Knowledge Management Terms Glossary: Knowledge Management Terms in 2024
A
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, or problem-solving.
Artificial Neural Networks
Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are computational models inspired by the biological structure and function of the human brain, enabling machines to learn and make predictions by processing and analyzing large amounts of interconnected data.
B
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is the process of comparing an organization's processes, products, or services against recognized leaders or industry standards, in order to identify areas for improvement.
Best Practice
Best Practice refers to a method, process, or approach that has been proven to be effective and efficient, based on research, expert consensus, or successful experiences.
Best Practices
Best practices refer to the most effective and efficient approaches, processes, or methods that are widely recognized and accepted as superior in a particular domain or industry.
Big Data
Big Data refers to large volumes of structured, semi-structured, or unstructured data that are too complex or challenging for traditional data processing techniques, often requiring advanced analytics and technologies for storage, processing, and analysis.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers or nodes, providing transparency, security, and immutability, often associated with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
Business Process Management
Business process management (BPM) is an approach to improve and manage business processes by analyzing, optimizing, and automating workflows to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and agility.
C
Centralization
Centralization involves consolidating knowledge resources, systems, and processes in a central location or team within an organization.
Change Management
Change management is the structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from a current state to a desired future state, ensuring successful adoption and implementation of changes.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing resources, including servers, storage, databases, and software applications, over the internet, enabling on-demand access, scalability, and flexibility without the need for on-premises infrastructure.
Cognitive Computing
Cognitive Computing refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing, to mimic human cognitive abilities, such as learning, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Collaboration Tools
Collaboration tools are software applications or platforms that enable individuals or teams to work together, share knowledge, communicate, and collaborate effectively, regardless of physical location.
Collaborative Filtering
Collaborative filtering is a technique that predicts a user's interests or preferences by collecting preferences and data from a community of users with similar interests.
Collaborative Learning
Collaborative Learning is an educational approach that emphasizes group work, interaction, and shared knowledge creation among learners.
Collaborative Tools
Collaborative Tools are software applications or platforms that enable individuals and teams to work together, share knowledge, and collaborate effectively.
Communities Of Practice
Communities of Practice (CoPs) are groups of people who share a common interest, profession, or expertise and collaborate to create and share knowledge within a structured framework.
Competency Management
Competency Management is the process of identifying, assessing, and developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for individuals or teams to perform effectively and achieve organizational goals.
Competitive Intelligence
Competitive Intelligence is the process of systematically gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about competitors to gain a strategic advantage.
Content Management
Content Management involves the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital content, such as documents, images, videos, and web pages.
Content Management System
A content management system (CMS) is a software application that enables the creation, storage, organization, and retrieval of digital content, including knowledge assets.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to enhance products, services, processes, or skills through incremental changes and learning, fostering a culture of innovation and striving for excellence.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity refers to the practices, measures, and technologies that protect computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, threats, or attacks, ensuring their confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
D
Data Analytics
Data Analytics is the practice of examining, transforming, and modeling data with the goal of discovering useful insights, patterns, or trends that can support decision-making and business strategies.
Data Governance
Data Governance refers to the overall management, control, and protection of data assets within an organization, ensuring data quality, compliance, and integrity.
Data Mining
Data mining is the process of discovering patterns, correlations, or insights from large volumes of structured or unstructured data, enabling knowledge discovery and decision-making.
Data Privacy
Data Privacy refers to the protection and proper handling of personal or confidential data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and standards, and safeguarding individuals' rights.
Data Quality
Data Quality refers to the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability of data, ensuring that it is fit for its intended use and meets the organization's requirements.
Data Visualization
Data visualization is the representation of data in a visual format, such as charts, graphs, or maps, to facilitate understanding, analysis, and decision-making.
Data Warehouse
Data Warehouse is a centralized repository of organized and integrated data from various sources within an organization, used for analysis, reporting, and decision-making.
Decentralization
Decentralization involves distributing knowledge resources, systems, and processes across various individuals, teams, or departments within an organization.
