Knowledge mapping
Contents
Definition
Knowledge mapping is The process of creating a knowledge map
Summary
Knowledge mapping is a mapping process which creates a map of a selected knowledge domain, i.e. knowledge map. Knowledge mapping can be used as a tool to facilitate knowledge processes, e.g. learning, or business processes, e.g. evaluating the risk of knowledge loss. Knowledge mapping may be performed by just one person of his personal knowledge or on the level of the whole organisation or anything in between, and it can concentrate in the current situation or have a future oriented view.
Description
Mapping process and its output
Knowledge mapping is a mapping process which can be used for managing knowledge or knowledge assets of an organization. The process of knowledge mapping involves defining the knowledge domain to be mapped and the relationships within the domain and creating a symbolic representation of this.
Knowledge mapping may concentrate on the current situation or have a future oriented view. It may concern itself with knowledge of one individual, knowledge of a team or knowledge of a whole organisation. Knowledge mapping can be used as a tool in several situations, e.g. determining knowledge loss risks or knowledge gaps or when facilitating knowledge processes.
The output of knowledge mapping is a knowledge map. The exact form of the output and the suitable mapping process depend on the objective of creating the knowledge map.
Knowledge processes in knowledge mapping
Knowledge mapping may involve several knowledge processes:
- Finding: Finding relevant knowledge is usually necessary during the mapping process
- Codification: Knowledge mapping involves codifying knowledge and codification is usually one of the objectives of mapping.
- Combination: As knowledge mapping involves creating structure within the selected knowledge domain, combination of knowledge is necessary. Knowledge map itself combines the knowledge included in it.
- Creation: Knowledge mapping creates new knowledge. Merely creating the connections between the elements of the knowledge map is new knowledge.
- Disposal: As knowledge mapping creates logic within the selected knowledge domain, it is possible that, during this process, knowledge which needs to be disposed is identified.
- Learning: Learning is a typical objective of the mapping process. Participants of the mapping process learn from each other and from the mapping. Also, the whole organisation may learn from the process.
- Maintenance: Knowledge mapping keeps knowledge in good condition and improves its usability.
- Sharing: During the mapping process, knowledge is shared between the participants
- Transformation: Mapping transforms implicit knowledge to explicit knowledge.
- Validation: As knowledge mapping organises knowledge and creates structure within it, it provides a possibility for validating the content as well.
Case studies
Reference [1] provides an example of a knowledge mapping process on an organizational level.
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.
