Element One:

KM Assignment: Article Submission Report

Student Name: Paper Id: Reference Student ID: Reconsidering the tacit-explicit distinction - A move toward functional (tacit) knowledge management Cynthia Jimes and Larry Lucardie Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, Volume 1 Issue 1 (2003) 23-32 Date:

Article Summary: The main objectives of this paper are to (1) discuss the practical limitations of the tacit-explicit Conceptualisation, (2) reveal the deeper implications of this discussion and (3) describe an alternative, functional approach to knowledge. Acknowledging the functional views roots in computer science, the paper will conclude by (4) illustrating its value for knowledge management a value that reaches beyond the scope of pure technology. The authors tried to define knowledge from functional approach. The functional view is a theory on the nature of knowledge that serves as a promising alternative. They tried to argue that previous scholar misses one thing when describing knowledge for the success of organization. In their words that is structural complexity of matching supply and demand. The global economy is dominating todays business world. For companies participating in this acceleration, knowledge of different cultures and rule-regimes becomes crucial. They explained that with increase of technology some of the barrier to improve business has improved like transportation, communication. But working in a knowledge based organization is yet to come. By explaining the work of different writer they tried to show that tacit-explicit differences do not clearly guide different organization through knowledge. They argued that only differencing knowledge based on tacit and explicit segment does not full fill the organization goal. They suggested that knowledge should need-to-have rather than nice-to-have without proper utilization. According to the authors the functional view gives insight into the basic characteristics of knowledge. The argued their approach through citing different examples and benefit of functional approach. Some of the mentioned benefits of functional views are The goal orientation of the functional view helps organisations more accurately define and use knowledge. The functional view helps to assess the formalisation potentials of knowledge The functional view is helpful in selecting and evaluating appropriate knowledge representation techniques for specific types of knowledge

By providing a framework in which organisations can align goals, asses knowledge and select appropriate knowledge solutions and representation formalisms, the functional view offers a promising alternative. In conclusion they tried to convince that due to complex globalization firm should come forward with intensive knowledge to control the complex interaction of supply and demand. Issue identified: They argue the fact that the previous scholar suggested that knowledge is necessary but they did not show why knowledge is necessary. They showed to characteristics of functional approach:

a. Goal oriented selection principles. b. Functional equivalence. They tried to demonstrate an object oriented concept for capturing and utilizing knowledge.

The Limitation of the paper: The author tried to give a different view of applying knowledge in organization. But they did not show how? They have mentioned any limitations of functional view. But without separating benefit from limitation a firm can never be successful The idea is not clearly presented. The author failed to provide concrete examples from industry sector though there are many organizations which are operating on functional approach. They authors failed to provide contrary evidence in favour of their discussion.

Applicability of Functional knowledge: The idea suggested by the authors has huge applicability in todays business world as well as other sector like health, education etc. But it is also necessary to distinguish between tacit from explicit knowledge. Otherwise firm will be confused which knowledge to apply and which to achieve. We are seeing the retail companies across are becoming knowledge based day by day. I agree with the view conveyed by the authors. But they should mention a systematic way for organization to be functional oriented. Definitely functional approach knowledge is essential for organization to adopt. With huge bulk of information it is certain that to survive in the industry information should be converted to knowledge. This is the era of IDEA- the more specific knowledge you have, the more you will shine.