Posted by Ron de Weijze on December 19, 1999 at 10:56:45:

In Reply to: Re: Managing Knowledge in the future posted by vaughn P Fox on December 19, 1999 at 10:44:21:

On KM and decision support.

Decision making support systems stem from inductive paradigms (positivism) and from deductive, goal-driven paradigms (heuristics, what-if simulators). Statistical programs and neural networks are based upon the first, while knowledge system development environments are based upon the latter, although forward-chaining does in a way resemble inductivism (except for the true stochastic components).

KM has moved into the "wicked" environment of unpredictability however (ref. Yogesh). Social and political affairs perhaps are not to be predictable, yet we must be prepared for whatever goes down at any moment. That seem why we have professional decision makers. So how can or even does KM contribute? Ability to predict in these leagues does not convince decision makers of our deserving recognition. Ability to project scenario's seems closer to their mark, but this is the classical inductive/stochastic paradigm. So what else can we offer?

What we can offer is instant recollection of relevant information including (quasi) logical relations between the different bits (knowledge elements). These recollections are perspectives or aspects of the actual reality that is to be dealt with. They can be visualized in concept maps or MindMaps. All maps represent all known or suspected aspects of the actual reality. This same (perceived) reality integrates all perspectives by attributing the same knowledge elements to more than one perspective. Thus all (quasi) logical relations constitute one context.

Decision makers can use the "instant logic" provided by the recollected knowledge elements that had previously been related in logical, conceptual contexts and that now shape all aspects of the decision making situation. This is only a supportive tool: they have the power to eliminate any or all elements, any or all ways they were related and any or all types and directions of these relations. Not just because they are in charge, but because they are "in the moment" (got this from Denham's and Barbara Smith's SWS) and therefore real experts.

Best,
Ron.

• Personal MM

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Follow Ups:

• Future KM: managing objects or cultivating intelligence Denham 12:56:39 12/19/99 (1)
  • Re: Future KM: managing objects or cultivating intelligence Ron de Weijze 10:58:02 12/25/99 (0)
• Re: Managing Knowledge in the future Vaughn P Fox 12:36:26 12/19/99 (1)
  • Re: Managing Knowledge in the future Ron de Weijze 19:19:02 12/21/99 (0)

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