Anjo Anjewierden

CML: The CommonKADS Conceptual Modelling Language

We present a structured language for the specification of knowledge models according to the CommonKADS methodology. This language is called CML (Conceptual Modelling Language) and provides both a structured textual notation and a diagrammatic notation for expertise models. The use of our CML is illustrated by a variety of examples taken from the VT elevator design system.

Shelley: computer-aided knowledge engineering

Abstract This paper provides an overview of an integrated workbench for knowledge engineering (Shelley). Shelley interactively supports the analysis and design phases of the KADS KBS development methodology. Shelley is different from many other tools supporting knowledge acquisition in two respects: (1) it is based on a methodology for knowledge acquisition; and (2) it is designed to provide synergistic effects on multiple tools simultaneously providing the user with different views on the knowledge being acquired. Shelley is in actual use; an evaluation of how users view Shelley is included.

AIDAS: incremental logical structure discovery in PDF documents

AIDAS is part of a research project in which the aim is to turn technical manuals into a database of indexed training material. We describe the approach AIDAS uses to extract the logical document structure from PDF documents. The approach is based on the idea that the layout structure contains cues about the logical structure and that the logical structure can be discovered incrementally.

The added value of task and ontology-based markup for information retrieval

In this report, we investigate how retrieving information can be improved through task-related indexing of documents based on ontologies. Different index types, varying from content-based keywords to structured task-based indexing ontologies, are compared in an experiment that simulates the task of creating instructional material from a database of source material. To be able to judge the added value of task- and ontology-related indexes, traditional information retrieval performance measures are extended with new measures reflecting the quality of the material produced with the retrieved information. The results of the experiment show that a structured task-based indexing ontology improves the quality of the product created from retrieved material only to some extent, but that it certainly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of search and retrieval and precision of use.

Understanding weblog communities through digital traces: a framework, a tool and an example

Often research on online communities could be compared to archaeology [16] : researchers look at patterns in digital traces that members leave to characterise the community they belong to Relatively easy access to these traces and a growing number of methods and tools to collect and analyse them make such analysis increasingly attractive However, a researcher is faced with the difficult task of choosing which digital artefacts and which relations between them should be taken into account, and how the findings should be interpreted to say something meaningful about the community based on the traces of its members. In this paper we present a framework that allows categorising digital traces of an online community along five dimensions (people, documents, terms, links and time) and then describe a tool that supports the analysis of community traces by combining several of them, illustrating the types of analysis possible using a dataset from a weblog community.

KMsim: A Meta-modelling Approach and Environment for Creating Process-Oriented Knowledge Management Simulations

This paper presents a new approach to modelling process-oriented knowledge management (KM) and describes a simulation environment (called KMSIM) that embodies the approach. Since the beginning of modelling researchers have been looking for better and novel ways to model systems and to use appropriate software to create simulations. The application of the approach and KM-SIM make it possible to create realistic business models (BMs) and simulate the consequences of KM interventions and events. The validity of the approach and tools is being evaluated in the game KM Quest.

Automatic indexing of text and graphics in technical manuals

Goal driven authoring of training material from existing technical manuals requires automatic indexing of the content of the manual. In this contribution we consider the different representation levels and document knowledge required to do the task. On that basis we have developed tools for automatic indexing in diverse domains.

The CREDIT project: Towards a generic framework for assessment and accreditation—a prototype for childcare

Many individuals throughout Europe acquire knowledge and skills in an informal manner for which they find no official recognition. Procedures for assessment and accreditation are meant to help individuals in finding recognition of previously gained competencies. The CREDIT (Capabilities, Registration, Evaluation, Diagnosis and advice through Internet Technology) project develops a computer system that supports the assessment and accreditation process and provides advice on further training possibilities tailored to the level of knowledge and skills of individuals.

A Socio-Technical Approach for Topic Community Member Selection

Wicked problems and social complexity abound in our globalizing, ever more complex society [6]. Wicked problems, such as many socioeconomic and environmental issues, cannot be solved in traditional ways, as no perfect solution can be found. Also, the understanding of the problem evolves as the solution is being worked on, but no clear agreement on what the real problem is can be reached. The only way to seriously address these problems is by examining a wide range of possible solutions, argumentations, and viewpoints by as many stakeholders as possible [13, 6]. Classical organizations, like governments and official scientific bodies, are no longer capable of representing these interests on their own. New forms of agile social structures are needed, covering a wide spectrum of public interests instead of limited national or organizational interests.

Examining the relation between domain-related communication and collaborative inquiry learning

Research has suggested that providing elaborated explanations is often more beneficial for learning than receiving explanations (e.g., Webb, 1989). Applied to chat communication in a collaborate inquiry learning environment, we would expect that in a dyad the learner with more domain-related contributions than his partner would learn more. In the paper we develop a method to examine the relation between domain-related chats and learning outcome for intuitive knowledge. We describe how we automatically extract domain-related messages, and score them based on the expected cognitive effort to produce the messages. The analysis confirms that there is a positive relation between a high score on domain-related chats and the learning improvement as measured by the difference between a post-test and a pre-test on intuitive knowledge.