Is Knowledge Management real? LO19414

psue@inforamp.net
Wed, 07 Oct 1998 00:03:52 -0400

Replying to LO19392 --

I've followed the instructions for revising the text (I think!). Here
goes .....

-------------------- ABOUT KNOWLEDGE----------------------------

DATA is factual statements (which may not be true - check your favourite
database!) about the world. 'This is a spanner' is data (even if you are
holding a screwdriver). So is 'This is a nut'.

INFORMATION is data that is relevant in some context. 'The spanner is used
to manipulate the nut' is information if you intend to manipulate the nut,
otherwise it's just data of a higher complexity.

Knowledge is "a fluid mix of framed experience, values, contextual
information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating
and incorporating new experiences and information" ("Working Knowledge",
by Davenport and Prusak). Knowledge can be created from direct
experience. KNOWLEDGE can also be created through the internalization of
information, often in the course of solving problems and achieving goals.
'We use the spanner to tighten the nuts so that the machine does not break
down' is knowledge. If I know that the machine breaks down because the
nuts need tightening, and I receive information that the spanner is used
to tighten nuts, then I have that knowledge.

KNOWLEDGE CREATION can happen through interaction (exchange of
complementary bits of knowledge) between people.

KM means knowledge management. Facilitating that knowledge can be created
and shared by more people in different time frames and places.

WISDOM is the understanding of the underlying purposes of the goals we
set. 'If we don't maintain the machine and keep it from breaking down the
company will suffer and we all might lose our jobs' is wisdom.

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Regards,

Patrick Sue

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psue@inforamp.net

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