Ng, F F (1990) A knowledge analysis model for knowledge engineering in the construction industry. PhD thesis, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
The object of this research is to provide a direction to pursue in seeking better methodology for knowledge base systems development in the construction industry. Knowledge engineering is the art of designing and building a knowledge base system, and this research aims to develop a systematic framework for knowledge engineering. A structured model for knowledge analysis is required to support such a framework. Therefore, the specific objective of the research is to develop a model which will form the structuring principle for analyzing and organizing knowledge and which can be used as a conceptual framework for knowledge elicitation and documentation. A background study was made to highlight the current state of the art of knowledge base systems technology. Two prototypes were developed in problem domains selected from the construction industry. The aim is to examine the development process of knowledge base systems and the limitations of current approach to the knowledge engineering process. This has shown that the ad hoc rapid prototyping approach is not satisfactory especially in extending and refining the systems. Difficulties arise from the fact that a systematic framework with appropriate supporting tools for knowledge engineering is not available. There is no structured method for knowledge analysis and documentation. Therefore, this thesis proposes a systematic framework for knowledge engineering and develops a structured knowledge analysis model to support the framework. The model is developed from an object-oriented analysis, entity relationship approach, and systems analysis. The model proposes that objects, relationships, and properties are the key components in modeling a problem domain. They form the structuring principle for analyzing and organizing knowledge. A guideline for use of the model is also devised. The applications of the model are then demonstrated by applying the knowledge analysis model to the same problem domains used for rapid prototyping. Comparison was then made with the rapid prototyping approach in the area of knowledge acquisition. The comparison shows that the knowledge analysis model is a more systematic tool for professionals to analyze, document and refine their own knowledge and expertise. The documented knowledge should also be able to act as a common medium for communication, knowledge transfer, and knowledge base system development.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication; documentation; systems analysis; professional |
| Index terms: | construction industry, modelling, knowledge acquisition, documentation, prototype, systems analysis, knowledge base, conceptual framework, rapid prototyping, state of the art, knowledge transfer, methodology |
| Subjects: | professional development, theoretical framing, research methods, industry analysis, student development, information systems, research dissemination and communication, innovation and technology management, analytical methods, modelling and simulation |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Digital Applications, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here