As organizations continue to evolve with Inter/Intranet –based applications in this fast moving era of electronic commerce, organizations should adopt an Information technology architecture that conserves knowledge and enables decision-makers to use information systems at an even higher level of knowledge sharing. Thus, there is a need for an integrated, adaptive, flexible enterprise information architecture that enforces knowledge sharing and knowledge management in an organization. This study proposes an enterprise information architecture model that includes a meta-knowledge modeling level to enable knowledge sharing besides data and information sharing through organizational information systems. Further, the model is illustrated through two applications of meta-knowledge management systems through the use of object-oriented paradigm.
[...] In this paper, we present a general framework of enterprise information architecture that addresses the issues of knowledge management through the use of a meta-modeling layer. Although we present a general framework, the highlighting feature of our architecture is to introduce the concept of meta-modeling or meta-meta knowledge level as a major technique for knowledge management. The meta-modeling layer is the core knowledge manipulation and management layer realized on the top of all the systems in the organization. Furthermore, with a common system implementation and management paradigm such as the object-oriented paradigm, the meta-modeling layer is also a core integration layer providing a unifying context and integrated view to the organization. [...]
[...] The contribution of this study is to present a generalized enterprise information architecture that facilitates the creation, development, and management of knowledge management systems and knowledge mapping. In addition, the study concentrates on the management of metadata, meta-knowledge, and meta-models. This study extends the concept of meta-modeling to propose a general meta-modeling layer in an enterprise information architecture that acts as a buffer between the end users and organizational data, model, and knowledge resources. Further, the model is illustrated through two applications of knowledge management systems that illustrate two different facets of knowledge mapping and sharing. [...]
[...] The KBMS module of IFMSM stores models such as simple systems, vehicle transportation systems, and systems using conveyors as meta-objects (an object that stores information on other objects) in a metabase. The meta-object stores a model as a series of objects and the supporting methods instantiations. For instance, to create a SIMAN experiment frame, the pertinent meta-object invokes a series of objects stored in the knowledgebase that generate the SIMAN blocks in accordance with the user's specifications. The user specifications are captured through the user interface of the DSS environment, and the information is stored in data files. [...]
[...] With the rapid deployment of new technologies that are transforming and shaping the information technology strategy of the organizations, there is a need for an integrated, adaptive, flexible enterprise information architecture that enforces knowledge sharing and knowledge management in an organization. This study presents an enterprise information architecture model that introduces an additional meta-knowledge level over the existing information level in an organization. The Enterprise Information Architecture model has four levels: the physical level, the information level, the meta-modeling level, and the end user level. [...]
[...] Therefore, the information architecture of the enterprise plays a crucial role in realizing the full potential of organizational knowledge, knowledge management, and knowledge management systems. To provide a successful knowledge management solution, two key corporate attributes should be considered (Sharpe, 2003): corporate memory and communities of interest. Corporate memory is the backbone of a KM solution. The corporate record consists of its accumulated knowledge, experience, expertise, history, stories, strategies, and successes as documented by its employees. Advances in technology particularly in hardware and software continue to evolve the knowledge management initiative by adding new attributes of context to the corporate memory. [...]
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