Contents

1. Introduction     ............................................................................ 1
    1.1 Uses and Benefits     .............................................................. 1
    1.2 The Nature of Knowledge     ..................................................... 3
    1.3 Issues and Difficulties     .......................................................... 6
    1.4 About this Book     .................................................................. 8
   
2. Overview of the Step-by-Step Procedure     ............................... 9
    2.1 Knowledge Capture     ............................................................ 9
    2.2 Knowledge Analysis     ........................................................... 12
    2.3 Knowledge Modelling     .......................................................... 14
    2.4 47-Step Walkthrough     .......................................................... 19
    2.5 Ensuring the End-Product is Useful, Usable and Used     ........... 21
   
3. Start, Scope and Plan the Project     ......................................... 23
    3.1 Step 1: Identify a Project Idea     .............................................. 23
    3.2 Step 2: Gather Opinions on Project Idea     ............................... 26
    3.3 Step 3: Create a Project Proposal     ........................................ 28
    3.4 Step 4: Get Agreement for Proposal     ..................................... 31
    3.5 Step 5: Create a K-base     ...................................................... 33
    3.6 Step 6: Decompose Domain     ................................................ 36
    3.7 Step 7: Rate and Select Knowledge Areas     ............................ 39
    3.8 Step 8: Agree Scope and Finalise Aims     ................................ 44
    3.9 Step 9: Identify Sources of Knowledge     .................................. 46
    3.10 Step 10: Identify Project Type     ............................................. 49
    3.11 Step 11: Define and Understand Procedure     .......................... 52
    3.12 Step 12: Create a Project Schedule     ..................................... 55
    3.13 Step 13: Collate and Disseminate Project Plan     ..................... 58
   
4. Initial Capture and Modelling     ................................................. 61
    4.1 Step 14: Become Familiar with Basics     .................................. 61
    4.2 Step 15: Prepare for Semi-Structured Interview/s     .................... 63
    4.3 Step 16: Conduct Semi-Structured Interview/s     ........................ 68
    4.4 Step 17: Transcribe Interview Recordings     ............................... 71
    4.5 Step 18: Perform Initial Analysis     ........................................... 74
    4.6 Step 19: Create Concept Tree     ............................................... 78
    4.7 Step 20: Validate Concept Tree     ............................................ 82
    4.8 Step 21: Take Stock and Update Plan     ................................... 85
    4.9 Step 22: Add Descriptions to K-pages     ................................... 87
    4.10 Step 23: Create Glossary     ................................................... 89
    4.11 Step 24: Create Meta-Model     ............................................... 90
    4.12 Step 25: Modify K-base Structure     ........................................ 94
    4.13 Step 26: Model Relationships     ............................................. 97
    4.14 Step 27: Model Attributes and Values     .................................. 100
    4.15 Step 28: Model Process Knowledge     .................................... 105
    4.16 Step 29: Validate and Use K-models with Experts     ................. 110
   
5. Detailed Capture and Modelling     ............................................. 113
    5.1 Step 30: Perform Further Interviews     ..................................... 113
    5.2 Step 31: Finalise Main K-models     ......................................... 115
    5.3 Step 32: Create Prototype End-product     ................................ 117
    5.4 Step 33: Assess Prototype End-product     ............................... 120
    5.5 Step 34: Take Stock and Decide on Final Tasks     .................... 123
    5.6 Step 35: Capture and Model Detailed Knowledge     ................... 125
    5.7 Step 36: Perform Cross-Validation     ........................................ 133
    5.8 Step 37: Resolve Differences of Opinions     .............................. 135
    5.9 Step 38: Ensure All Knowledge is Validated     .......................... 137
    5.10 Step 39: Finalise K-models and K-base     ............................... 139
   
6. Share the Stored Knowledge     ................................................. 141
    6.1 Step 40: Define and Create Format of End-product     ................. 141
    6.2 Step 41: Create Provisional End-product     ................................ 144
    6.3 Step 42: Assess Provisional End-product     .............................. 147
    6.4 Step 43: Create End-product     ................................................ 148
    6.5 Step 44: Release End-product     .............................................. 149
    6.6 Step 45: Publicise the End-product     ....................................... 151
    6.7 Step 46: Monitor Impact of the End-product     ........................... 152
    6.8 Step 47: Document Lessons Learnt     ...................................... 154
   
7. Implementation Issues     ............................................................ 159
    7.1 Developing and Managing a Knowledge Programme     ............... 159
    7.2 Methodologies and Procedures     ............................................ 161
    7.3 Software Tools for Knowledge Acquisition     ............................. 163
    7.4 Training and Supporting Knowledge Engineers     ...................... 165
    7.5 Closing Remarks     ................................................................ 168
   
Appendices     ................................................................................ 169
    Appendix 1: General Technological Ontology (GTO)     .................... 169
    Appendix 2: Effort Required for Knowledge Acquisition     ................ 170
   
Glossary     ..................................................................................... 171
   
References and Bibliography     .................................................... 173
    References     ............................................................................. 173
    Bibliography     ........................................................................... 174
   
Index     ......................................................................................... 175