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WESTMINSTER Business School is currently undertaking what is believed to be the first study of its kind into knowledge management and the learning organisation - and needs research volunteers.

While both topics are much hyped, evidence available seems to be either hypothetical or based upon limited experience.

WBS has just completed a knowledge management and learning organisation survey in the UK university sector - and is now surveying a wide range of UK organisations in both the private and public sectors.

The aim is to establish a more balanced view of what organisations understand by the terms knowledge management and learning organisations, and the ways in which both concepts are being promoted and supported by information communication technology.

Preliminary analysis of the universities' survey shows some interesting patterns emerging. For instance the use of a "best practices" database is rare, as is the use of discussion groups or knowledge forums.

WBS wishes to compare patterns in both other not-for profit organisations and in profit-making organisations.

Any organisation with an interest in this area, and which would be willing to take part in the survey and support the research should contact Gill Sugden on 0171 911 5000, ext. 3011, email gill@wmin.ac.uk or Elayne Coakes, ext. 3338, email:coakese@wmin.ac.uk