Decision Support System
A decision support system (DSS) is a computer-based tool or application that helps individuals or teams make better-informed decisions by providing relevant information and analysis.
Decision-Making Bias
Decision-making bias refers to the systematic and predictable deviations or errors in judgment and decision-making that can occur due to cognitive, emotional, or social factors, influencing the accuracy or quality of decisions.
Digital Asset Management
Digital Asset Management (DAM) is the management and organization of digital assets, such as images, videos, documents, or multimedia content, ensuring their proper storage, access, retrieval, and distribution within an organization.
Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to fundamentally change business models, operations, products, or customer experiences to adapt and thrive in a digital age.
Document Management
Document management is the systematic control and organization of documents, ensuring proper storage, version control, access, and retrieval of knowledge assets.
E
Enterprise Content Management
Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is the systematic approach to capture, manage, store, preserve, and deliver an organization's information or content assets in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner throughout their lifecycle.
Enterprise Search
Enterprise Search is the capability to search and retrieve relevant information from multiple sources and repositories within an organization, regardless of their format or location.
Enterprise Social Network
An enterprise social network (ESN) is an internal social platform that enables employees within an organization to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and ideas.
Expert Network
An expert network is a platform or community that connects individuals or organizations to a network of subject matter experts for knowledge sharing, advice, or collaboration.
Expert System
An expert system is a computer-based system that emulates the decision-making abilities of a human expert in a specific domain, providing intelligent recommendations or solutions.
Expertise Location
Expertise location is the process of identifying individuals or sources within an organization that possess specific knowledge, skills, or expertise, enabling efficient knowledge sharing, collaboration, or problem-solving.
Explicit Knowledge
Explicit knowledge refers to knowledge that is codified, documented, and easily transferred between individuals or within an organization.
F
Fuzzy Logic
Fuzzy logic is a mathematical approach that deals with uncertainties, imprecise data, or incomplete information by assigning degrees of truth or membership to statements or conditions, enabling more flexible and nuanced decision-making.
G
Gamification
Gamification is the application of game elements, such as points, badges, or leaderboards, to non-game contexts, such as learning or problem-solving, to engage and motivate individuals.
Gamified Learning
Gamified learning is the application of gaming elements, such as challenges, rewards, or competition, to educational or learning activities to engage and motivate learners, enhance retention, and promote active participation.
I
Information Architecture
Information architecture is the design and organization of information, providing a structured framework that enables users to navigate and find relevant knowledge.
Information Governance
Information governance is the management and control of information assets within an organization, ensuring their integrity, availability, compliance, security, and usefulness.
Information Management
Information Management refers to the process of collecting, organizing, and controlling information within an organization to support decision-making and business operations.
Information Overload
Information overload refers to the overwhelming amount of information or data that individuals or organizations encounter, making it challenging to process, analyze, and make sense of the available knowledge.
Information Retrieval
Information retrieval is the process of searching, retrieving, and accessing relevant information or knowledge from various sources, such as databases or digital repositories.
Information Security
Information security refers to the protection of information assets from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Innovation Culture
Innovation culture refers to the mindset, values, beliefs, and practices within an organization that encourage and support creativity, learning, experimentation, and risk-taking to foster a culture of innovation.
Innovation Management
Innovation management is the process of encouraging and facilitating the generation, capture, and implementation of new ideas, inventions, or improvements within an organization.
Intellectual Capital
Intellectual capital refers to the intangible assets of an organization, including knowledge, expertise, patents, copyrights, and brand reputation, which contribute to its value and competitive advantage.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property refers to the legal rights and protections given to inventions, designs, trademarks, and other creations of the mind, which are considered valuable assets for organizations.
Internet Of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects, devices, sensors, and other technologies that are connected and capable of collecting and exchanging data, enabling various applications and services.
Intranet
An intranet is a private, internal network that is used by an organization to share information, resources, and collaboration tools among its employees.
K
Knowledge Audit
A knowledge audit is a systematic review and analysis of an organization's knowledge assets, including their availability, quality, relevance, and usage.
