Knowledge Study Tool
The Knowledge Study Tool (KST) has been developed especially to support Knowledge Structure Mapping. It provides a comprehensive range of Map construction, Map modification, Data Analysis, Data Export, Option Generation and Learning Support facilities.
In the early years, forerunners of KST were developed with the help and support of many organisations interested in Business Knowledge Study. Since the formation of AKRI Limited, KST has become the essential core element of a high value knowledge study and analysis approach.
KST provides a range of map construction features that would be typical of this sort of software. The tool also provides options that allow data definition and data entry for the map under construction to allow the creation of a visual and descriptive representation of a knowledge area. The tool even provides help to the user in laying the map out to produce the most useful visualisation of the knowledge.
The real power behind KST lies in its internal analytical features. When map data is added to or changed, KST automatically builds an internal analytical information set that it attaches to the internal knowledge base. It automatically computes knowledge structure information, it computes risk for each knowledge element and for every sub knowledge structure, and it allows user selectable computations to take place to probe the knowledge base and its associated information structure. A user can view all of this information in a variety of ways from ordered tables to colour coded knowledge structure maps. The information can also be exported for report compilation. Typically, KST can produce about 80% of a report on the knowledge study undertaken.
KST takes analysis even further by using an internal rule based system to rapidly inspect all of the information in the knowledge base and apply the set of rules to each element. KST is able to generate automated Options for Action for many of the items of information contained within a map. These options can be considered directly by those responsible for the knowledge area.
KST can also export web based information. It can create (in a fully automated way) a small web site for the knowledge study undertaken. This consists of a set of linked html pages that can, if desired, be placed directly in a web (internet or intranet) server to allow other users to access information from the study. All of the initial information entered during the study will be available within the web site along with a great deal of the analytical information such as knowledge risk and knowledge overlap etc.
KST can also export files for the web based (Macromedia Flash file) Corax Knowledge Browser. One of the most interesting features of Corax is its implementation of a learning support tool that can be used by people new to the knowledge area or people simply wishing to know more about it. The learning support tool provides guidance for the learner as well as access to information.
KST allows the internal information set to be defined in advance of a study, if the user wishes to do this. KST also allows the user to define how KST will compute risk if the user wishes to change default settings.
All of the features of KST are available when a Knowledge Study has been fully completed and all data entered. No further intervention is required to allow KST to produce analysis, options for action, a web site or the source files for the Corax browser, apart that is, from selecting the appropriate option from the KST menu system.