Technology acquisition, consultancy know-how, research data and services, marketing information, intellectual property ... the list of sources and types of knowledge that organizations need to acquire, share and manage is growing exponentially.
The acquisition and management of knowledge as an end in itself is relatively new, but has grown in importance on most managers’ agendas over the past fifteen years and is something that many managers are still fundamentally ill-equipped to control effectively. Yet it is their ability to plan, source, evaluate, acquire and manage knowledge on which the success of their organizations increasingly depends
Peter Sammons provides managers with a readable, highly practical guide to buying and managing knowledge. The author looks at the knowledge economy, to set the scene on the manager's growing responsibility to buy-in knowledge for their organization. He explores intellectual property rights: how they are created, transferred and protected. He sets out some alternative strategies to buying knowledge. There's advice on how to work with universities, contract research organizations and consultancy firms. And the most neglected area of all – knowledge transfer from supplier to buyer – is given exhaustive treatment.
In a discipline (knowledge work) that is fraught with jargon, technology and arcane practice, Buying Knowledge enables every manager to acquire the knowledge their organization needs; in a form and at a cost that is most appropriate for them without exposing their organization to litigation or intellectual property disputes.
Contents: List of figures; List of tables; Introduction; In the know - The knowledge economy in the Twenty-First Century; Knowledge is power; Head knowledge - Modern intellectual property rights; Intellectual property rights: Current developments; Why buy knowledge; Planning to buy knowledge; Knowledge transfer; Working with consultants; Working with contract research organizations; Knowledge factories - Buying knowledge from universities; Appendix 1- The Outsourcing R&D Toolkit; Appendix 2 - Project memo; Appendix 3 - Watch your service bills!; Index.
About the Author: Peter Sammons is a seasoned contracts negotiator and corporate member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, working in the field of acquisition of leading-edge technology and technological services. Since 2001 he has worked with a global financial services firm, focusing on the acquisition of professional services. Peter is author of The Outsourcing R&D Toolkit, also published by Gower.
Reviews: 'Most organisations place contracts with management or technical consultants and many commission work from universities or research organisations. Client side technical managers and procurement professionals involved in such contracts will find Buying Knowledge a very useful source book. Peter Sammons introduces the subject with an overview of the international knowledge economy, explains the principles of intellectual property rights and then focuses on the ways in which clients can go about the practical task of buying knowledge themselves.
Whilst his subject is inherently complicated, Peter Sammons's helpfully highlights 'learning points' and the many lists included are useful as reference for both newcomers to the subject and for more experienced practitioners.'
Nigel Shaw, FCIPS, CEng, MIMechE, Independent Procurement Consultant
‘Defining what any business knows or needs to know in order to sustain success is a huge challenge in itself. But once this hurdle is crossed, executives face another veritable minefield: how best to source knowledge-based services to enhance competitive advantage?
Peter Sammons book: Buying Knowledge, can help the busy senior executive do just this. The book provides clear pointers on how best to protect, leverage and grow a business’ strategic knowledge assets with particular focus on identifying, engaging and working with 3rd party providers.
Bridging the disciplines of Purchasing Best Practice and Knowledge Management, Sammons takes us from big picture considerations through to the gritty day-to-day practicalities of running knowledge-based projects.
Bringing simplicity and clarity to the issue of IPR and actionable insight into how to maximise the benefits of knowledge transfer, Buying Knowledge provides a decision making toolkit of relevance to both buyers and vendors of knowledge services.’ Steven Oates, Managing Director, Williams Lea
'In the short, this is an extremely useful handbook on buying and managing knowledge. The information is clearly presented and thoughout the book the reader is alerted to key issues that need reviewing in the context of one's own organisation to determine any action that may be needed.' Economic Outlook and Business Review, June 2005
'This book is a very useful reference for anyone engaged in buying knowledge, and I will be using it myself for reference'. Supply Management , Oct ober 2005
‘There's advice on how to work with universities, contract research organizations and consultancy firms. And the most neglected area of all, knowledge transfer from supplier to buyer – is given exhaustive treatment.’ – Centro Internazionale promozione editoriale
Extracts from this title are available to view:
Full contents list
Chapter 3 - Head knowledge - Modern intellecutal property rights