Publications
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The time-value of knowledge: a temporal qualification of knowledge, its issues, and role in the improvement of knowledge-intense business processes (research paper).
ABSTRACT:
In Dalmaris et al (2006), we presented a framework for the improvement of knowledge-intense business processes (KBPI). The KBPI is based on Karl Popper’s epistemology that broadly defines knowledge as “solutions to problems” which may be tacit or explicit; it incorporates a business process ontology to capture the basic attributes of business processes, and an improvement methodology to guide the improvement effort. The analysis presented in this paper is a theoretical extension to the existing KBPI, and will help to refine its further applications. Here, we extend the KBPI to incorporate the idea of the time-value of knowledge, a term we coin and define as a qualification that helps in assessing the applicability of knowledge to solving problems with a variety of time horizons. This examination extends from the simple observation that the knowledge requirements (the knowledge objects, supporting infrastructure and structure, which make up business processes) of the typical knowledge worker, such as a help desk customer support agent, are very different to those of a CEO or an army commander who must to think and/or act now in order to achieve his goals in the future. As a result of this examination, we show how the KBPI can be extended to incorporate the concept of time-value of knowledge. Then, we provide ideas as to how the extended KBPI can be used in a range of situations.
This paper was presented in the 3rd Knowledge Management Summit in Asia Pacific, Hong Kong, December 12-15 2006.
A framework for the improvement of knowledge-intense business processes (PhD Thesis)
ABSTRACT:
This thesis reports on the results of research into the development of a framework for the improvement of knowledge-intense business processes (KBPI). This framework is composed of three parts: an epistemology, which provides a working definition of the concept of knowledge and a theoretical foundation of the improvement framework; a business process ontology, used to describe a business process; and an improvement methodology, used to guide the improvement process. The framework was tested on three different business processes through the conduct of three case studies. The case study results showed that the KBPI can be applied to the process analysis and improvement of a variety of business processes but is especially useful to those processes that are knowledge-intense.
A Framework for the improvement of knowledge-intensive business processes
ABSTRACT:
This paper presents of a field-tested framework for improving knowledge-intensive business processes. This framework addresses a gap in the area of knowledge-based process improvement identified via a literature review. It also addresses weaknesses and shortcomings related to the knowledge aspects of business processes of established process improvement methodologies such as TQM and Six Sigma. The framework, based on an extension of Karl Popper’s epistemology, enables the integration and synthesis of concepts and techniques typically applied to business process management and knowledge management. This framework consists of three tiered components: the epistemological foundation, a business process ontology, and an improvement methodology. The ontology is used for the capturing of data on those key components of the business process that are critical for the improvement effort. The methodology guides an organisation through the steps of process improvement. Finally, the three case studies that were used to design and field-test the framework are presented.
This paper was presented in the 3rd Knowledge Management Summit in Asia Pacific, Hong Kong December 12-15 2006. It was published in "Dalmaris, P., Tsui, E., Hall, W.P., Smith, B., 2007, A Framework for the improvement of knowledge-intensive business processes. Business Process Management Journal, 13(2), 279-305 ."
PRESENTATION: A Framework for the improvement of knowledge-intensive business processes(Presented to the DSTO Land Operations Division, Adelaide)
ABSTRACT:
This presentation is a summary of the main components of the KBPI. Some emphasis is placed in its epistemological component.
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