Skabelon for konstituerende valgfag Viden og information i organisationer
Modulets titel
Knowledge and information in organizations
Viden og information i organisationer
Niveau
Kandidatuddannelsen i Informationsvidenskab og kulturformidling,
Sted
Det Informationsvidenskabelige Akademi, København
År og semester
2013, efterår
ECTS omfang
15 ECTS
Undervisere:
Haakon Lund, (www.iva.dk/hl)
Nanna Kann-Christensen, (www.iva.dk/nkc)
Michael Kristiansson, (www.iva.dk/mk)
Camilla Moring, (www.iva.dk/cm)
Objective
Knowledge and information processes are closely linked to structures, processes and the culture in
the organizations in which they take place. But organizations also share and produce knowledge
between organizations, sectors and businesses. The course revolves around four integrated
themes: 1) Organizational theory. This theme discusses contemporary and classic organizational
theory. The conceptual basis and epistemological perspectives of organizational theory are
introduced and case studies will be used in order to discuss selected theories and their use. 2)
Knowledge processes in organizations. This theme is focusing on practice theoretical approaches
to the study of information, knowledge and learning processes in organizations. The concepts
“knowledge practices” and “information practices” is presented, and both the analytical and
methodological considerations around studying knowledge and information practices in
organizations will be discussed. 3) Knowledge processes between organizations. This theme
focuses on the development of knowledge and information practices in different structural
settings (e.g. projects). Key concepts are integration between different knowledge “systems” and
boundary objects. 4) Knowledge strategies and systems. This theme is focusing on the elements in
a knowledge management strategy, and how different systems can support the implementation of
a knowledge management strategy. It can be systems for organizing both informal and formalized
information i.e. the organizational use of systems like "Facebook", Wiki’es or content
management systems.
Competence objectives for the module
The objective of the module is to provide the student with
Knowledge and understanding of:
 Organisations' structure, culture and processes.
 The scientific-historical and scientific-theoretical background of organisation-theoretical
concepts and theories.
 The interplay between organisations and their cultural and institutional surroundings, and
organisations' complex interaction with users and stakeholders.
Skills in:
 Describing selected theories, methods and traditions within the organisation-theoretical
field.
 Analysing knowledge and information practices in and between organisations.
Competences in:
 Discussing organisation-theoretical concepts and theories in scientific-historical and
scientific-theoretical contexts.
 Contributing to the elaboration of action plans with a view to developing an organisation's
knowledge and information practice.
 Analysing knowledge processes, including knowledge sharing and control, both externally
and internally.
Academic objectives:
The examinee is able to
 Give an account, in a reflecting way, of selected theories, methods and traditions within the
organisation-theoretical field.
 Discuss independently organisation theories and their significance for analyses of the
organisation's knowledge and information practices.
 Analyse independently knowledge processes and organisations' knowledge and information
practice, and to assess their political, institutional and cultural implications.
 Participate in the elaboration of action plans within the organisation's knowledge and
information practice and its knowledge sharing and control.
Teaching and work forms
Lectures, case-studies, discussions, group work and workshops.
Language
English
Literature
 Engeström, Y. (2001). Expansive Learning at Work: Toward an activity theoretical
reconceptualization. Journal of Education and Work. Volume 14.
 Gheradi, S. & Strati, A. (2012). Learning And Knowing In Practice-Based Studies. Edward
Elgar Publishing.
 Hatch, M.J. Cunliffe, A. (2012). Organization Theory: Modern, Symbolic and Postmodern
Perspectives. Oxford University Press
 Justesen, L. & Mik Meyer, N. (2012). Qualitative Research Methods in Organisation Studies.
Hans Reitzels Forlag
Examination regulations
Examination form: Written paper with subject chosen by the student
Assessment form: 7-step scale
Marking form: Internal marking
Examination language(s): Danish and English
Scope: The examination may be taken individually or as a group examination with max. 5
participants and individual assessments. The scope of the assignment is max. 20 standard pages +
10 standard pages per student in addition to one. Each student's contribution must be a complete
whole, which is identified and can be assessed on its own. The participants' joint contribution
must not exceed 50 % of the entire length of the paper.
Re-exam
Re-examination form is the same as for the ordinary examination
Marking criteria
The module is assessed according to the 7-point grading scale.
The mark 12 is given to
For an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the relevant
material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses.
 The student can account for theories, methods and scientific foundations in the
organizational theory field in a very independent manner
 Independently and reflected discuss organizational theories and their importance for the
analysis of the organization's knowledge and information practices
 Independently and reflected analyze knowledge processes and organizations' knowledge
and information practices and assess their political, institutional and cultural implications
 Develop strategies for action concerning knowledge and information practices in
organizations and independently discuss these from an organizational theoretical
perspective.
The mark 7 is given to:
For a good performance displaying good command of the relevant material but also some
weaknesses.
 The student can account for theories, methods and scientific foundations in the
organizational theory field in an independent manner
 Independently discuss organizational theories and their importance for the analysis of the
organization's knowledge and information practices
 Independently analyze knowledge processes and organizations' knowledge and
information practices and assess their political, institutional and cultural implications
 Develop strategies for action concerning knowledge and information practices in
organizations and discuss these from an organizational theoretical perspective.
The mark 02 is given to:
For a performance meeting only the minimum requirements for acceptance
 The student can account for theories, methods and scientific foundations in the
organizational theory field.
 Discuss organizational theories and their importance for the analysis of the organization's
knowledge and information practices


Analyze knowledge processes and organizations' knowledge and information practices and
assess their political, institutional and cultural implications
Develop strategies for action concerning knowledge and information practices in
organizations and reflect on these from an organizational theoretical perspective.