Productive knowledge
The American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC) has launched the Knowledge Sharing Network, an online information resource for productivity and quality improvement. APQC reports the system delivers valuable research, best-practice information and serves as a central repository for knowledge and techniques for organizations of all sizes and industries, says APQC.
Both APQC members and non-members are able to browse the site anonymously and view information in a standardized format. Registered APQC members, however, have the greatest access to available content. All employees of APQC member organizations can access all aspects of the Knowledge Sharing Network at any time. APQC says registered members will see full-text, searchable white papers; study reports; case studies; benchmarking bibliographies; and presentations from APQC member meetings, conferences, and special events. Registered non-members have limited access to content but will have the option to purchase many items that are free to members.
As a members-only benefit, full access to APQC's Knowledge Sharing Network provides members the ability to interact with other members. During registration, members can choose to share basic information with other registered members to facilitate peer-to-peer relationships and knowledge sharing.
Also, APQC says, it will work with members to develop and support communities of practice, so those with similar interests can share information and experiences. Further, the association says, registered users have the ability to search for content outside of their primary areas of interest using the KSN's expanded search functionality, and visitors can save search criteria for access later. Alternatively, users can browse all content by type (case studies, presentations, etc.) by topical area (measurement, knowledge management, etc.) or by process..