Comparing Knowledge Extraction Techniques and Developing a Structured Methodology for Documentation of Knowledge

Many of the knowledge assets created by experts and managers of companies, mainly remain in their minds. This knowledge is lost with the separation of individuals from the organization and its recovery is not possible. Therefore acquisition and retrieval of this knowledge is a serious need and it is valuable for reuse by other employees. On this basis, this study seeks to provide a structured approach to knowledge acquisition (KA) and comparison of these techniques. So far about 34 different KA techniques have been introduced, but none of them have the necessary efficiency and effectiveness in the field of knowledge management. We’ve used a combination of KA techniques including semi structured interview, revised teach-back, commentary, laddering, repertory grid techniques in order to elicit both tacit and explicit knowledge of experts. Also among the 21 criteria identified to compare the KA techniques, 16 criteria were accepted by the experts of knowledge management and these criteria were used in the form of paired comparisons and the hierarchical model based on AHP technique. The results was promising and presented the combined KA techniques has the highest rank among the others. Therefore the Iranian industrial organizations can widely use the combined KA technique in expert ‘s experiences documentation.