Changing Knowledge Management Strategy in the Norwegian Armed Forces: A Discussion of Effects-Based Thinking as an Alternative Method in the Planning and Execution of Military Joint Operations

The Norwegian Armed Forces is taking part in military joint operations on an international basis. When planning and executing military joint operations, a knowledge management strategy known as center of gravity analysis is often used. Given the constant need to improve the processes involved in planning and executing operations, the use of an alternative knowledge management strategy is proposed and discussed in this paper. The alternative knowledge management strategy is referred to as effects-based thinking. Effects-based thinking can be said to be a more general method than the center of gravity analysis. For a professional community of practice such as the Norwegian Armed Forces, the use of effects-based thinking may simply be a more suitable knowledge management strategy. This is to achieve success in military joint operations.