Developing a Knowledge Management Strategy 109Copyright © 2005, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without writtenAcquisition Deskbook, AFMC Help Center, Virtual Schoolhouse, and CoP workspaces.
The AFKM Hub evolved from the original Lessons Learned Web site and now serves
as the access point to a range of knowledge and information resources. The DoD
Acquisition Deskbook provides a variety of documents describing the laws, directives,
policies, and regulations related to DoD acquisitions. The AFMC Help Center provides
an English-language search engine for both AFMC and other customers to find informa-
tion or documents that may reside on any of the many AFMC Web sites. The Virtual
Schoolhouse delivers over 20 online courses for AF acquisition training. And finally, the
CoP workspaces allow for information exchange, collaboration, and problem solving. The
specific functions of each of these portal components is further described in Appendix 3.
CASE DESCRIPTION
It wasn’t long after Adkins had taken charge of the AFKM program that he realized
it was approaching a crossroads. Specifically, a strategic vision and plan for the future
of the program and underlying system was lacking. With strong leadership support and
sufficient funding, the AFKM program and system had grown; however, there were now
a variety of emerging issues that had to be considered in any future KM strategy
development. Some of these key issues are discussed.
Leadership Support
As the deputy director of AFMC/DR, Robert Mulcahy had been a staunch sup-
porter and champion of AFMC’s KM efforts. It was his vision that had brought the
program together under Adkins. He knew the value of creating the AFKM program and
understood the benefits it could bring to AFMC, the AF, and the DoD. Mulcahy had
protected and given support to the AFKM System Development Team so that it could
expand and explore new opportunities. He believed all of AFMC, not just the headquar-
Figure 5. AFKM home page