Knowledge Broker
A knowledge broker is an individual or organization that connects people, ideas, or knowledge sources to create new insights, collaborations, or solutions.
Knowledge Broker Network
Knowledge Broker Network is a network or community of individuals or organizations that serve as knowledge brokers, facilitating the exchange, transfer, or co-creation of knowledge.
Knowledge Brokerage
Knowledge Brokerage is the act of mediating between different knowledge sources, connecting individuals or organizations to access, create, or share knowledge, often for mutual benefit or innovation.
Knowledge Capture
Knowledge capture is the process of collecting and recording knowledge from individuals or systems, ensuring that valuable insights and information are documented for future use.
Knowledge Creation
Knowledge Creation is the process of generating new knowledge through the combination of existing knowledge and the application of creativity and innovation.
Knowledge Culture
Knowledge Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors within an organization that foster knowledge sharing, learning, and innovation.
Knowledge Discovery
Knowledge discovery is the process of finding patterns, insights, and new knowledge from large volumes of data, often through data mining or machine learning techniques.
Knowledge Ecosystem
Knowledge Ecosystem is a complex system comprising individuals, organizations, technologies, and processes, interconnected through knowledge creation, sharing, and utilization.
Knowledge Elicitation
Knowledge elicitation is the process of gathering knowledge from subject matter experts through interviews, surveys, observation, or other techniques to extract valuable insights and information.
Knowledge Engineering
Knowledge Engineering is the process of creating, representing, and applying knowledge in computer systems and AI applications.
Knowledge Extraction
Knowledge Extraction is the process of identifying, capturing, and transferring valuable knowledge from individuals or external sources to an organization.
Knowledge Flow
Knowledge flow refers to the movement and exchange of knowledge within and across individuals, teams, departments, and organizational boundaries.
Knowledge Gap
Knowledge Gap refers to the difference between the knowledge an organization possesses and the knowledge it needs to achieve its objectives.
Knowledge Hierarchy
Knowledge hierarchy is a framework or model that organizes knowledge into different levels or tiers, such as data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, based on their increasing complexity, abstraction, and value.
Knowledge Integration
Knowledge Integration involves combining and synthesizing different knowledge elements, perspectives, and sources to create new insights or solutions.
Knowledge Management
Knowledge Management (KM) is the process of capturing, organizing, and leveraging an organization's knowledge to enhance decision-making, innovation, and overall performance.
Knowledge Mapping
Knowledge Mapping is the process of visualizing and representing the existing knowledge assets within an organization, including their interconnections, gaps, and potential areas for collaboration or improvement.
Knowledge Marketplace
A knowledge marketplace is a platform or ecosystem that facilitates the exchange, trading, or sharing of knowledge, expertise, or intellectual resources among individuals, organizations, or communities.
Knowledge Organization
Knowledge Organization involves structuring and categorizing knowledge resources in a systematic manner to facilitate easy retrieval, reuse, and discovery.
Knowledge Repository
A knowledge repository is a centralized database or system that stores and manages knowledge assets, making them accessible and reusable by individuals or systems.
Knowledge Representation
Knowledge representation is the process of structuring and organizing knowledge in a format that can be easily stored, accessed, and utilized by individuals or systems.
Knowledge Retention
Knowledge Retention involves the strategies and practices to preserve and retain critical knowledge within an organization, preventing loss of expertise due to employee turnover, retirement, or other factors.
Knowledge Sharing
Knowledge sharing is the process of transferring knowledge from one individual or group to another, enabling the dissemination and utilization of knowledge within an organization.
Knowledge Transfer
Knowledge transfer is the process of transmitting knowledge, skills, or expertise from one individual or group to another, often through training, mentoring, or documentation.
Knowledge Visualization
Knowledge visualization is the creation and use of visual tools, such as diagrams, charts, or infographics, to represent and communicate knowledge, enabling better understanding, analysis, and decision-making.
Knowledge Worker
Knowledge Worker is an individual who primarily deals with knowledge-related tasks, using their expertise, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge-Based Decision-Making
Knowledge-based Decision-making involves using relevant knowledge, insights, and expertise to make informed decisions and solve complex problems.
