HR Perspective: "3 . . . 2 . . . 1 . . . Lift Off!" NASA's Knowledge Management Approach Aims for the Stars

Managing knowledge in an organization such as NASA could be a huge challenge. Nevertheless, NASA realized the need for a knowledge management system especially after events such as the Mars mission failures and the Challenger disaster. It revised its policy for knowledge management so that there could be greater information sharing through networking and collaboration. It also created an Agency Knowledge Map that included online information, an information search engine, published materials, specification of best practices, information sharing networks, and social exchange efforts.

1. How do you think NASA managed to enhance its knowledge management policy? Do you think it was effective? If so, how?
2. What other types of programs would you recommend that NASA (and other organizations) develop to share information?