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Abstract
The paper discusses an ontology-based model for the knowledge transactions that are part of every organization, be it a university, business house, or a government department. The framework is centered on semantic web-based technologies. It uses ontologies and standards like Personal Information Model (PIMO) Ontology and Dublin Core (DC) for categorization and description of the knowledge transactions, respectively. The framework will be helpful in many ways for all kinds of organizations that wish to go in for automation.
Keywords: Ontology-based framework, Framework for knowledge transactions, Semantic web-based framework, PIMO, RDF, NEPOMUK Representational Language (NRL)
1. Introduction
Every organization, irrespective of whether it is academic, administrative, research institute or a business-house, produces knowledge at different levels and in different forms for a variety of purposes. This knowledge is used to develop products and services, or to provide expertise and consultation, or is documented for future use. But not all knowledge is necessarily documented. Much of it is passed on or disseminated through informal communication channels, such as face-to-face interactions, mails, consultations, presentations at meetings, seminars or conferences and even informal ways like invisible colleges, information gatekeepers, etc. In other words, knowledge in organizations is produced both in tacit and explicit forms. Managing and preserving knowledge in documented and undocumented forms has long been a challenge for the knowledge managers of organizations. Knowledge management is now an integral part of every organization; however, it also presents certain issues.
2. Knowledge Transactions in an Organization
It is important for organizations to document and organize knowledge, irrespective of whether it is tacit or explicit. This knowledge helps all the people associated with the organization, ranging from the employees, stakeholders, and the customers/users of the system. The knowledge should be well-documented, well-organized, and easily and quickly retrievable. This helps in providing services, developing products, troubleshooting, resolving problems, and resolving issues in the organization.
In order to document and organize knowledge, it is essential to know the components involved and the process of knowledge transactions that goes on in the organization. The knowledge transactions taking place in an organization will understandably be complicated with a variety of people, complex formal and informal transactions/exchanges amongst them, and the various documents, services, and products involved. To understand the intricacies involved...