Knowledge-Based Systems
Knowledge-based Systems are computer programs that use knowledge and reasoning techniques to solve complex problems and make intelligent decisions.
L
Learning Organization
A learning organization is an organization that actively promotes and facilitates continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and innovation to adapt and thrive in a changing environment.
Lesson Learned
Lessons Learned are insights, best practices, or recommendations derived from past experiences or projects, aimed at improving future decision-making, processes, or outcomes.
Lessons Learned
Lessons learned are insights, experiences, or knowledge gained from past projects, initiatives, or experiences that can be leveraged to improve future performance.
M
Machine Learning
Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on developing algorithms and models that enable machines to learn from data, improve their performance over time, and make predictions or decisions without explicit programming.
Metadata
Metadata refers to data about data and provides information about the characteristics, attributes, and properties of knowledge assets, enabling their discovery and understanding.
Microlearning
Microlearning is an approach to learning and knowledge acquisition that involves delivering small, bite-sized chunks of information or learning materials, often through digital platforms, to facilitate quick and focused learning.
N
Natural Language Processing
Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a branch of AI that focuses on enabling computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language, enabling communication between humans and machines.
O
Ontology
Ontology is a formal representation of knowledge that defines concepts, relationships, properties, and rules within a specific domain.
Organizational Learning
Organizational Learning is the process of acquiring, interpreting, and applying knowledge to improve performance and adjust to changes.
Organizational Memory
Organizational Memory refers to the collective knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned within an organization, which can be retained and accessed over time.
P
Personal Knowledge Management
Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) is the practice of managing and organizing one's own knowledge, information, and learning processes to enhance personal productivity, effectiveness, and learning.
Personalization
Personalization refers to tailoring products, services, or experiences to individual preferences, needs, or characteristics, often leveraging data, analytics, or AI technologies to deliver customized recommendations or content.
Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics is the use of statistical models and data mining techniques to analyze historical data, identify patterns, and make predictions or forecasts about future events, trends, or outcomes.
Q
Quality Management
Quality Management is the process of ensuring that products, services, and processes meet or exceed customer expectations and quality standards.
R
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is an iterative design method that involves quickly creating and testing prototypes of products or solutions to gather feedback, refine designs, and accelerate the development process.
S
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing websites or digital content to improve their visibility and ranking in search engine results, increasing the likelihood of being discovered and accessed.
Semantic Search
Semantic Search is a search technique that focuses on understanding the meaning and context of user queries and information resources, enabling more accurate and relevant search results.
Semantic Web
The Semantic Web is an extension of the World Wide Web that enables machines to understand the meaning of information and knowledge by adding metadata and creating structured links between resources.
Social Intranet
Social Intranet is an internal website or platform that combines traditional intranet features with social networking capabilities, facilitating knowledge sharing, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Social Learning
Social learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviors through interactions and collaboration with others, often facilitated by social media or online platforms.
Social Network Analysis
Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a methodological approach to understand and analyze social structures, relationships, and interactions within a network or community, often used to identify influential individuals, information flow, or knowledge gaps.
Storytelling
Storytelling is the art of conveying information, experiences, or knowledge through narratives, often used as a powerful communication tool for sharing organizational knowledge and experiences.
Synthetic Data
Synthetic data refers to artificially generated data that mimics the characteristics and properties of real data, often used to preserve privacy, protect sensitive information, or augment training datasets for machine learning models.
T
Tacit Knowledge
Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that is deeply rooted in an individual's experiences, insights, and intuition, making it difficult to articulate or transfer.
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is a hierarchical classification system that organizes knowledge or information into categories or groups based on their similarities and relationships.
W
Workflow Automation
Workflow automation is the use of technology and software to automate and streamline repetitive, manual tasks or business processes, reducing errors, improving efficiency, and freeing up human resources.
Workflow Management
Workflow Management involves designing, automating, and streamlining the flow of work and knowledge within an organization.