Monday, March 31, 2008

Drivers of Knowledge Management

Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management programs are typically tied to organizational objectives such as improved performance, competitive advantage, innovation, developmental processes, lessons learnt transfer and the general development of collaborative practices. Knowledge Management is frequently linked and related to what has become known as the learning organization, lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Knowledge Management may be distinguished from Organizational Learning by a greater focus on the management of knowledge as an asset and the development and cultivation of the channels through which knowledge, information and signal flow.

Drivers of Knowledge Management
There are a number of claims as to the "drivers", or motivations, leading organizations to undertake a knowledge management program. Popular business objectives include gaining a competitive advantage within the industry and increasing organizational effectiveness with improved or faster learning and new knowledge creation. As knowledge management programs can often lead to greater innovation, better customer experiences, consistency in good practices, knowledge access across a global organization, and other organizational benefits, many knowledge management programs will usually set some of these as end objectives as well. The government sector represents a highly active area,

Some typical considerations driving a Knowledge Management program include:
  • Making available increased knowledge content in the development and provision of products and services
  • Achieving shorter new product development cycles
  • Facilitating and managing organizational innovation and learning
  • Leveraging the expertise of people across the organization
  • Increasing network connectivity between employees and external groups with the objective of improving information flow
  • Managing the proliferation of data and information in complex business environments and allowing employees to access appropriate information sources
  • Managing intellectual capital and intellectual assets in the workforce (such as the expertise and know-how possessed by key individuals) as individuals retire and new workers are hired.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Renters insurance for a tenant

After your minneapolis apartment search is completed and you got a good apartment for a rent you have to take the renters insurance. In most cases, a landlord's insurance covers only structural damage to the building itself and many landlord policies don't even go that far if the damage is caused by a tenant. If you leave the tub running and it turns your floor into cardboard and dribbles downstairs, damaging your neighbor's couch, you may be liable for the whole drippy mess. If your building went up in flames, your landlord's coverage would include repairs, but only to the building, not to the possessions of tenants. It includes medical coverage for others, on-premise or off-premise. Assumptions were that the house contained a smoke alarm and fire extinguishers. For lower rates, you can raise the deductible; for more protection, you can pay more for replacement cost coverage, in which reimbursement is based on today's replacement cost rather than original value. Renter's insurance extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards. If your suitcase is stolen while you're on vacation, you'll likely be covered. If you're prone to barroom brawls—well, you need more help than renter's insurance, but you'll probably be covered if you hurt someone. Speaking of injuries, you'll also likely be protected if someone slips and sprains their ankle at your annual dance-a-thon; you may even receive compensation for legal defense costs in the case of a lawsuit. You might be surprised at how quickly all those books, CDs, and kitchen appliances add up. Most people own more than $20,000 worth of property. Make an inventory of your possessions prior to contacting an insurance carrier for a quote. List each item along with its year of purchase and what you think it would cost to replace it today. You should not feel that you are in a great building and don’t need security. Even though if you are in great dallas tx apartment you have to take renters insurance for your convenience.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

How to smoke a cigar

The first step is selecting the right cigars to "practice" with.
  • You should start by choosing several different single cigars at your local tobacconist.
  • Do not buy a box of cigars until you have sampled a few singles, first.
  • Choose mild cigars, which are recommended for beginners, since the more full-flavored cigars would most likely taste too strong to a new smoker.
  • Mild cigars are also the least expensive, so you won't have to worry about ruining an expensive cigar by lighting it incorrectly, or by cutting too much off the closed end.
  • Once you have determined which type of cigars to purchase, then gently squeeze the cigar to determine if there are any hard or soft spots.
  • You don't want to take a chance on buying a cigar with a bad draw, or worse yet, one that is plugged and not smoked.
  • Reputable tobacconists will usually replace a plugged cigar. Also, inspect the wrapper for cracks or discolorations.
  • You have to Protect & Smoke
  • If you do not yet own a humidor, do not buy more cigars than you can smoke within a couple of days.
  • Never leave an unprotected cigar exposed to the elements, as it will quickly dry out.
  • You can temporarily store cigars in a Tupperware or similar container.