Management and Knowledge Management Book Reviews
by Dr. Moria Levy

Published in 2008, " Becoming Knowledge Focused " addresses knowledge management within international non-profit organizations, including operative entities such as the OSCE, a United Nations sub-organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and normative organizations like the IAEA (International Nuclear Energy Network). Dr. Ugochukwu Ugbor, the author, is a knowledge management expert based in Austria working at OPEC. The study primarily draws examples from OPEC, strongly emphasizing...

John Kotter is undoubtedly familiar to many, recognized as the guru of change management worldwide in recent decades. Based on the book he co-authored with Holger Rathgeber, Kotter's well-established method is a staple in universities and management schools. The narrative unfolds in an imaginary world of penguins, illustrating a crucial change needed after one penguin discovers their glacier is melting. The story, both beautiful and innocent, adeptly clarifies Kotter and Rathgeber's method in...

" Outliers: The Story of Success ," penned by Malcolm Gladwell in 2008 and translated into Hebrew by Sarah Rypin in 2009, is an international non-fiction bestseller. It delves into the intriguing question of what leads to greatness and success. Contrary to the conventional belief that talent is the primary factor, the book contends that talent holds only partial significance. Instead, it emphasizes the crucial roles of opportunity (luck) and heritage (culture). The book emphasizes...

This book is captivating and groundbreaking in its conceptualization, delving into the forthcoming post-knowledge workers' era. Gifted to me by Eyal Sasson, I express my gratitude to him here. My anticipation for the book was high, given its accolades as a bestseller by The New York Times and BusinessWeek. Renowned figures in the literary and journalistic realms, such as Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence), hailed it as a miraculous work—original and profound. Thomas Friedman (The World Is...

The book, authored by David Delong in 2004, is an exceptional resource dedicated to knowledge preservation. It delves into the challenges organizations face when attempting to retain knowledge as employees leave, whether due to natural turnover, deliberate reductions, or retirement. With comprehensive insights, the book acknowledges no one-size-fits-all solution, instead guiding critical thinking and actionable steps.   Delong explores various approaches rooted in classical knowledge...

This book, " Leading in a Culture of Change ," authored by Michael Fullan in 2001, is exceptional. It sets itself apart from conventional leadership books that either present a formula for success or narrate the life and work story of a charismatic leader who achieved success. Fullan, the author, dismisses the notion of ready-made recipes, emphasizing that such recipes do not exist—a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with. It's not about the world making complete sense or not making sense at...

This 2008 ״ Business Intelligence ״ book, written by Ephraim Torben, Ramesh Scharda, Jay Aronson, and David King, is a comprehensive guide to concepts and, more importantly, business intelligence solutions. It incorporates numerous examples and references to additional academic and business sources. Prepared as a textbook, it can also function as a foundation for academic courses, as evidenced by the accompanying references to sources, exercises, and summaries. The book targets individuals...

Like all of Prof. Tom Davenport's books I've explored in knowledge management and business intelligence, " Thinking for a Living " unquestionably exhibits depth. It is a meticulously researched book, showcasing profound understanding and leaving readers with ample food for thought and actionable insights. Penned in 2005, it delves into the realm of knowledge workers, elucidating ways to optimize their work for enhanced organizational performance. Reflecting on Peter Drucker's 1999 work,...

Published in 2006, " What They Didn't Tell You About Knowledge Management " was written by Jay Liebowitz, a professor of information science with a background in library and informatics and experience as a NASA knowledge manager. The book articulates his philosophy by combining a methodological perspective rooted in academic expertise with a practical vision derived from his role at NASA. This book is one of the 46 authored and published by Liebowitz, many related to knowledge management. It...

This book, " Making Innovation Work ," presents a truly innovative exploration of innovation. Authored by David Epstein (The Jewish Connection?) and Shelton, it effectively challenges prevalent stigmas associated with innovation. The book elucidates why innovation often falls short of expectations, even in organizations investing significant resources, and provides insights into the importance, methodologies, and tools for fostering innovation. It emphasizes that innovation is distinct from...

Numerous books have explored and will likely continue to delve into change management, a nuanced and complex field that addresses individuals, groups, and organizations. This book distinguishes itself from others I'm familiar with on the same topic. Unlike a guide, its purpose isn't to offer step-by-step instructions or promote a specific technique as the ultimate solution for managing change. Instead, it provides a variety of potential directions, presenting the perspectives of the authors,...

The book " Knowledge Management in Theory and Practice ," by Kimiz Dalkir in 2005, undeniably stands out as one of the most comprehensive works in knowledge management, if not the most comprehensive overall. As implied by its name, the book covers the theoretical aspects of the field's history, the knowledge management cycle, and theoretical models. In addition, it provides practical references to processes of knowledge development and collection, knowledge sharing, application,...