590,556 research outputs found
Knowledge representation within information systems in manufacturing environments
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Representing knowledge as information content alone is insufficient in providing us with an understanding of the world around us. A combination of context as well as reasoning of the information content is fundamental to representing knowledge in an information system. Knowledge Representation is typically concerned with providing structures and theories that are used as a basis for intelligent reasoning. For this research however, the author defines an alternative meaning, which is related to how knowledge is used in a given context. Thus, this dissertation provides a contribution to the field of knowledge within information systems, in terms of the development of a frame-of-reference that will support the reader in navigating through the different forms of explicit and tacit knowledge use within the manufacturing industry. In doing so, the dissertation also presents the generation of a novel classification of three forms of knowledge (Structural, Interpretive and Evaluative forms); the development of a conceptual framework which highlights the drivers for knowledge transformation; and the development of a conceptual model which seeks to envelop both the content as well as the context of knowledge (Semiotic as well as Symbiotic factors). This is established through the use of an Empirical, Quantitative case study approach, that seeks to explore an interpretivist view of knowledge representation within two information systems contexts, within two UK manufacturing organisations. The first case study presents how a-priori knowledge assumptions are used in a computer aided engineering decision-making task within a high technology manufacturing company. The second case study shows how knowledge is used within the IT/IS investment evaluation decision making process, within a manufacturing SME. In doing so, both case studies attempt to elucidate the inherent, underlying relationship between explicit and tacit knowledge, via a frame-of-reference developed by the author which defines key drivers for knowledge transformation
Author Co-Citation Analysis (ACA): a powerful tool for representing implicit knowledge of scholar knowledge workers
Get PDFIn the last decade, knowledge has emerged as one of the most important and valuable organizational assets. Gradually this importance caused to emergence of new discipline entitled ―knowledge management‖. However one of the major challenges of knowledge management is conversion implicit or tacit knowledge to explicit knowledge. Thus Making knowledge visible so that it can be better accessed, discussed, valued or generally managed is a long-standing objective in knowledge management. Accordingly in this paper author co- citation analysis (ACA) will be proposed as an efficient technique of knowledge visualization in academia (Scholar knowledge workers)
Developing individuals for developing learning based systems
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This research is concerned with investigating the externalisation, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge in the context of organisational learning (OL). The externalisation, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge can provide “inputs” for Information Systems (IS) development. This process, in turn, can become a basis for the development of a system that is capable of promoting a learning environment within the organisation. However, the externalising, sharing and making tangible of tacit knowledge, a transparent and subjective form of knowledge, needs staff members’ self-confidence and willingness to undertake it. Therefore, elements that can motivate staff members to externalise, share and make tangible their tacit knowledge or skills are needed. To undertake this, the elements of meta-abilities, understanding organisational roles, internal strengths, formal and informal discussions and rational discourse are proposed. For this research, all these propositions are integrated into a framework.
Therefore, the aim of this research is to study the elements that can encourage staff members to contribute inputs for learning-based systems development. The question to be used for the research is stated as follows: How do we include individuals in the learning-based systems development? Why use meta-abilities in order to include individuals in the learning-based systems development? By answering the question this research offers the following contributions. A novel topic in the IS area, meta-abilities is discussed within the context of the IS area. By considering these elements motivation and encouragement can be offered to staff members such that a contribution to inputs for learning-based systems development can occur.
The research approach undertaken in this research involved the use of a pilot and an in-depth case study, as well as interviews, observation and reference to archival documents. From the undertaken research it was concluded that the future focus for the OL-based IS development should be towards individual development strategies that develop interpretive, creative staff members. Interpretive, creative staff members in turn, are capable of externalising, sharing and documenting their own tacit knowledge based on the situational contexts and orientation. Systems analysts can study the documented inputs provided by the staff members and can codify them. This whole process will enable continuous re-examination and modification processes of organisational IS, thereby making its content become more relevant for OL
Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa : An Overview
No full textRecent reports document that the failure
of projects in Africa over the past twenty years happened
because local people's involvement and control were
thought to be part of the goal of development, rather than
the process of development. Many people and groups
throughout Africa strongly believe that positive new
development can happen, but only if the people themselves
stay in control of their resources, economies, and culture.
