Leveraging Knowledge Management Tools to Support Security Risk Management in the Department of Homeland Security
Abstract
This thesis examines Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the United Kingdom (UK), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The first goal was to identify existing KM approaches that would foster higher levels of knowledge sharing and collaboration among security risk management practitioners within Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to enhance risk informed decision-making activities. Through the analysis of the three case studies, it was discovered that organizational culture, more than any particular KM process or enabling technology is responsible for moderating the level of knowledge sharing. The KM strategies, policies and implementation mechanisms explored in the three case studies are good models for DHS to consider in order to reduce agencies' uncertainty, aiding decision making and bolstering effectiveness. The Risk Knowledge Management System (RKMS) called for in the DHS Integrated Risk Management Directive will require similar implementation and support structures for DHS to overcome the cultural, process, security, and funding obstacles experienced by the United Kingdom, Canada, and NASA. By using these case studies as models and reflecting on their experiences, DHS will be better positioned to effectively implement and adopt proven KM policies on an agency-wide basis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA556330
Entities
People
- David D. Dixon
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School