HKCyberU offers neat and tidy path to grasp knowledge management
Eric Tsui Yue-hong from Polytechnic University's department of industrial and systems engineering has a habit of putting information in order. He filters his e-mails, classifies them by putting them in different folders and keeps a personal depository that enables him to retrieve information rapidly.
Those habits are encouraged among students doing HKCyberU's master of science in knowledge management programme, of which Professor Tsui is a co-leader. The online learning arm of PolyU is the only institution in Asia-Pacific offering the knowledge management course, while similar courses are available in the United States.
The skills fostered by it had wide applications in today's information age, either for companies or individuals, said Professor Tsui. They involve setting strategies for grouping e-mail, creating a group or individual environment for self-reflection - perceived as conducive to effective learning, aligning appropriate technology to support knowledge processing, and leadership and interview skills.
'All these competencies are useful for increasing productivity, making quality decisions, leveraging the expertise of staff across a region, and reducing the time for making price solutions,' said Professor Tsui.
Individuals also benefit from a well-organised work habit. Professor Tsui often attends seminars and social gatherings to expand his social capital.
He keeps all the name cards given to him, scans them and keeps them in his depository. 'You never know when a piece of information will be useful so it's better to keep whatever you have in a way that it can be retrieved easily when you want it.'