Technology updates

We use the term technology in the broadest sense - means of accomplishing a task especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge. The meaning fits our work, whether we're applying efficient methods - or developing new ones - for knowledge capture, or developing tools to aid in knowledge transfer. Our technology updates will cover the spectrum of our work. Here are synopses of our major work in the first half of 2009.

Knowledge elicitation in the nuclear industry - Among the many challenges in the nuclear renaissance is the aging workforce (see our recent article pertaining to the utilities industry writ large in Electric Perspectives magazine). Through our knowgraphy services, we are helping to capture the expertise held by senior engineers, and organize it for ready transfer to the emerging generation. With the growing risk of losing this critical knowledge, our practice in this area is continuing to grow in 2009.

Concept mapping in Second Life - In collaboration with the Army Research Laboratory and university research partners, we will be exploring the capabilities and boundaries of distributed knowledge elicitation through concept mapping in Second Life. Our work has just begun in this exciting new area... so look for updates in coming months.

Cognitive training - Building on early success in delivering an impactful training product for the US Marine Corps, we're continuing to support Cognitive Training Solutions' development of Insurgent Mindset Training virtual training program. In 2009, we'll be helping CTS extend the program to reach the Marines who need it most - frontline warfighters preparing for deployment. Our support to CTS is provided through our knowgraphy and KnowledgeScaffolding services.

Common Lexicon Project - We continue to help advance SARMA's effort to build a common lexicon for the security analysis and risk management community. By applying our fileive service to SARMA's list of over 200 commonly used terms, we are making steady progress toward developing a lexicon that SARMA's membership can find consensus in.

Concept mapping for organizational modeling - In late 2008 and along with our partner Robert Hoffman of IHMC, we applied our maportraits service to the organizational modeling effort underway at TNO in The Netherlands. Titled "Using a Knowledge Elicitation Method to Specify the Business Model," we'll present this work at the 2009 Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.