Tutorial. 2. What is Knowledge

2. What is KnowledgeETL525 Knowledge ManagementTutorial One5 December 2008K.T. Lamlblkt@ust.hkLast updated: 4 December 2008Data, information, knowledge• Data can be defined as raw number, images, words, sounds which are derived from observation or measurement.• Information represents data arranged in a meaningful pattern, data where some intellectual input has been added.• Knowledge emerges from the application, analysis and productive use of data and/or information. It provides the means to analyze and understand data/information, provides beliefs about the causality of events/actions, and provides the basis to guide meaningful action/thought.Source: Hislop (2005)An example• Raw data in a log file capturing “who logged in to (or logged out from) which computer and at what time”:An example (cont.)• Raw data processed by a computer program to generate statistical information on usages:An example (cont.)• Knowledge expressed in written report produced by a staff based on the statistical information:• Does this written report represent knowledge or information?Interrelationship ofdata, information and knowledge• While data and information can provide the building blocks of knowledge, equally knowledge can be used to generate data and information, therefore the relationship between them is dynamic and interactive.• People with different knowledge bases may develop different interpretations of the significance of the same event ...