In response to Ian's questions,
> 1. What can be learnt from the Japanese in this area?
I would go back to a comment I made earlier about the Japanese and suggest
considering the types of knowledge that they pay attention to. There is
evidence that suggests they are better at perceiving the underlying tacit
understanding of why things are done in certain ways as opposed to the
North American emphasis on explicit knowledge of how and what to do. In
general I think they are more process oriented and learning is a process.
> 2. Is there a need for a 'Knowledge Database' within an organization? Such
> a database would point to previous experience, resources and to people who
> may be able to help. Does anyone have experience of this?
Every organization has a natural "knowledge database" consisting of its
resources. People are the most obvious depository of knowledge, they
remember what happened in the past. However, the human memory has
limitations and people tend to leave taking their memory with them. So we
embed what was learned into the organization's systems, procedures,
operations, and resources. For example, a plant floor is laid out based
on what is known about the operations, the equipment and the work flow.
An information system is based on what is known about the individual's
data needs.
In terms of recording what has been tried, tested, proven and disproven,
it would seem that a historical documentation of the companies history
would be appropriate. But most companies don't have the resources to
contribute to remembering everything.
Just some thoughts.
--
Cheers,
Iris Tiemessen ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Doctoral Candidate : Western Business School :
: London, Canada N6A 3K7 :
: (519) 679-2111 Ext. 5197 :
: IBERDROW@SMS.BUSINESS.UWO.CA :
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