A Knowledge Strategy

Information
Knowledge building is fuelled by relevant and accurate information that is freely
available and easy to access.
Shared learnings
A shared-learnings process is a short, action driven format allowing for the
publication of insights, innovations, process improvements or hard lessons learnt.
Publications of this nature are invaluable in sharing learnings and can be viewed as
a direct deposit into the DBSA’s knowledge bank.
Peer assists
The peer-assist process is a structured and facilitated dialogue between peers to
make experience-based know-how available to a group about to engage in a process
or actions that have been executed in the past. Staff wishing advice or attempting to
develope a new angle on a problem, may refer to a group of peers to gain greater
insight. The peer-assist process generates a set of ideas and suggestions but does not
constitute a transfer of responsibility to the group whose help is being sought.
Project retrospectives
A project retrospective is a process of thematic reflection that may be done after
project completion or having reached important stages of a longer-term project. A
retrospective should not be confused with an evaluation for control purposes. It is
a learning opportunity that records valuable knowledge for the Bank.
Communities of practice (thematic groups)
The most sophisticated knowledge management tool in this suite is the formation of
goal-directed communities of practice (COPs) or thematic groups. A group of experts
collaborate in the sharing of their tools, ideals, practices and learning experiences
related to a specific topic over an extended period. A COP has its own governance, is
monitored and facilitated by a moderator and often makes use of some sort of network
to communicate. A COP is similar to a group formed to fulfill an assignment, but has
a longer life. The goal is not only advancing the knowledge of a specific subject of an
individual, as in the case of COIs, but to create a set of validated knowledge assets that
the Bank may record and draw on in improving its development impact.
3.2.3 High-impact knowledge tools and processes
Opportunities that exist for the application of knowledge management tools and
processes have been identified. Recommendations have accordingly been
formulated and are in the process of being implemented.
Directory of expertise
Opportunities arise in:
• access to directories of expertise (internal and external) - especially relevant to
the client-driven project planning and implementation phase for less complex
28 Development Bank of Southern Africa