Goals and focus of IKM

Goals and focus of the specialization Information and Knowledge Management
This master specialization provides students with a firm understanding of the challenges posed by the increasing knowledge-intensiveness of organizational processes, and the value of innovative organizational arrangements and technologies in meeting these challenges. The field of information and knowledge management is by definition multidisciplinary. It involves insights and practices from: Management Studies, Information Systems, Strategy, HRM, Marketing, Innovation, Technology, Psychology, and Sociology. In the program we focus on a broad range of information and knowledge processes, both internal and external to the organization.
 
The specialization addresses questions such as:

• What are the organizational consequences of the increasing knowledge and information intensiveness of business processes?
• How can information and knowledge processes effectively be managed?
• What is the potential contribution of Web 2.0 / Enterprise 2.0 applications to knowledge and innovation within and between organizations?
• What are the consequences of the use of information and communication technologies for organizational structures and processes?
• What factors influence knowledge sharing and collaboration within and between organizations?
• How do information and communication technologies affect collaboration and knowledge sharing within and outside of organizations?
• How can information and communication technologies be used to develop new business or to create competitive advantage?
• What kind of organizational forms are appropriate to meet the challenges posed by the knowledge economy and how can technologies contribute to the emergence of such forms? 
• How can we make sure that information and knowledge systems are valuable to their users?
• What is the contribution of information and communication technologies to a better understanding of customers and markets?

The specialization Information and Knowledge Management will provide students with:

• An academic attitude towards the analysis of information and knowledge processes within and between organizations,
• A broad as well as in-depth knowledge of relevant theories and current developments in the domain of information and knowledge management,
• Insight into the business implications of the increasing knowledge- and information-intensive character of the modern economy,
• An understanding of the role and impact of new forms of information and communication technologies for organisations and management,
• A thorough knowledge of the methodologies used in research in the field of information and knowledge management,
• The ability and experience to independently develop, conduct and report on research using appropriate methodologies to address the relevant academic and practical questions in the field of information and knowledge management, combining practical relevance and academic rigor,
• The ability and experience to analyze and solve problems related to the management of information and knowledge processes in organizations.