Knowledge flow network planning and simulation

Organizations and communities are held together by knowledge flow networks whether people are aware of them or not. To plan such a network is to describe a formal and optimal flow of knowledge as the basis for effective teamwork. The difficulty is that the result of such planning depends greatly on the planners' experience. This paper proposes a pattern-based approach to knowledge flow design for more effective and efficient planning. The approach starts from basic concepts, uses a knowledge spiral to model knowledge flow patterns and operations, and lays down principles for knowledge flow network composition and evolution. Tools for planning, simulation and management of resource-mediated knowledge flow have been developed and experimentally applied to the work of research teams. The planning tool can help users to define, modify and verify a knowledge flow network and to integrate its components. The simulation tool enables users to study knowledge flow in a visualized network and to develop strategies for adapting networks to changing conditions. The basic idea is to adapt and control logistical processes for knowledge flow within teams. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.