Scenario: It is known, worldwide, that GM has had a hard time of things. It was a pioneer in the automotive field and supported several companies along the value chain. GM devoted significant resources to knowledge management but was ineffective in capturing and disseminating knowledge throughout the organization. Throughout the 20th century, GM provided a familial culture to its workers to include stable retirement and health care packages and regular salary increases. However, most good things have to come to an end and problems with the union and suppliers ensued. (wallstat.com, 2009)

In the recent 21st Century, GM hit rock bottom. The major problem was financial; they could not honor all of their agreements with their employees and sustain the employee entitlements they had promised in a bad economy. However, some researchers argue the much more significant problem was global. GM did not take into consideration regional or global challenges at a reasonable level. For example, the relationship with the Asian automobile market was not successful because managers did not adequately handle the cross-cultural challenge. GM did not rise to the threat of new entrants with new and improved cars (economist, 2009). In the interim, the Asian market was taking over the U.S. market share with smaller, more affordable cars.

According to S. Patton (2002), an examination of five well documented knowledge management failures, it was discovered that knowledge management failure factors fall into four categories: technology, culture, content, and management.

Patton, S. (February 2002). Putting the pieces together. Darwin.

The Fall of GM: A Visual Guide. Retrieved April 5, 2012,from: http://www.wallstats.com/blog/the-fall-of-gm-a-visual-guide/

The decline and fall of General Motors – Detroitosaurus wrecks. Retrieved on April 5, 2012, from: http://www.economist.com/node/13783014

Perform additional research and write a paper, 3-5 pages of double spaced content as a minimum, addressing the types of knowledge management systems GM has implemented to turn the company around. You will research and gather a minimum of five (5) references (primary and secondary) to adequately write the assignment. Respond to the questions in essay form (rather than simply numbering the questions and then writing your responses), with a clear thesis paragraph, body paragraphs which address the case question topics, and a summarizing concluding paragraph. You should not re-write the questions as part of your paper, just address them in your paragraphs.