This capacity for local control only happens, however, when
people are allowed to internally work from, expand, and
change their own institutions and knowledge systems. Thus,
the opportunities surrounding initiatives to bring together
indigenous knowledge systems and natural resource
conservation are immense - however, so are the dangers. It
is the intent of this article to briefly define some of the
dangers so that they may be avoided, and define some of the
opportunities so that they may be more thoroughly and
solidly developed. To accomplish this, the article briefly
outlines some issues which seem to contain strong elements
of both danger and opportunity
Knowledge-based systems : techniques and applications /
No full textThe design of knowledge systems is finding myriad applications from corporate databases to general decision support in areas as diverse as engineering, manufacturing and other industrial processes, medicine, business, and economics. In engineering, for example, knowledge bases can be utilized for reliable electric power system operation. In medicine they support complex diagnoses, while in business they inform the process of strategic planning. Programmed securities trading and the defeat of chess champion Kasparov by IBM's Big Blue are two familiar examples of dedicated knowledge bases in combination with an expert system for decision-making. With volumes covering "Implementation," "Optimization," "Computer Techniques," and "Systems and Applications," this comprehensive set constitutes a unique reference source for students, practitioners, and researchers in computer science, engineering, and the broad range of applications areas for knowledge-based systems.The design of knowledge systems is finding myriad applications from corporate databases to general decision support in areas as diverse as engineering, manufacturing and other industrial processes, medicine, business, and economics. In engineering, for example, knowledge bases can be utilized for reliable electric power system operation. In medicine they support complex diagnoses, while in business they inform the process of strategic planning. Programmed securities trading and the defeat of chess champion Kasparov by IBM's Big Blue are two familiar examples of dedicated knowledge bases in combination with an expert system for decision-making. With volumes covering "Implementation," "Optimization," "Computer Techniques," and "Systems and Applications," this comprehensive set constitutes a unique reference source for students, practitioners, and researchers in computer science, engineering, and the broad range of applications areas for knowledge-based systems.Over 40 Articles Including: -- Geometric Knowledge-Based Systems Framework For Structural Image Analysis and Postprocessing. -- A Universal Representation Paradigm for Knowledge-Based Structuring Methods. -- Database Systems Techniques and Tools in Automatic Knowledge Acquisition for Rule-Based Expert Systems. -- Geometric Knowledge-Based Systems Framework for Stereo Image Matching. -- Datamining and Deductive Databases. -- Knowledge Processing in Control Systems. -- Using Domain Knowledge in Knowledge Discovery: An Optimization Perspective. -- Dynamic Structuring of Computer Control Systems. -- Dynamic Construction of Knowledge-Based Systems. -- Petri Nets in Knowledge Verification and Validation of Rule-Based Expert Systems. -- Assembling Techniques for Building Knowledge-Based Systems. -- Self Learning Knowledge Systems and Fuzzy Systems and Their Applications. -- Knowledge-Based Hybrid Techniques Combined with Simulation and Their Application to Robust Manfacturing Systems. -- Performance Evaluation and Tuning of UNIX Based Software Systems. -- Case-Based Reasoning. -- Discrete Time Control Systems. -- Design Knowledge Development Techniques and Applications in Productivity Enhancement in Concurrent Systems Design. -- Expert Systems in Power Systems Control. -- A Knowledge Modeling Technique for Construction of Knowledge and Databases in Industrial Applications. -- The Representation of Positional Information. -- Development of VLSI Systems. -- Expert Systems in Foundry System Operations. -- The Integration and Visualization of Assembly Sequences in Manufacturing Systems. -- Knowledge-Based Decision Support Systems.v. 1. Implementation -- v. 2. Optimization -- v. 3. Computer techniques -- v. 4. Systems and applications.Print version record.Includes bibliographical references and index.Electronic reproduction.Master and use copy. Digital master created according to Benchmark for Faithful Digital Reproductions of Monographs and Serials, Version 1. Digital Library Federation, December 2002.digitizedElsevie
Supporting engineering design using knowledge based systems technology with a case study in electricity distribution network design
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.This thesis explores the architectural requirements of engineering design support systems based on knowledge based systems technology. The exploration is based on an understanding of the nature of designing as a professional activity and on the extent to which designers' competence can be modelled. Attention is focused on certain salient aspects of designers' competent behaviour. The theoretical study leads to the specification of requirements to be satisfied by a knowledge based system which will support designers in their professional setting and to the proposal of some knowledge based system components which will meet the requirements identified. The theoretical aspect of the thesis is complemented by a case study based on a designer of high voltage electricity distribution networks. The case study illustrates the theoretical component of the thesis and the methodological basis for the work. The practical realizability of the components of the knowledge based systems architecture proposed are demonstrated using the results of the analysis of the knowledge elicited in the case study without prejudicing the general applicability of the ideas. An object-oriented knowledge engineering software development environment is used to demonstrate how some components of the design situation represented can be implemented.Financial support provided by Brunel University
Information systems failure: A business-led knowledge requirements framework for modelling business requirements
No full textThis thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University.Our work will be mainly concerned with improving the crucial first stage (the requirements stage) of any system development methodology in order to improve requirements. A framework has been developed, called "knowledge requirements framework (KRF)" to help customers and system developers bridge the knowledge and understanding gaps at the initial
requirements stage of the Information Technology System (ITS) development process.
