The cat's cradle network

In this paper we will argue that the representation of context in knowledge management is appropriately served by the representation of the knowledge networks in an historicised form. Characterising context as essentially extra to any particular knowledge representation, we argue that another dimension to these be modelled, rather than simply elaborating a form in its own terms. We present the formalism of the cat's cradle network, and show how it can be represented by an extension of the Pathfinder associative network that includes this temporal dimension, and allows evolutions of understandings to be traced. Grounding its semantics in communities of practice ensures utility and cohesiveness, which is lost when mere externalities of a representation are communicated in fully fledged forms. The scheme is general and subsumes other formalisms for knowledge representation. The cat's cradle network enables us to model such community-based social constructs as pattern languages, shared memory and patterns of trust and reliance, by placing their establishment in a structure that shows their essential temporality

Just below the surface: developing knowledge management systems using the paradigm of the noetic prism

In this paper we examine how the principles embodied in the paradigm of the noetic prism can illuminate the construction of knowledge management systems. We draw on the formalism of the prism to examine three successful tools: frames, spreadsheets and databases, and show how their power and also their shortcomings arise from their domain representation, and how any organisational system based on integration of these tools and conversion between them is inevitably lossy. We suggest how a late-binding, hybrid knowledge based management system (KBMS) could be designed that draws on the lessons learnt from these tools, by maintaining noetica at an atomic level and storing the combinatory processes necessary to create higher level structure as the need arises. We outline the “just-below-the-surface” systems design, and describe its implementation in an enterprise-wide knowledge-based system that has all of the conventional office automation features

A knowledge development lifecycle for reflective practice

Reflective practice is valuable because of its potential for continuous improvement through feedback and learning. Conventional models of knowledge practice however do not explicitly include reflection as part of the practice, nor locate it in a developmental cycle. They focus on modelling in a knowledge plane which itself is contextualised by active knowing processes, and ignore the influence of power in their activity models. Further, many models focus on either an artefact or a process view, resulting from a conceptual disconnect between knowledge and knowing, and failure to relate passive to active views. Using the idea of higher order loops that govern knowledge development processes, in this paper we propose a conceptualisation of a reflective Knowledge Development Life Cycle (KDLC). This explicitly includes the investigator and the organisation itself as dynamic components of a systemic process and is suited to either a constructivist or realist epistemological stance. We describe the stages required in the KDLC and discuss their significance. Finally we show how incorporation of reflection into process enables dynamic interplay between the knowing and the knowledge in the organisation

The Noetic Prism

Definitions of ‘knowledge’ and its relationships with ‘data’ and ‘information’ are varied, inconsistent and often contradictory. In particular the traditional hierarchy of data-information-knowledge and its various revisions do not stand up to close scrutiny. We suggest that the problem lies in a flawed analysis that sees data, information and knowledge as separable concepts that are transformed into one another through processing. We propose instead that we can describe collectively all of the materials of computation as ‘noetica’, and that the terms data, information and knowledge can be reconceptualised as late-binding, purpose-determined aspects of the same body of material. Changes in complexity of noetica occur due to value-adding through the imposition of three different principles: increase in aggregation (granularity), increase in set relatedness (shape), and increase in contextualisation through the formation of networks (scope). We present a new model in which granularity, shape and scope are seen as the three vertices of a triangular prism, and show that all value-adding through computation can be seen as movement within the prism space. We show how the conceptual framework of the noetic prism provides a new and comprehensive analysis of the foundations of computing and information systems, and how it can provide a fresh analysis of many of the common problems in the management of intellectual resources

Tabernacles of the Spirit

In the classic tradition of the exploratory essay, George Gammack examines the theme of community in this paper. He details varied aspects of the creation of community among those who are retired, taking as its focus the Men’s Sheds movement. The paper explores the relationship between persons and community in later years, looking in particular at how those with a lifetime’s worth of skills and knowledge can continue to contribute to the life of a community. Along the way we are introduced to the work of authors such as Charles Taylor, Richard Niebuhr, Primo Levi, Seamus Heaney and Richard Sennett on the subject of work and what comes after it.Publisher PD

The promise and perils of wearable technologies

Wearable technology collectively describes some of the most exciting emerging technologies, encompassing smart gadgets, garments, jewelry, and other devices worn on the user\u27s body. In recent years, high profile wearable devices such as the Google Glass, Apple Watch, and FitBit have captured both the public imagination and headlines. Wearable technology has the potential to change the world even more profoundly than other mobile technologies. The appearance of such high profile wearable devices in the end-consumer market has also lead to serious consideration of the implications of such technologies, previously limited to the pages of science fiction. The implications for security and privacy of individuals and organizations, and the potential dangers to both society and the economy, must be considered and addressed in order for wearable technology to successfully deliver upon its many promises. Through addressing such concerns, the pathway to a wearable future can be unlocked, and users can adopt wearable technology with confidence

Conclusions: Where next for wearables?

©2017, IGI Global. This chapter provides a contemporary example of how data from wearable devices can be used for big data type research. It then asked the question of data policies for the use of data generated by wearable devices. This is followed by an overview of the chapters in the book and how they fit within the general theme of the book. In addition, each chapter is categorised into whether it is social research or more technical type research. The chapter also includes concluding suggestions on the possible future research agenda for privacy and security within the subject domain of the use of wearables. In addition, insights into the future of wearables in relation to ethical considerations, privacy, security and data ownership is also given

Conclusions: Where next for wearables?

© 2018 by IGI Global. All rights reserved. This chapter provides a contemporary example of how data from wearable devices can be used for big data type research. It then asked the question of data policies for the use of data generated by wearable devices. This is followed by an overview of the chapters in the book and how they fit within the general theme of the book. In addition, each chapter is categorised into whether it is social research or more technical type research. The chapter also includes concluding suggestions on the possible future research agenda for privacy and security within the subject domain of the use of wearables. In addition, insights into the future of wearables in relation to ethical considerations, privacy, security and data ownership is also given

A data visualisation for horizontal eye-movements

© 2015 IEEE. The increasing ease with which large data sets can be collected brings a concomitant need for tools to help understand what this data indicates. For many user applications such data may be collected passively and unobtrusively in the flow of their activity, and on scales ranging from the individual to increasingly larger communities. With the advent of smart eyewear and the emerging availability of sophisticated but affordable eye-tracking devices, eye movement data becomes a source of detailed information about a user\u27s focus and indirectly about their cognition and attention. Visualising this usefully however, remains a challenge. In this paper we report a new data representation from significant data sets generated by a gaze-controlled digital reading application for second language speakers. The visualisation of this data allows rapid diagnosis of problem areas in texts, informing educators immediately of individual or wider issues. The generality of this visualisation to other applications is discussed