Information and policy by Karen Bonanno, Director, KB Enterprises (Aust) Pty Ltd

Within any organisation it is essential to have sound operational policy and procedures in place to manage internal and external content and knowledge objects to achieve the objectives and aims. Professional associations are not immune to this thinking. Policy statements, together with guidelines for adoption and application, guide and protect the associations’ operations.

In addition, the information and knowledge objects created and deposited in an Intranet environment (a secure password protected repository for members only) support future knowledge creation and decision-making as an association continues to deliver the programs and projects identified in a strategic plan.

It is exciting to be involved, for any association, in planning research projects, face-to-face and online conferences, advocacy strategies, publication delivery, and engaging in joint alliances to develop policies, standards and statements which benefit the education profession.

Then again, there are the ‘mundane’ jobs to be completed, which also work towards the managing of information and knowledge within an Association. As they say, someone has to do it!

Review your policy and procedures on a regular basis to make sure you are keeping up-to-date with the required legislation for the operation of your association, and addressing the changes to working environments within which your association functions. Current technology and emerging technologies can present many challenges to the associations’ operations.

© 2004