Knowledge map

Informationland has developed a taxonomy based knowledge map that makes organisations transparent. This methodology has led to significant improvements in efficiency and innovation in knowledge-intensive and complex organisations. Experiences within many industries show that a knowledge map itself never holds knowledge , but only refers to the location (person, document, project, process) where the knowledge can be found.

The most successful knowledge maps are based on a tree-shaped knowledge structure, a taxonomy, with branches and tags based on activities and specialisations. For example, each employee is associated with a combination of labels that are applicable to him or her (experience, specialization, training etc.). The main benefit of using the knowledge map is a dramatic improvement of the organisational transparency, across specialisations and locations. A reply from a knowledge map often shows short list of experienced colleagues from various backgrounds of disciplines that have dealt in the past with the same combination of factors or experiences.

The advantages of using knowledge maps can often be found in the following areas:

Specialists find it much easier to spot the location of certain knowledge, experiences, questions, often related to products or clients.

The management team of the organisation will find great benefit in the way the knowledge map summarises competencies and experiences and how they are divided among the different regions, or how they relate to clients or markets. It is often used as an important input for strategic planning.

Local and middle management find the knowledge map helpful in better understanding the training needs of their department, the deficiency of certain knowledge or experiences and the possibilities to exchange.

A knowledge map shows the intellectual capital of organisations and makes it more manageable. The intelligence that is provided in due course provide important opportunities for the commercialisation of knowledge in new business models.