The Knowledge Cube and Knowledge Conversions

A new conception of knowledge and knowledge conversions is introduced. It is represented by a knowledge cube, a three-dimensional model of knowledge with types, kinds and qualities, and allows a description of general knowledge conversions between those. Through this conception we gain a sound basis for knowledge management. We can describe knowledge-intensive business processes in a company, be it human-driven, knowledge-driven or task-driven. Particularly, we substantially generalize the well-known knowledge development approach by Nonaka/Takeuchi as well as existing modeling approaches for knowledge-intensive business processes. The type dimension of knowledge extends the well-known tacitexplicit concept of knowledge and makes it clearer in addition. The kind and quality dimensions of knowledge reflect the the various kinds of knowledge (e.g. propositional versus procedural knowledge) and provide quality descriptions of knowledge, respectively. Transitions between the various types, kinds and qualities of knowledge are described as general knowledge conversions, which are modeled as m-to-n transformations between knowledge and information assets. A set of basic knowledge conversions is given in a way, that more complex conversions may be easily gained by building on this set. As indication for the applicability of this conception of knowledge and its conversions, a modeling approach for knowledge-intensive business processes with human interactions is described.