and systems of systems, etc.
The primary focus of this course will be around project leadership as projects are planned and executed (project management). The course will start by recognizing the need and benefits of project management for large complex global projects, explore characteristics of project managers, and study the commonality and differences in types of projects. The course will continue with understanding the essential capabilities of project management, and analyze the variations in project lifecycles. The course will address managing risk throughout the project lifecycle, controls, and performance measurement, and maximizing the use of knowledge. Lastly, the course will visualize the future of projects and project management structure and core capabilities.
Our fundamental goal is to better prepare leaders for large complex global projects. This will be gained via readings; real-world case studies; and study, research, analysis, and exploration by the students. Therefore, the course will require students to engage in reflection, discussion, activities, and assignments aimed at personal unlearning and learning. The assignment and class discussions will be quite provocative to drive maximum learning.
- T 6:10 p.m.-8 p.m.
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Instructor:
Gregory Robinson
Info - 3 points
AI AND THE KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN ORGANIZAT
AI & THE KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN
OVERVIEW: Artificial Intelligence is one of the most important technological developments in decades and has already begun to demonstrate significant improvements in healthcare, military, finance, retail, and the arts. In this class we will cover an intro to artificial intelligence with a specific lens on how knowledge driven organizations can benefit from AI. This course is not a coding or a computer science course, but does touch on high level concepts in statistics, data science, and software engineering, though no experience is necessary in these fields.
CONTENT & OBJECTIVES: You will learn how AI works, what are the best and worst use cases for AI, and the implications of implementing AI. As exciting as this space can be, there are real risks, ethical considerations, and new challenges that we will cover and discuss. By the end of the course, you will have a clear understanding of the possibilities with AI, how to implement AI in a knowledge driven organization, and the global nature of this technology. You will build on previous coursework of knowledge strategy and learn how AI accelerates knowledge management including search ranking, content recommendations, and people analytics.
LOGISTICS
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Class meets once a week.
- R 8:10 p.m.-10 p.m.
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Instructor:
Benjamin P Royce
Info - 3 points
IKNS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Overview
: This 1 semester course (elective, IKNS students only, hybrid) provides an opportunity for a student to extend or supplement their educational experience via a deep-dive into an established or novel area of research of their choice (the topic), under the guidance & supervision of a faculty member (the supervisor). An independent study course allows a student to work one-on-one with a faculty member to gain & contribute new insight into the discipline of Knowledge Management.
Topic/objective
: The topic is chosen by the student as long as it falls within the general realm of Knowledge Management or its specific content areas in the IKNS curriculum, such as IT systems, knowledge organizing systems, data repositories, business data analytics including machine learning & AI, learning processes, collaboration, dialogue, team & project management, transformational leadership, change management, digital transformation, or digital product innovation. The course will therefore serve the dual purpose of allowing a student to pursue their own intellectual curiosity & to make a contribution to the wider discipline of Knowledge Management. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of the content they acquired in other courses, by applying this content to the specific topic chosen for the Independent Study.
Logistics
: Ahead of registration, the student meets with the supervisor to discuss & agree on (i) the topic & the relevant IKNS curriculum area(s); (ii) the timeline of deliverables, milestones, & contact hours for the semester; & (iii) the number of credits. The student summarizes these points in a ~1 pg
Independent Study Proposal
. The student can register for the course only once the supervisor & the Academic Director agree to & sign the
Independent Study Proposal
(which includes the topic, the IKNS curriculum area, the number of credits, & the assigned supervisor). The number of credits (1-3) will be commensurate with the scope of the Independent Study. The scope can range from a summary of existing sources (typically 1 credit. 5-10 pg report), to a synthesis or meta-analysis of existing & new sources, e.g., interviews withSMEs (typically 2 credits, 10-15 pg report), to a comprehensive study which adds the student’s own critical discussion & suggestions to the topic (typically 3 credits; 15-20 pg report).
- 1-3 points
IKNS INDEPENDENT STUDY
Overview
: This 1 semester course (elective, IKNS students only, hybrid) provides an opportunity for a student to extend or supplement their educational experience via a deep-dive into an established or novel area of research of their choice (the topic), under the guidance & supervision of a faculty member (the supervisor). An independent study course allows a student to work one-on-one with a faculty member to gain & contribute new insight into the discipline of Knowledge Management.
Topic/objective
: The topic is chosen by the student as long as it falls within the general realm of Knowledge Management or its specific content areas in the IKNS curriculum, such as IT systems, knowledge organizing systems, data repositories, business data analytics including machine learning & AI, learning processes, collaboration, dialogue, team & project management, transformational leadership, change management, digital transformation, or digital product innovation. The course will therefore serve the dual purpose of allowing a student to pursue their own intellectual curiosity & to make a contribution to the wider discipline of Knowledge Management. In addition, students will deepen their understanding of the content they acquired in other courses, by applying this content to the specific topic chosen for the Independent Study.
Logistics
: Ahead of registration, the student meets with the supervisor to discuss & agree on (i) the topic & the relevant IKNS curriculum area(s); (ii) the timeline of deliverables, milestones, & contact hours for the semester; & (iii) the number of credits. The student summarizes these points in a ~1 pg
Independent Study Proposal
. The student can register for the course only once the supervisor & the Academic Director agree to & sign the
Independent Study Proposal
(which includes the topic, the IKNS curriculum area, the number of credits, & the assigned supervisor). The number of credits (1-3) will be commensurate with the scope of the Independent Study. The scope can range from a summary of existing sources (typically 1 credit. 5-10 pg report), to a synthesis or meta-analysis of existing & new sources, e.g., interviews withSMEs (typically 2 credits, 10-15 pg report), to a comprehensive study which adds the student’s own critical discussion & suggestions to the topic (typically 3 credits; 15-20 pg report).
- 1-3 points