The Use of Conceptual Maps for Competencies Mapping and Knowledge Formalization in a Virtual Lab
In this work we address the need to formalize knowledge in a systematic way in order to productively explore it. We present a methodology on how to capture and archive information and then transform this plain information into valuable knowledge. In a spe
- PDF / 604,093 Bytes
- 13 Pages / 439.37 x 666.142 pts Page_size
- 88 Downloads / 189 Views
Abstract In this work we address the need to formalize knowledge in a systematic way in order to productively explore it. We present a methodology on how to capture and archive information and then transform this plain information into valuable knowledge. In a specific case study, the competencies of each node/organization of a networked Virtual Laboratory have been identified. Conceptual maps aiming to host the identified competencies are structured based on specific rules; the population of the conceptual maps and the mapping of the competencies give a user-friendly overview of the Virtual Lab’s overall knowledge and expertise, considering both internal and cross-organizational aspects. The benefits of this work are described and guidelines for the implementation and introduction of the proposed work to multi-stakeholders environments are provided. The results of this work are expected to be of value to both industrial and academic audience with interests on topics such as knowledge mapping, knowledge formalization, competencies mapping, conceptual maps, tacit knowledge, and ontologies. Keywords: Knowledge formalization; Conceptual map; Competencies mapping; Virtual Laboratory
1
Introduction
The strength of knowledge formalization comes from its impact and integration with individual experience and expertise. The results of knowledge formalization are not evaluated by how well they meet some ideal definitions and expectations, but by how effectively the achievements permit and support the use of existing organizational knowledge to generate, retain or expand research activities. Sometimes, this can be also referred as the conversion of plain information to valuable knowledge.
A. Bernard, S. Tichkiewitch (eds.), Methods and Tools for Effective Knowledge Life-Cycle-Management, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-78431-9_12, © Springer 2008
213
214
G. Chryssolouris et al.
The concept of the Virtual Laboratory is, that instead of having individuals and teams working (perhaps without knowing it) in parallel with each other, or what is worse – at cross purposes, organizations that effectively practice good knowledge management will have everyone working in a careful alignment towards the objectives, without reinventing any wheels or overlooking any opportunities, and being certain to reuse and reapply as much of the past information and work as possible.
2 2.1
The Use of Conceptual Maps to Formalize Knowledge Defining the Conceptual Map
Conceptual Maps are simple and practical knowledge representation tools that allow conveying complex conceptual messages in a clear, understandable way. Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. [1] They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. Words on the line, referred to as linking words or linking phrases, specify the relationship between the two concepts. Sometimes more than two concepts can be directly or − more frequently − indirectly
Data Loading...
