Managing Tacit Knowledge MTKn

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Managing Tacit Knowledge (MTKn)
Principal Investigators C.E. Siemieniuch
M.A. Sinclair, Researchers Esmond Urwin, Grace
Ng. Loughborough University 3-year, UK EPSRC
funded project 2003-6
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MTKn Aims
To increase the effectiveness / efficiency of the
DR Process via improved management of tacit
knowledge

• Improve the decision making process among
  reviewers
• Supplement training course mechanisms e.g.
  informal networks for expertise exchange, advice,
  mentoring shadowing etc.
• Provide DR team profiles and selection criteria /
  processes
• Optimise potential for identification / closure
  of known unknowns and unknown unknowns
• Capture, share and reuse of lessons learnt across
  DRs
• Measure the effectiveness of current review
  practice and actors

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Managing Tacit Knowledge in Design Reviews
Tacit knowledge held in stories, in peoples
heads, in Design Review pool of people
Tacit knowledge from other projects
Design Review team chosen for expertiseto
contribute to the specific review
Capture Tacit Kn. for other projects
Apply Tacit Kn. in review process
Spread knowledge around people within DR Pool
DESIGN PROCESS
Product Y
Product Z
Product X
Product X
Tacit knowledge brought to review from previous
review
Carry Tacit knowledge forwards to subsequent
reviews
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Tacit Knowledge the Design Review Process
Tacit knowledge can support Design Review
objectives

• To support the LCM/ELC process(es) by providing
  an independent appraisal of design quality and
  maturity
• To check that development is following a route to
  deliver required product and performance within
  the mandated timescale and budget
• To objectively assess the critical aspects of
  the design (Critical Design Features) and
  establish product maturity through their
  progress towards delivering the required product
  performance
• To challenge the suitability of the product for
  the whole lifecycle (including manufacture,
  in-service and disposal)

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MTKn Target Output
Baseline DR Process (Complete) Generic, Ideal,
Tailorable, Evolution, Planning, Formalised,
Integrated Core Support Resourcing the DR
Process (Complete / Work in Progress) Role
Definitions, Role Interactions, Role Boundaries
(Authority, Responsibility, Autonomy), Selection
Process Criteria, Resource Pool Improved
Operation of DR Process (Work in
Progress) Metrics (process efficiency
assessment performance), Training,
Communications, Process Ownership, Managing Tacit
Knowledge
Some elements are currently being written into a
business case