KMST

Lecture # 7-8
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
In this model the focus is on knowledge creation.
In order for innovation to take place, the bar has to be
raised, first, in the sphere of knowledge creation.
The model defines and elaborates on the 2 types of
knowledge, the explicit knowledge which is well
documented and tacit knowledge which is a result of
years of experience and hence is likely to
unconsciously reside at the back of the mind of the
expert using this knowledge.
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
Since knowledge creation is a continuous process and
occurs in both a planned and accidental way across the
organization, this model considers the capture of this
knowledge as the key to continuous improvement.
Nonaka also specifies the 4 methods of knowledge
conversion:
Socialization (tacit to tacit)
Externalization (tacit to explicit)
Combination (explicit to explicit) and
Internalization (explicit to tacit)
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
Explicit knowledge can be processed by either a human
or computer whereas tacit information can only be
processed by the person who holds it. Let’s now look at
each of the methods of knowledge conversion.
Socialization: This is where knowledge sharing takes
place through presentations, demonstrations, one-on-
ones etc. It can be between two individuals over coffee or
a formal open-up session. It may also take the form of a
mentorship program where the objective itself is the
systematic download of tacit information onto a
successor.
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
Externalization: Here knowledge is stored to
disseminate in a planned manner e.g. through
publication, presentations in seminars and
conferences etc. Academic institutions and research
and development centers have this as their priority as
they are viewed as the source of information
dissemination.
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
 Internalization: Simply put this is training with a
purpose. If you need to fix your water heater, you first
“internalize” or learn the “explicit” knowledge which
the user manual may contain in order to then use this
knowledge to troubleshoot. Similarly, an organization
may need experts to opening over certain documented
information to troubleshoot a manufacturing line to
reduce rejections or streams of financial data to plug
profitability leaks.
Nonaka and Takeuchi Model
 Combination: Here knowledge enhancement and
adaptation takes place. The tacit information is
combined with explicit information to create
knowledge adapted or enhanced to tackle a specific
problem or about a particular project.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
This model, developed in 1999
The Meyer and Zack model defines the various stages
of a KM cycle emphasizing the “refinery”.
The stages of information collection to conversion into
usable knowledge have been specified into five stages.
When discussing about information products, Meyer
and Zack which include all types of knowledge,
regardless of their source or form.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
 The five stages considered by Meyer and Zack are:
Acquisition
Refinement
Storage/retrieval
Distribution
Presentation/use
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
 a. The acquisition stage covers information and
knowledge accumulation, the authors emphasizing the
need for a high quality of its sources as a prerequisite not
to compromise the next stages.
In acquisition, the guiding principle is “Garbage In
Garbage Out” which means people have to be trained to
get first time right, whatever information they put into
the system to get analyzable data downstream.
At the information, stage focus is given to the quality and
accuracy of the information. This in the context of where
our materials come from and what specifications they
carry can range from, scope, breadth, depth, credibility,
accuracy, timeliness, relevance, cost, exclusivity etc.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
b. The refinement stage further processes knowledge
and standardizes it through analysis, interpretation
etc.. This stage creates added value in multiple ways:
creates usable information and knowledge, allows
flexible storage of it, in different formats and on
different media.
There can be many types of refinement applied to the
information depending on the requirements of the
organization like: Physical, Logical, Cleaning,
Standardization, Storage and Retrieval
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
b. The refinement stage further processes knowledge
and standardizes it through analysis, interpretation
etc.. This stage creates added value in multiple ways:
creates usable information and knowledge, allows
flexible storage of it, in different formats and on
different media.
There can be many types of refinement applied to the
information depending on the requirements of the
organization like: Physical, Logical, Cleaning,
Standardization, Storage and Retrieval
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
Types of refinement:
Physical, e.g., migrating from one medium or location
or software to another.
Logical, e.g., restructuring the information into preset
formats, indexing and integrating this information into
a larger group of information to be used later.
Cleaning, e.g., getting rid of redundant information or
duplication or even removing unnecessary parts of the
entire information package.
Standardization, e.g., tailoring all information into
predefined templates in order to make comparisons
easier and improving the usability of the information.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
 c. Storage/retrieval stage is considered crucial
because it is seen as the bridge between acquisition
and refinement stages and the other stages.

The repository of information nowadays tends to be in

the form of customized software, but traditional
businesses still store files, folders and other printed
and written information.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
 d. The distribution stage deals with the knowledge
delivery and additional features like frequency and
time of knowledge distribution. The main idea behind
this stage is that environment and content are linked
to each other.
Here the various recipients of the information are
defined, and the mode in which they may receive this
information is also defined, e.g., mails, prints, dossiers,
etc.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
e. Presentation/Use Stage: This is the final step
where the “information”, is going to take the shape of
“knowledge”.
The presentation/use stage covers establishing the
value of information in the context of its use.
Here, feedback is generated from the final users of this
knowledge in order to continuously improve the
repository and eliminate redundant information or
add new elements to the information capture.
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
Meyer and Zack’s KM life cycle model
The Meyer and Zack model is considered one of the
best models having an end-to-end scope and covering
the entire organization giving a complete picture of all
the elements of a robust KM model
Thanks