Visiting Professor: Brian Lehaney

Professor Brian Lehaney.

Brian Lehaney is Professor of Systems Management in the Department of Knowledge and Information Management, which is within Coventry University’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing. His research includes decision support for organisations, especially the theories and application of knowledge management, simulation modelling, and intervention methodologies.

Professor Lehaney is an experienced, active researcher, and was recently Project Leader on an EC-funded project on knowledge management. He has published in many international refereed journals, and he has also worked as a referee and editor for such journals. His focus is on theory into practice in the knowledge management domain. His current PhD students are working on knowledge culture and knowledge sharing. He has been a reviewer of large-sum projects for various funding bodies. He has given keynote and plenary papers at major international conferences on the theme of culture, process, and outcomes. He is a Fellow of the Operational Research society and a member of the Committee of Professors in Operational Research. Brian is joint editor of OR Insight.

During his time at RMIT, Professor Lehaney will present two seminars which are sure to generate interest and lively discussion.

Date: Monday June 23
Venue: GSB (300 Queen St)
Time: from 12.15 for a 12.30 start, until 1.45.

Topic: A Workshop on DBA/PhD Research: Why do a DBA?

This workshop is intended to be participative and lively and contentious. The theme is that a DBA is in fact no different in substance from a PhD and that it is a triumph of marketing over substance. If there is any difference, then in fact the DBA requires all that is required of a PhD (in a business/management domain) but has additional coursework requirements. The claim of contribution to professional practice is matched by contribution to knowledge of a PhD in business/management and the two are synonymous in reality. The DBA is simply a marketing device to attract more students.

Date: Wednesday June 25, joint Seminar with BIT
Venue: Level 17, Building 108, 239 Bourke St, Melbourne
Time: from 12.15 for a 12.30 start, until 1.45.

Topic: What is Knowledge Management?

This presentation provides some background to knowledge management (KM). It discusses the hype, the realities, the concepts and the practice of KM. The complex nature of KM is considered. The debate surrounding the fad/substance notions of KM is also discussed. A definition of KM is presented and audience participation is invited to try to improve this and to debate KM in general.