An experience in knowledge mapping

Abstract

Purpose

To improve access to implicit knowledge by tunnel construction engineers.

Design/methodology/approach

The strategy was to strengthen the informal networks by improving codification and diffusion of this knowledge. Project members tried to do that by searching for ways that make sharing, expressing and retrieving knowledge easier. Therefore they looked at networks, documents, organizations etc. The results are realized in a working prototype. The prototype makes use of the concept of a knowledge map integrated with a database with grey literature.

Findings

In general the evaluation of the Tunnel Center prototype has been positive in terms of the project's research questions.

Research limitations/implications

The most important lesson learned is that information needs of the different user groups seem to differ more than was realized in the beginning. The project team is very keen to work on this problem in a possible next phase of the project.

Practical implications

The knowledge developed in the project can be used by professionals who share the same subject. Communities of practice, organizations etc. which want to share their knowledge could also be interested.

Originality/value

The concept of the knowledge map is quite new. The combination of it with a database with grey literature is unique. It has value for all who work in this area.

Citation

van den Berg, C. and Popescu, I. (2005), "An experience in knowledge mapping", Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 9 No. 2, pp. 123-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/13673270510590263