Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 bour per response, including tbe time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding tbis burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for information Operations and Reports, 1215 Knowledge is power. As the U.S. Navy is working to revise its strategy and tactics through knowledge-centric warfare, it is apparent that knowledge flow is key. However, our current state of understanding does not address the phenomenology of knowledge flow well, nor do we have the benefit of knowledge-flow theory and its application to very-large enterprises such as the Navy. Without such basic understanding, one cannot expect to design effective systems and processes for network-centric warfare. The basic research program proposed here addresses this deficiency directly through its three-pronged technical approach: 1) develop and refine a model of knowledge-flow theory, emphasizing the very-large enterprise (e.g., Navy, Department of Defense); 2) develop a contingency model for matching the most-appropriate process and system designs to enterprise knowledge-flow patterns; 3) assess the performance effects of alternative knowledge systems and processes through simulation (e.g., of naval warfare, personnel processes). Informed by the basic science of knowledge-flow theory, this work can propel knowledge management toward the methods and tools commonly used for engineering work-a quantum shift from the current state of affairs. This, basic research also directly supports ongoing, priority ONR projects (e.g., Sailor-21, advanced command and control, artificially-intelligent systems and decision aids) and should contribute to development of network-centric warfare concepts, systems and operations.
AbstractKnowledge is power. As the U.S. Navy is working to revise its strategy and tactics through knowledgecentric warfare, it is apparent that knowledge flow is key. However, our current state of understanding does not address the phenomenology of knowledge flow well, nor do we have the benefit of knowledge-flow theory and its application to very-large enterprises such as the Navy. Without such basic understanding, one cannot expect to design effective systems and processes for network-centric warfare. The basic research program proposed here addresses this deficiency directly through its three-pronged technical approach: 1)develop and refme a model of knowledge-flow theory, emphasizing the very-large enterprise (e.g., Navy, Department of Defense); 2) develop a contingency model for matching the most-appropriate process and system designs to enterprise knowledge-flow patterns; 3) assess the performance effects of alternative knowledge systems and processes through simulation (e.g., of naval warfare...