Purpose: The aim of this paper is discussing about the similarities between the life cycle of knowledge management and the processes in which learning objects are created, evaluated and used. Design/methodology/approach: The paper describes LO and learning designs and depicts their integration into the knowledge life cycle (KLC) of the KMCI, showing the main ontological definitions required to represent the proposed integration, putting them into relation with previous research in the topic. Findings: The main points is that the "learning object" concept can be connected to existing KLC models in order to provide a more comprehensive framework for reuse-oriented e-learning and knowledge management. Originality/value: The paper describes how to integrate learning-oriented artefacts as part of the organizational context, in particular, as part of the knowledge life cycle (KLC). It also depicts the integration of a reuse-oriented e-learning framework into the KLC of the KMCI in the form of ontological definitions.