Unclear business requirements, mismatch of knowledge and understanding are among the
major factors that contributes to some ITS failures worldwide. The aim is to capture
functional requirements at the initial stage of the system development process and to
integrate systems and people use them in the development process. Multi-surveys are conducted, capture and highlight the criteria of initial requirements exactness and executability. Knowledge and understanding gaps, which occur in the
development process, are described. These gaps constitute the problem at the invisible
architecture in the initial requirements stage, as they expose mismatch of both knowledge and understanding problems (Requirements/Specifications). A notation to describe this framework is elaborated, novel techniques and tools for the construction and application of customer requirements in systems development are developed and used in KRF to facilitate bridging these gaps. The resulting prototype KRF is developed and used against some example problems in retail organisations, and so shown to be sufficient in principle of handling all the negotiation problems at the initial requirements stage, singly and in combination. Also, it is shown how KRF sub-process can be combined and used to elicit information and knowledge mining between both the customer and the system developer using human communication and interaction capture as an example. Systems these days are living systems, changeable, in business and the human factor in developing them cannot be excluded. It is further shown how these techniques and tools can be augmented with established methodologies rather than inventing new ones and to enable management to react as quickly as possible to global changing market conditions. This proposed framework is also evaluated and tested against the original criteria of initial requirements, exactness and executability
Exploiting tacit knowledge through knowledge management technologies
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to examine the contributions and suitability of the available knowledge management (KM) technologies, including the Web 2.0 for exploiting tacit knowledge. It proposes an integrated framework for extracting tacit knowledge in organisations, which includes Web 2.0 technologies, KM tools, organisational learning (OL) and Community of Practice (CoP). It reviews a comprehensive literature covering overview of KM theories, KM technologies and OL and identifies the current state of knowledge relating to tacit knowledge exploitation. The outcomes of the paper indicate that Internet and Web 2.0 technologies have stunning prospects for creating learning communities where tacit knowledge can be extracted from people. The author recommends that organisations should design procedures and embed them in their Web 2.0 collaborative platforms persuading employees to record their ideas and share them with other members. It is also recommended that no idea should be taken for granted in a learning community where tacit knowledge exploitation is pursued. It is envisaged that future research should adopt empirical approach involving Complex Adaptive Model for Tacit Knowledge Exploitation (CAMTaKE) and the Theory of Deferred Action in examining the effectiveness of KM technologies including Web 2.0 tools for tacit knowledge exploitation
Reengineering for Knowledge in Knowledge Based Systems
No full textThis paper presents an approach to reengineering knowledge-based systems. Commonly, reengineering is used to modify systems that have functioned for many years, but are no longer able to accomplish the tasks required, and therefore need to be updated. Reengineering can also be used to modify and extend the knowledge contained in these systems. This is an intricate task if the systems are large, complex and poorly documented. The rules in the knowledge base must be gathered, analyzed and understood. In this paper, we apply reengineering to the knowledge and the functionality of knowledge-based systems. The outcome of the reengineering process is presented in graphic representations using Unified Modeling Language diagrams.</p
Knowledge evaluation in product lifecycle design and support
Get PDFEnterprises are focusing more and more on knowledge issues for global product development. This paper describes knowledge evolution processes in product development activities and proposes a knowledge evaluation method in product lifecycle design. The paper also theoretically analyzes the evaluation model and illustrates how knowledge values can be assessed by case study. The case study shows how knowledge values calculated by the model can provide suggestions about which knowledge to choose and what to do next. The knowledge evaluation model serves as a useful tool for managing knowledge in product lifecycle design and support.This work is partly supported by the National Social Science Foundation of China (No. 13CTQ022) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51205344). We would like to appreciate Prof. Robert B. Allen from Research Center for Knowledge Communities (RCKC) of University of Tsukuba, for his helpful suggestions and support
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