8 Langkah Capture Knowledge

"1. On-Site Observation (Action Protocol)"

* It is a process which involves observing, recording, and interpreting the expert's problem-solving process while it takes place.

* The knowledge developer does more listening than talking; avoids giving advice and usually does not pass his/her own judgment on what is being observed, even if it seems incorrect; and most of all, does not argue with the expert while the expert is performing the task.

* Compared to the process of interviewing, on-site observation brings the knowledge developer closer to the actual steps, techniques, and procedures used by the expert.

* One disadvantage is that sometimes some experts to not like the idea of being observed.

* The reaction of other people (in the observation setting) can also be a problem causing distraction.

* Another disadvantage is the accuracy/completeness of the captured knowledge.

"2. Brainstorming"

* It is an unstructured approach towards generating ideas about creative solution of a problem which involves multiple experts in a session.

* In this case, questions can be raised for clarification, but no evaluations are done at the spot.

* Similarities (that emerge through opinions) are usually grouped together logically and evaluated by asking some questions like:

o What benefits are to be gained if a particular idea is followed.

o What specific problems that idea can possibly solve.

o What new problems can arise through this.

The general procedure for conducting a brainstorming session:

o Introducing the session.

o Presenting the problem to the experts.

o Prompting the experts to generate ideas.

o Looking for signs of possible convergence.

* If the experts are unable to agree on a specific solution, they knowledge developer may call for a vote/consensus.


"3. Consensus Decision Making"

* Consensus decision making usually follows brainstorming.

* It is effective if and only if each expert has been provided with equal and adequate opportunity to present their views.

* In order to arrive at a consensus, the knowledge developer conducting the exercise tries to rally the experts towards one or two alternatives.

* The knowledge developer follows a procedure designed to ensure fairness and standardization.

* This method is democratic in nature.

* This method can be sometimes tedious and can take hours.


"4. Repertory Grid"

* This is a tool used for knowledge capture.

* The domain expert classifies and categorizes a problem domain using his/her own model.

* The grid is used for capturing and evaluating the expert's model.

* Two experts (in the same problem domain) may produce distinct sets of personal and subjective results.

* The grid is a scale (or a bipolar construct) on which elements can be placed within gradations.

* The knowledge developer usually elicits the constructs and then asks the domain expert to provide a set of examples called elements.

* Each element is rated according to the constructs which have been provided.

"5. Nominal Group Technique (NGT)"

* This provides an interface between consensus and brainstorming.

* Here the panel of experts becomes a Nominal Group whose meetings are structured in order to effectively pool individual judgment.

* Ideawriting is a structured group approach used for developing ideas as well as exploring their meaning and the net result is usually a written report.

* NGT is an ideawriting technique.



"6. Delphi Method"

* It is a survey of experts where a series of questionnaires are used to pool the experts' responses for solving a specific problem.

* Each experts' contributions are shared with the rest of the experts by using the results from each questionnaire to construct the next questionnaire.

"7. Concept Mapping"

* It is a network of concepts consisting of nodes and links.

* A node represents a concept, and a link represents the relationship between concepts (refer to Figure 6.5 in page 172 of your textbook).

* Concept mapping is designed to transform new concepts/propositions into the existing cognitive structures related to knowledge capture.

* It is a structured conceptualization.

* It is an effective way for a group to function without losing their individuality.

* Concept mapping can be done for several reasons:

o To design complex structures.

o To generate ideas.

o To communicate ideas.

o To diagnose misunderstanding.

* Six-step procedure for using a concept map as a tool:

o Preparation.

o Idea generation.

o Statement structuring.

o Representation.

o Interpretation

o Utilization.

* Similar to concept mapping, a semantic net is a collection of nodes linked together to form a net.

o A knowledge developer can graphically represent descriptive/declarative knowledge through a net.

o Each idea of interest is usually represented by a node linked by lines (called arcs) which shows relationships between nodes.

o Fundamentally it is a network of concepts and relationships (refer to page 173 of your textbook for example).

"8. Blackboarding"

* In this case, the experts work together to solve a specific problem using the blackboard as their workspace.

* Each expert gets equal opportunity to contribute to the solution via the blackboard.

* It is assumed that all participants are experts, but they might have acquired their individual expertise in situations different from those of the other experts in the group.

* The process of blackboarding continues till the solution has been reached.

* Characteristics of blackboard system:

o Diverse approaches to problem-solving.

o Common language for interaction.

o Efficient storage of information

o Flexible representation of information.

o Iterative approach to problem-solving.

o Organized participation.

* Components of blackboard system:

o The Knowledge Source (KS): Each KS is an independent expert observing the status of the blackboard and trying to contribute a higher level partial solution based on the knowledge it has and how well such knowledge applies to the current blackboard state.

o The Blackboard : It is a global memory structure, a database, or a repository that can store all partial solutions and other necessary data that are presently in various stages of completion.

o A Control Mechanism: It coordinates the pattern and flow of the problem solution.

* The inference engine and the knowledge base are part of the blackboard system.

* This approach is useful in case of situations involving multiple expertise, diverse knowledge representations, or situations involving uncertain knowledge representation.