Preface
The Canadian Institute of Knowledge Management (CIKM) believes that knowledge management (KM) is really knowledge-enabled business management. This practical and straightforward approach to KM is embodied within CIKM’s Frid Framework™ for Enterprise Knowledge Management. This document outlines the framework and provides a common-sense, business-focused approach to KM. The framework is flexible and enables organizations to implement only those components they need. Each of the framework’s constituent components delivers value; it is not necessary to implement the entire framework for organizations to appreciate the significant return on investment KM delivers. The framework’s architecture provides for both a top-down and bottom-up approach to implementation. In a best-case scenario, the framework is implemented according to the top-down approach laid out in this document. However, should this approach not be feasible, implementation of the KM Analysis Process (bottom-up approach) alone will generate value and start to implant knowledge engineering into organizational culture. The remainder of the framework can be implemented incrementally.
The framework is not intended to provide answers to all knowledge-management questions; rather, it is a practical beginning—a starting point that embodies the principles, rules, conventions, standards, values and procedures that will enable organizations to measure and manage their growing investments in the intangible corporate resources commonly referred to as Intellectual Assets. The Frid Framework™ is still evolving, and will likely continue to do so for many years. This document is intended to inspire additional critical thinking and debate, and encourage members of the knowledge management community to formalize an international organization to develop globally accepted KM standards—similar in nature to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—that will provide common measurement across all industries.

Dr. Randy Frid