Demonstrating the benefits of knowledge management assets : developing and applying a valuation methodology

Since the early 1980s numerous knowledge-dependent organizations have made diligent attempts to measure their intangible assets. In more recent years, knowledge-dependent organizations have expressed a desire to demonstrate the benefits resulting from significant investments in knowledge management assets in order to provide reassurance to senior executives, to motivate knowledge worker utilization of the asset, and to leverage further funds for knowledge management investments. A six-step methodology is prescribed in this thesis to assist organizations seeking to identify both qualitative and quantitative benefits realized from the utilization of knowledge management assets. This methodology is underpinned by take-a-ways from current intellectual capital measurement models found in literature, and the lessons learned from industry application of an immature version of the prescribed methodology in two industry case studies. Lessons learned from the practical applications of the methodology, and a detailed description of the methodology, are provided as key findings of this thesis.

Department dc:contributor.department

System Design and Management Program.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Taylor, Aaron B

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Eric S. Rebentisch.

• System Design and Management Program.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/35095

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/35095