Knowledge Management Research Group
Current Research Projects
Seeking wisdom of the crowds? Participatory models of knowledge creation
Assoc Prof Sharman Lichtenstein, Dr Craig Parker and Dr Remko Helms (external)
Knowledge seekers are increasingly choosing online sources such as Wikipedia developed collaboratively by amateurs rather than experts. We seek to understand why knowledge seekers choose such sources in preference to traditional knowledge sources authored by experts. This project also aims to understand current participatory models of knowledge creation, identify their strengths and weaknesses and recommend social, technical, organisational and societal solutions.
Knowledge Sharing in Sustainable Development Initiatives
Rosemary van der Meer, Dr Luba Torlina, Dr Jamie Mustard
This research examines what and how knowledge is shared in regional sustainable development groups where knowledge is dispersed amongst diverse members and the contractual boundaries to define knowledge exchange do not exist. Regional sustainable development groups have become more prevalent in recent years due to the growing concerns with regards to climate change. However, the mixed membership of these groups incorporating government, business and education organisations and the absence of formal hierarchical structures provides a complex organisational problem with regards to knowledge sharing
A Societal Knowledge Management System: Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom to Build Sustainable Predictors for Adaptation to Climate Change
Dr Sunil D Santha (Amrita University, India), Bardo Fraunholz and Chandanan Unnithan
This research project draws on an existing project that acquires, synthesises and disseminates traditional knowledge from communities in India regarding change in monsoon patterns in India. This knowledge forms the basis for a Societal Knowledge Management System (SKM) which will be harmonised with scientific predictors on seasonal weather patterns. The system will allow researchers to identify whether existing indicators and monsoon patterns are subject to change, and if so how. Extending the existing study, the project aims to build a similar SKM in Australia by harnessing indigenous knowledge. This will assist in building a better understanding of the factors that impact the environment, methods of building sustainable predictors for climate and approaches for adapting to climate changes. The research is expected to inform policy makers, scientists, governance institutions and researchers regarding the applicability of indigenous knowledge in building sustainable predictors for adaptation to climate change in India and Australia. The project may also be extended to other countries.
