Staff in geographically isolated locations are most reliant on information sources such as intranets, and yet in practical terms they are the hardest to reach.

In practice, staff directory details will be drawn from a number of different systems and sources. This will generally require the integration of a number…

The second CM Briefing for April has been written by Iain Barker, and it introduces paired interviews. To quote: A paired interview is a method of collecting information from several people at the same time who represent the target audience. The paired interview is not two interviews being conducted simultaneously. The emphasis of the paired interview is to create a dynamic in which the participants interact with each other. In so doing, they validate or clearly identify differences in working practices and terminology.

The first CM Briefing for April has been written by Donna Maurer, and it asks: why are intranets structured like the organisational chart? To quote: Many intranets are structured around the organisational chart. It is well known that this method of grouping content is difficult for staff

Paired interviews are a very effective technique for identifying differences in working practices or terminology.

Any intranets structured around the organisational chart are difficult to use. Before attempting a restructure, consider why this structure has been used.

If intranets are to succeed, an upwards spiral must be created, where each success (no matter how small) leads onto further improvements.

Information must be managed on three levels within an organisation: corporate, team and individual. Tools and processes must be provided for each of the levels.

The second CM Briefing for March looks at how to create an upwards spiral for your intranet. To quote: Many intranets are trapped in a 'downwards spiral': process and resources issues lead to poor-quality content, which reduces trust, which leads to more problems, and so on. If intranets (and intranet teams) are to succeed, this must be turned around to become an 'upwards spiral', where each success (no matter how small) leads onto further improvements. This briefing explores the nature of the problem, and outlines some approaches to reshaping the intranet into something that grows and prospers.

The first of my CM Briefings for March looks at the three levels of information management that exist within organisations. To quote: When developing an information management strategy within an organisation, it is useful to consider information needs on three levels: corporate team, division, business unit, etc individual The needs of each of these three levels must be met if a coordinated and effective solution is to be maintained in the long-term.