The "Coroporate Knowledge Repository" has come up a number of times in
recent conversations. In past efforts I've seen, the idea is a great
library register for "author/source" and content info (by some heading or
key word). This hasn't worked out too well in the instances I'm familiar
with and doens't have much promise - same design flaws - in the beginnings
that I've heard of.
Here's what I'm interested in exploring in the area and my ideas about
approaching it. If anyone knows of anything actually being done that is
similar, please let me know.
My basic assumptions are:
- the knowledge of an organisation is distributed
- the knowledge is context specific (including who wants it and who
is going to produce it)
- the main knowledge is implicit and can be called forth in
response more easily than made explicit beforehand
- it may be unknown combinations of knowledge that are the key
A way of encapsulating all of the above (and more) is to say that
knowledge is an emergent phenomenon comprising information-in-context
which occurs as knowledge only in response to the appropriate situations.
(Something like memory and its triggers). We are dealing with a complex
intelligent phenomenon that is accessible only via communication
(language) in its immediate moment.
So the system that I think has more promise than some catalogue approach
is a display approach that is based in marketplace principles (bulletin
boards, announcements, requests/offers, free participation based on self
interest/organisation/responsibility). The system would work by calls for
help, support, creativity and situation specific responses.
Part of this came from a recent conversation where the catalogue was to
include who would be willing to share/speak in what circumstances
(including to whom). The problem seemed to me that this didn't go far
enough. Who knows the answer, even for themselves, until the situation
arises. More, who knows unless the enrolment context is present. (The
same request by different people or in a different manner is not the same
request.)
Any interest? Any help?
--
Mike McMaster <Michael@kbddean.demon.co.uk>
"Postmodern society is the society of computers, information, scientific
knowledge, advanced technology, and rapid change due to new advances in
science and technology." Postmodern Theory, Best & Kellner