Getting Started with Knowledge Mapping

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a knowledge map?

To create a visual representation of an organization's business processes

To classify an organization's critical knowledge resources

To understand how knowledge moves through the organization (correct)

To identify weak links in the flow of knowledge

What does process mapping help ensure when creating a knowledge map?

That all functional areas are involved in the knowledge mapping process

That the knowledge links to the way people work (correct)

That the knowledge map is created quickly and efficiently

That the organization is focusing on the most critical knowledge areas

What is the benefit of creating a knowledge map?

It classifies all knowledge resources in an organization

It reveals areas that are not at risk

It is a required step in process mapping

It identifies weak links and bottlenecks in the flow of knowledge (correct)

What is the first step in creating a process map?

Identify a small team with deep knowledge of the process to be mapped Signup and view all the answers

What is depicted in Figure 1?

A process map Signup and view all the answers

Why is process mapping a useful precedent activity for knowledge mapping?

It ensures that knowledge links to the way people work Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of creating a knowledge map?

Revelation of weak links and bottlenecks in the flow of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What can teams do after identifying improvement opportunities through knowledge mapping?

Make targeted adjustments to ensure the right knowledge reaches the right people Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Step 2 in the process mapping process?

Labeling the functions that engage in the process Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of overlaying knowledge maps on top of process maps?

To identify knowledge gaps and barriers in knowledge flow Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of knowledge mapping?

To understand what knowledge is required to successfully get work done Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the largest in scope knowledge map, used to gauge the level of knowledge or expertise an organization has to meet its strategic goals?

Strategic Overview Map Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Step 3 in the process mapping process?

Identifying the steps within the process Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of creating different types of knowledge maps?

To make the knowledge map more useful and relevant to the goal of the exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of APQC's recommended seven types of knowledge maps?

To provide a framework for understanding knowledge within an organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sequencing the steps in the process mapping process?

To ensure that all steps are satisfied and the process is adequately mapped Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Knowledge Mapping

A knowledge map is a visual representation of an organization's knowledge resources, providing a snapshot of critical knowledge, its location, and flow within the organization.

Benefits of Knowledge Mapping

Helps identify weak links and bottlenecks in knowledge flow
Reveals areas at risk due to lack of knowledge
Enables targeted adjustments to ensure right knowledge reaches the right people at the right time

Process Mapping

A useful precedent activity for knowledge mapping, ensuring knowledge links to the way people work
Provides a classification system for mapped knowledge
Involves identifying a small team with deep knowledge of the process, labeling functions, identifying steps, and sequencing them

Linking Process Maps to Knowledge Maps

Process mapping often unveils key knowledge areas to focus on when creating a knowledge map
Knowledge maps are overlaid on top of process maps to identify knowledge gaps and barriers in knowledge flow

Creating and Using Knowledge Maps

Involves understanding what knowledge is required to get work done, who has it, and when and where it's needed
Can be used to identify knowledge gaps and barriers in knowledge flow
Different types of knowledge maps can be used depending on the goal of the exercise

Categories of Maps

APQC recommends seven types of maps, grouped into three categories: enterprise, cross-functional, and process- or role-based
Examples of maps include Strategic Overview Map, Expertise Overview Map, and others (Figure 2)

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Description

Introduction to knowledge mapping, a visual representation of an organization's knowledge resources, helping to understand critical knowledge, its location, and flow.