Siemens ShareNet

Siemens ShareNet: Building a Knowledge Network [2002]:

Describes the development of ShareNet, an innovative knowledge management system used by a division of Siemens. ShareNet attempts to capture the knowledge and experience of Siemen's many dispersed sales and marketing units around the globe, making it available to all. ShareNet has to date been funded as a corporate initiative, free to all who use it. But as the telecommunications market has collapsed, the group who run it are under increasing pressure to cut costs. As a result, they are considering charging users who subscribe to the tool in the belief that these users will willingly pay for it. This relies, however, on being able to demonstrate that the tool/system has a positive return on investment--a notoriously difficult task. Teaching Purpose: To analyze the design and construction of a knowledge management system; to explore the major issues in deploying these types of systems (e.g., creating incentives for use, ensuring relevant knowledge is stored); and to examine the return on investment from these types of systems.