Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1	Introduction This chapter introduces the knowledge management methods covered in the book. It describes the need for a structured approach to knowledge acquisition based on an understanding of the psychology of expertise. It describes the ways in which knowledge engineering techniques can to provide solutions to business issues, such as the need for knowledge-rich intranet sites, accelerated learning, succession planning, knowledge retention and knowledge sharing. To read the first 6 pages of chapter 1 (in pdf) click here.
Chapter 2	Overview of the Step-by-Step Procedure This chapter introduces a procedure of 47 steps that covers the activities required for a successful knowledge acquisition project. It starts by introducing three essential aspects of the procedure: knowledge capture (techniques to use when seeing experts), knowledge analysis (identifying the elements required to build a knowledge base) and knowledge modelling (creating different ways of editing and viewing a knowledge base). It then walks through a complete project that uses the 47-step procedure.
Chapter 3	Start, Scope and Plan the Project This chapter describes how to initiate, scope and plan a knowledge acquisition project. It gives details of 13 steps, including Identify a Project Idea, Create a project proposal, Decompose domain, Rate and select knowledge areas, Identify project type and Create a Project Schedule.
Chapter 4	Initial Capture and Modelling This chapter describes how to perform the initial capture, analysis and modelling. It gives details of 16 steps, including Conduct semi-structured interview/s, Perform initial analysis, Create and validate concept tree, Create meta-model, Model relationships, Model attributes and values, and Model process knowledge.
Chapter 5	Detailed Capture and Modelling This chapter describes how to perform detailed capture and modelling. It gives details of 10 steps, including Assess prototype end-product, Capture and model detailed knowledge, Perform cross-validation and Finalise k-models and k-base.
Chapter 6	Share the Stored Knowledge This chapter describes how to store and share the acquired knowledge. It gives details of 8 steps, including Create provisional end-product, Assess provisional end-product, Release end-product, and Monitor impact of the end-product.
Chapters 3-6	In Chapters 3 to 6, each of the steps is described in terms of: Summary: a short description of the step Reasons and Conditions: why the step is required and the situations under which the step is not required Resources: what is needed to do the step Activities: a detailed description of how to do the step Problems and Solutions: typical problems that can occur during the step and the ways these can be avoided and resolved Checklist: a list of key items that should be achieved during the step
Chapter 7	Implementation Issues This final chapter provides supplementary advice on implementation issues. It includes areas such as: developing and managing a knowledge programme, software tools for knowledge acquisition, training and supporting knowledge engineers, and defining specific methodologies and procedures.