Subject category:
Production and Operations Management
Published by:
Harvard Business Publishing
Version: 5 November 2002
Revision date: 9-Mar-2012
Length: 27 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
Describes the development of ShareNet, an innovative knowledge management system used by a division of Siemens. ShareNet attempts to capture the knowledge and experience of Siemen's many dispersed sales and marketing units around the globe, making it available to all. ShareNet has to date been funded as a corporate initiative, free to all who use it. But as the telecommunications market has collapsed, the group who run it are under increasing pressure to cut costs. As a result, they are considering charging users who subscribe to the tool in the belief that these users will willingly pay for it. This relies, however, on being able to demonstrate that the tool/system has a positive return on investment--a notoriously difficult task.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
416,000 employees, EUR60 billion revenues
Other setting(s):
1998-2002
About
Abstract
Describes the development of ShareNet, an innovative knowledge management system used by a division of Siemens. ShareNet attempts to capture the knowledge and experience of Siemen's many dispersed sales and marketing units around the globe, making it available to all. ShareNet has to date been funded as a corporate initiative, free to all who use it. But as the telecommunications market has collapsed, the group who run it are under increasing pressure to cut costs. As a result, they are considering charging users who subscribe to the tool in the belief that these users will willingly pay for it. This relies, however, on being able to demonstrate that the tool/system has a positive return on investment--a notoriously difficult task.
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Location:
Industry:
Size:
416,000 employees, EUR60 billion revenues
Other setting(s):
1998-2002