Knowledge mapping
Contents
Definition
Knowledge mapping is The process of creating a knowledge map
Summary
Description
Knowledge mapping process is a tool for managing knowledge or knowledge assets of an organization. It can be used for codification of exiting knowledge, but sometimes the mapping process itself may create new knowledge as well.
Knowledge mapping involves defining relationships between the selected knowledge domains. It may also include locating the knowledge in the organisation or defining the relevant knowledge processes that act on the knowledge in question. For example how knowledge is transferred or codified.
Knowledge mapping may concentrate on the current situation or have a future oriented view. Thus it can also be used as a tool for determining possible knowledge loss risks or knowledge risks.
Knowledge mapping involves such activities as data gathering, survey, exploring, conversation, gap analysis and synthesis. It's fundamental work and also an infrastructure of knowledge management which should be done in an early phase and needs continuous maintenance.
The most important aspects of knowledge can be illustrated by using a knowledge map.
How to build a knowledge map
- Establish a work team including knowledge management specialists, technical experts and typical user representitives if necessary.
- Identify potential users such as employees, partners or customers and capture requirements from them.
- Determine the purpose of building a knowledge map, clarify its applicable scope, structure, type, etc.
- Collect and analyze knowledge in the organization field by field. Classify and categorize the knowledge in terms of users' requirements. (Interviews and surveys might be needed.)
- Make connections among knowledge. Use appropriate tools to describe or present the knowledge map.
- Evaluate the result of knowledge map, keep updating and improving.
Examples
Reference [1]
References
[1] Day, J., How Knowledge Mapping is Being Used to Integrate Plans for Safe and Reliable Operations, In International Conference on Human Resource Development for Nuclear Power Programmes: Building and Sustaining Capacity Strategies for Education and Training, Networking and Knowledge Management, IAEA CN‐215, 2014, pp. 167-169.
