Toward a System for Visualizing and Measuring Dynamic Knowledge
Abstract
Knowledge is key to sustainable competitive advantage, but different kinds of knowledge affect competitive advantage differently, and they exhibit qualitatively different dynamic properties and behaviors. This places particular importance on understanding the dynamics of knowledge as it flows from where and when it is to where and when it is needed, particularly in the domain of autonomous systems. Unfortunately, knowledge is inherently intangible, invisible and resistant to quantification, particularly when in dynamic motion. Moreover, managing key organization knowledge is left often to haphazard, trial and error processes, rendering pursuits of sustainable competitive advantage daunting at best and infeasible in many cases. The research described in this article builds upon and refines Knowledge Flow Theory through application to illustrate a system for visualizing and measuring dynamic knowledge. This powerful approach to measurement enables one to analyze and visualize the relative power, speed and proliferation of both tacit and explicit knowledge through organizations, which enables knowledge leaders, managers and workers to understand the comparative costs and benefits of alternate approaches to and technologies for managing knowledge. This research articulates a clear set of tradeoffs facing decision makers, and it provides principled rules for making knowledge decisions in a rational and informed manner. Hence we offer a theoretical contribution suitable for academic journals, but we highlight in particular current, practical application through enhanced decision making in the context of harnessing dynamic knowledge for sustainable competitive advantage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 31, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1060198
Entities
People
- Mark E. Nissen
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School