Interactive Knowledge Management Framework

Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating change, KM helps you do it better, faster, and more sustainably. Knowledge management isn’t just a function—it’s your competitive advantage.  

APQC’s Knowledge Management (KM) Framework outlines the stages of KM strategy implementation along with the actions necessary at each stage to move you to the next level. This interactive framework guides you towards the best approach to your KM strategy with detailed explanations of every step of the way. It also provides links to targeted content, best practices, and tools and templates found in APQC’s online Resource Library. 


Using the Framework

Each of the actions under the four stages below is clickable. Click the action you would like more information about and a pop-up will appear.

Interactive Framework CYCLES OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT CALL TO ACTION Explode Business Value of KM Program Explore Business Value of KM Program Identify Critical Knowledge Identify Critical Knowledge Align KM to Business Priorities and Functions Align KM to Business Priorities and Functions Get Buy-In Get Buy-In RESULT Call to Action Results Business Buy-in Value Proposition KM Direction DEVELOP KM STRATEGY Determine Current State Determine Current State Create Governance Framework Create Governance Framework Design Phased Implementation Plan Design Phased Implementation Plan Scope and Prioritize Opportunities Scope and Prioritize Opportunities Create Business Cases and Budgets Create Business Cases and Budgets RESULT Develop KM Strategy Results KM Strategy KM Road Map DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT KM CAPABILITIES Form Operational Design Teams Form Operational Design Teams Design Knowledge Flow Process Design Knowledge Flow Process Design KM Approaches Design KM Approaches Design Resource Model and Capabilities Design Resource Model and Capabilities Leverage and Enhance IT Leverage and Enhance IT Develop Measures Develop Measures Ratify Plans and Budgets Ratify Plans and Budgets RESULT Design and Impelement KM Capabilities Results Dynamic Plans for Project and Infrastructure Detailed Budget KM Implementation EVOLVE AND SUSTAIN Evolve KM Capabilities Evolve KM Capabilities Ensure KM Alignment to Business Priorities Ensure KM Alignment to Business Priorities Sustain Awareness and Engagement Sustain Awareness and Engagement Expand KM Infrastructure to Meet Demand Expand KM Infrastructure to Meet Demand RESULT Evolve and Sustain Results Dynamic KM Program: Valued and Embedded

APQC's resources have jumpstarted our KM program without having to hire consultants or costly KM professionals.

Benefits of using APQC’s KM Interactive Framework 

Every business challenge is a knowledge challenge in disguise.

APQC’s Interactive Knowledge Management (KM) Framework transforms KM from a vague concept into a practical, actionable system that anyone—regardless of role or industry—can use to improve how knowledge flows through their organization. 

Target

It Makes Knowledge Management Tangible

  • The framework breaks knowledge management down into clear components—like strategy, people, processes, and technology—so users can see how it applies to their real-world challenges.
  • It’s not just theory—it’s a map for how to actually do KM. 
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It’s Interactive and Customizable

  • Users can click into each element to explore definitions, best practices, tools, and examples. It’s a self-guided learning and planning tool that adapts to your needs.
  • Whether you’re building a KM program or just trying to fix a knowledge gap, it shows you where to start. 
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It’s Role-Agnostic

You don’t need to be a KM professional to use it. It’s designed for: 

  • Team leads trying to retain expertise
  • HR professionals improving onboarding
  • IT teams aligning tools with knowledge needs
  • Ops managers reducing rework and silos 
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It’s Backed by 30+ Years of Research

  • APQC’s framework is built on decades of benchmarking and best practices from top-performing organizations around the world.
  • You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on what works. 
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It Connects Strategy to Action

The framework helps you align KM efforts with business goals like: 

  • Reducing risk
  • Improving productivity
  • Supporting innovation
  • Enabling AI and automation
  • It helps you show the business value of KM—not just the activity. 

How to use the KM Framework to solve real-world business problems: 

Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating change, knowledge is the fuel that drives performance, innovation, and resilience. Yet too often, that knowledge is fragmented, undocumented, or lost when people leave.
 

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  • “What happens when your MVP leaves tomorrow?” → High turnover
  • “Scale your team without losing your edge.” → Rapid growth
  • “AI is only as smart as the knowledge you feed it.” → AI readiness
  • Common pain points KM addresses (e.g., turnover, onboarding delays, rework)

In every team, knowledge is the fuel that drives performance, innovation, and resilience. Yet too often, that knowledge is fragmented, undocumented, or lost when people leave. Knowledge management (KM) training equips your team with the skills to capture, share, and apply what they know.


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Advance Your Skills with APQC Training

APQC’s Knowledge Management Certification (in-person) and Knowledge Transfer Certification (virtual) courses are intensive, 3-day intensive programs that equip professionals with globally recognized, IACET-accredited skills to advance their career. These certifications provide knowledge strategies that drive innovation and efficiency and ensure critical knowledge flows where it is needed most. 

Also explore APQC’s flexible, self-paced online training courses—designed to fit your schedule and learning goals. Browse our full course catalog, including the curated Knowledge Management Basics Learning Path, to find the right program for you.

Browse Our Full Course Catalog

Learn About APQC Advisory Services

Contact Us

APQC provides the expertise you need to grow or overcome challenges unique to your organization. Our expert consultants work with you to accelerate your KM initiatives with customized one-on-one support. We have helped countless organizations redesign and improve their processes; implement knowledge management programs; measure business performance and progress towards goals; and more. We offer a wide range of services to address your specific needs.

Get Expert Guidance to Optimize Your KM Initiatives

Contact Our Advisory Services Director

APQC Advisory Services

You might be in the early stages of developing your organization’s first ever KM program. Or maybe you already have a KM strategy, but need help evolving your KM capabilities. At any stage of your KM strategy implementation, our expert consultants can provide individualized support and customized on-site training to help you accelerate and optimize your KM initiatives.

To learn more, contact our advisory services director:

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Jeff Varney, Director of Advisory Services

Direct: +1-713-685-7253
Toll-free: (US and Canada) 1-800-776-9676
Contact via Email