Knowledge Management
Principal Investigator: Professor Ken Wallace
Capture, Storage and Retrieval of Engineering Knowledge
In order to investigate the capture, storage and retrieval of engineering knowledge and design rationale, the Knowledge Management team adopts two particular research strategies: observational studies in industry to obtain data and identify issues; and the rapid development and testing of robust prototype software tools.
Engineering design is a knowledge-intensive activity. Empirical research undertaken at Cambridge and elsewhere has demonstrated that the majority of engineering knowledge is stored in the heads of individuals and much of this knowledge is shared through face-to-face discussions. Because of the transience of modern industry, loss of senior staff due to retirement and movement of experts to other industrial organisations, it is going to be increasingly difficult for these face-to-face discussions to take place. Industrial organisations are increasingly concerned about retaining and making available the key knowledge that is fundamental to their future competitiveness. There is therefore an urgent need to be able to capture, store and retrieve engineering knowledge in general, and design rationale in particular, in a form that is independent of individuals.
The Knowledge Management team adopts two particular research strategies: observational studies in industry to obtain data and identify issues; and the rapid development and testing of robust prototype software tools.
Current Research
Completed Research
Retrieving Knowledge using Semantic Technology
Understanding how the information retrieved from distributed documents can be semantically linked to provide an integrated view of related information.
Integrated Products and Services - IPAS
Developing and validating a method which can facilitate designers to retrieve effectively and efficiently required service information.
Developing, Integrating and Testing Rationale Capture Tools
Determining whether DRed has a beneficial effect on the design behaviour by prompting design thinking and helping designers to view their design process.
High Performance and Robust Systems - HIPARSYS
Developing software tools that can efficiently support reasoning about design characteristics that are critical to the design's quality.
