Knowledge map
From NKM WIKIDOC
Contents
Definition
Knowledge map is A map of a selected knowledge domain.
Summary
Description
Overview
Knowledge map is a symbolic representation of selected knowledge domain and the output of knowledge mapping. The form of knowledge maps may vary including lists and hierarchical maps. In addition to codifying knowledge, a knowledge map provides navigation for users and relationships between the elements of the map. Using knowledge maps facilitates the understanding of existing knowledge assets. An example of a knowledge map is provided in Fig 1.
The functionalities of knowledge map
Knowledge map has the following functions:
- Indicate the location of knowledge assets in an organization: The basic function of knowledge map is to tell users where they can get knowledge and to provide navigation for them. Similar to information explosion, sometimes there is excessive knowledge in an organization, which is over the limit for a person to handle. In spite of search engines, knowledge map can be a good manner to retrieve knowledge in a logical way.
- Help to discover tacit knowledge in an organization: With the overview picture of knowledge assets in an organization, it is more likely to discover tacit knowledge in certain fields. Behind the corelation of knowledge, there might be some experts and knowledge owners from whom tacit knowledge can be captured.
- Improve the self-learning ability in an organization and guide newcomers: Users(or employees) can learn new things by navigating in a knowledge map. Moreover, knowledge map is greatly helpful to newcomers and let them get into their roles quickly.
- As a summary list of knowledge assets in an organization: Knowledge map can be regard as a summary list of knowledge assets in an organization, which helps to evaluate the current status and maturity of knowledge management.
Types of knowledge maps
There are at least three types of knowledge maps:
- Concept-oriented knowledge map, or Concept map also can be considered as "taxonomy". This type of knowledge map is often used in knowledge base or content management systems. (See Fig. 2)
- Process-oriented knowledge map, or Process map uses business processes in an organization to make connections among related knowledge. Users can follow the processes and use the handy knowledge by means of a process-oriented knowledge map.
- Social-oriented knowledge map, or Personal network map or shows the social relationship of users(or employees) as well as their expertise and competencies in 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.
References
[1] Development of Knowledge Portals for Nuclear Power Plants
