When an effective KM system is in place, the knowledge generated in operations will feed back into the implementation of ongoing projects, into the design of new projects, into policy and strategy development processes, and out to development partners and beneficiaries to raise visibility of project results, and to use in other ways.
IFAD-supported projects can face challenges in designing and implementing a KM plan. Often the concept and objectives of KM are not clear, roles and responsibilities are not assigned and there are limited resources. KM can be disconnected from other aspects of project implementation, such as the project M&E system and communications.
Instead, KM activities should be fully part of the project management approach. KM builds on project M&E, is supported by systematic information management, and is closely aligned with internal and external communication, for example to ensure knowledge sharing with partners, and visibility of project results and successes. [See the IFAD Communications Toolkit for guidance on your communications activities]. All of these elements should be linked into an overall KM system that supports learning and adaptation for improved project performance, and enables a project to develop, disseminate and use knowledge products. See the more detailed explanation of what an integrated KM system looks like in Integrating KM in projects. |
Why manage and share knowledge in operations?
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The relationship with a project's monitoring and evaluation system (M&E) is especially important. Documented lessons and good practice should be based on data from M&E and impact assessment, which gives them more credibility and makes them more relevant. Conversely, KM approaches and tools can complement M&E data by revealing why an initiative was successful (or not). For example, analysis and documentation of lessons from experience can help in understanding the factors that contributed to a success or failure, enabling the story behind the impact to be told.
Development and dissemination of knowledge products is another important element of a project's KM activities. Knowledge products are based on assessment and analysis of the information generated by the M&E system, as well as analysis, validation and documentation of lessons from experience in implementation. Planning, including identification of purpose, target audiences and channels for dissemination, will ensure knowledge products are relevant and more likely to be used. These include analytical products, and others that are oriented towards promotion of project achievements, advocacy, or simply openness and transparency regarding the project's activities. See the more detailed guidance on the developing and dissemination of knowledge products in the respective section (Knowledge products).
Development and dissemination of knowledge products is another important element of a project's KM activities. Knowledge products are based on assessment and analysis of the information generated by the M&E system, as well as analysis, validation and documentation of lessons from experience in implementation. Planning, including identification of purpose, target audiences and channels for dissemination, will ensure knowledge products are relevant and more likely to be used. These include analytical products, and others that are oriented towards promotion of project achievements, advocacy, or simply openness and transparency regarding the project's activities. See the more detailed guidance on the developing and dissemination of knowledge products in the respective section (Knowledge products).