After Action Review as a tool for implementation of the knowledge management program

Abstract

The lack of practical tools enabling the effective management of knowledge flows usually leads to business failures. It is common for organizations to face challenges, but it is also quite reasonable to expect that they will encounter the same problems unless the time is invested in problem analysis and lessons learned are developed. This paper investigates the capabilities of the After-Action Review, a tool designed to systematically manage the knowledge gained from experience as an extremely valuable source. We believe that the knowledge derived from experience becomes a compass that helps organizations understand everything that has happened, anticipate the challenges ahead and prepare their response. Literature review confirmed that After Action Review tool provides support to organizations in their efforts to transform their strategy and make it knowledge oriented. A primary research conducted as part of this paper confirmed that capturing, documenting, and sharing of lessons learned plays a significant role in identifying learning potentials and using experience, while maintaining the focus towards the future.