1. Knowledge Management from an ADB Regional Department Perspective
Richard Bolt
15 March 2012

2. Outline Why manage knowledge better What do we know, need to know
Where to access data, information, knowledge
How do we to communicate knowledge solutions

3. Why Manage Knowledge Better?
Demand side: Respond to beneficiary and client development needs
Supply side: Provide relevant, timely, information and knowledge solutions from SERD’s core business its lending and related non-lending operations
Add value through knowledge solutions for results: build on the vast existing knowledge that exists in the region
Production side: Efficiently and effectively organize the creation, capture and communication of knowledge
…without adding to admin burdens: mainstream

4. What do we Know, Need to Know?
What worked: results to date, what worked, did not work, why, lessons learned…
…analyze to identify ‘best practice’ for on-going and future development solutions, operations
What are current problems: past and present country, sector, thematic analysis…
…to update our understanding of current problems, priorities, solutions and response
What are emerging problems: identify upcoming, major strategic issues…
…need to anticipate, develop and plan for future relevant development solutions

5. What and the Components of Knowledge?

6. Where do we Access Data, Information, Knowledge?
Internal sources
Staff, experts, Communities of Practice, ETSW, ADO, economic databases, CPS-CRs, PCRs, TCRs, baseline data, PPR/P3M, evaluations, online & library resources, storage and retrieval systems
SERD Intranet and Knowledge repository
Intranet webpage on where to go for data, information, internal and external knowledge
External sources
Member countries, development partners, regional organizations, on-line resources… and most important the beneficiaries

9. When do we Need to Know?
Timely generation of data, information, knowledge is key to knowledge being useful, meeting demand
Align KM with the ADB operations cycle
Align the ADB operations cycle with the client’s planning, budget and implementation cycle

10. Managing Development Knowledge through the Operations Cycle

11. Communicating Development Knowledge
“a process that builds consensus and facilitates the sharing of knowledge to achieve positive change in development initiatives.
Not only about effective dissemination of knowledge but about using facts, research, two way communication and dialogue among stakeholders.
Also a key management tool that helps assess sociopolitical risks and opportunities.
By using communication to bridge differences and take action towards change, development communication can lead to sustainable results”
WB Dev Comm

12. WB Dev Comms and the Project Cycle

13. SERD: Knowledge and Communications Plans
Include a Knowledge and Communications Plan in TAs and loans
Describe as part of implementation arrangements
Specify KPS in the Design and Monitoring Framework and add the KCP under Activities and Milestones e.g. prepare a knowledge dissemination plan to include reports, website posting and other knowledge and information sharing opportunities
Specify KPS to be produced in ToRs
Budget KPS preparation and communication in TAs

14. Knowledge and Communication Plan Sample
KPS
Author, Facilitator
Target Audience
Delivery Date
Publication, training manual
Workshop, Seminar, training event
Beneficiary meeting

15. Good Practice Development Communications
Incorporate in the planning stage the socio-political context of the project
Define the scope of what stakeholders want to know and discuss
Actively listen to stakeholders and engage in an ongoing dialogue
Manage expectations, build consensus
Promote local ownership
Make use of communication specialists

16. Conclusion
Knowledge, and finance, needs to add value: relevant, responsive, results oriented
Useful knowledge products and services are:
Demanded and used by DMCs and sector ops
Timely and easy to access
Cost effective, efficient re time, budgets
Contribute to a program or project outcome and impact
Knowledge first and investments follow