1. An Integrated KM Framework for Software Testing by Ted E. Lee1

2. Agenda Introduction Three KM Frameworks An Integrated KM Framework
Future Study

3. Introduction Software testing
Involves the process of detecting software discrepancies
so that they can be corrected before they are installed into a live environment supporting operational business units.
Requires expertise in technology as well as business units.
Therefore, the testing support team in an organization heavily relies on having ready access to
business process and
system knowledge.

4. Introduction
Identify a KM framework to help the organization’s software-testing group
improve their skills in defining a software-testing process, and
facilitate the ongoing maintenance and use of a business knowledge repository.

5. Introduction Tacit vs. Explicit Knowledge (Awadand Ghazari 2004)
Tacit knowledge
personal knowledge embedded in individual experience and involving intangible factors such as belief, perspective, and values.
This type of knowledge can be considered to be very difficult to transfer.
Explicit knowledge
the one that has already documented and articulated into formal language, and can be much more easily accessible and transferred among individuals.
Hence, one of the key functions of a KM strategy is to make tacit knowledge explicit.

6. Introduction Knowledge Management (KM)
Knowledge management is the process of capturing and making use of an organization’s collective expertise anywhere in the business –
on paper, in documents, in databases, called explicit knowledge, or
in people’s heads, called tacit knowledge (Awad and Ghazari, 2004).
The main component of knowledge management process involves a cycle of
exchanging tacit knowledge and
converting it to explicit knowledge and then
re-formulating it through an individual’s experience and other factors (such as belief, perspective, and values) into tacit knowledge.

7. Three KM Frameworks Framework A Framework B Framework C
Pretorius and Steyn (2005) propose a framework for KM in project environments.
Framework B
Kerkhof, Ende and Bogenrieder (2003) propose a framework of KM that considers knowledge processes as competencies of learning organizations.
Framework C
Jointly developed by American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC) and the Arthur Andersen Global consultancy organization (2000).

8. Three KM Frameworks – Framework (A)
Based on a cycle of KM actives of creation, codification, dissemination and utilization.
Focus on only two processes: codification and dissemination
Provide detailed mechanisms, challenges, processes/procedures for these two activities
Clear distinction of tacit and explicit knowledge
But no mention on CSF/enablers

9. Three KM Frameworks (A)
Three KM Frameworks – Framework A
Three KM Frameworks (A)

10. Three KM Frameworks – Framework B
Based on
Sprenger’s four competencies of the learning organization: absorption, diffusion, generation, and exploitation (1995).
Single-loop and double-loop learning (Argyris and Schon 1978)
Quinn’s four carriers of knowledge in the organizations: people, mgmt systems, technical systems and culture
Three conditions for KM by Davenport (1996) and Zack (1999): strategy, the nature of organization, and culture.
Diffusion

11. Three KM Frameworks – Framework B
Provide methods/instruments for the four competencies
Used for a software testing consulting firm
But, problematic sequence of competencies
Diffusion

12. Three KM Frameworks – Framework B
Based on Sprenger’s four competencies of the learning organization:
Absorption involves the process of obtaining new knowledge from the external environment of the organization.
Diffusion has to do with the distribution of knowledge among the members of the organization.
Generation is the process of developing new knowledge and making explicit existing tacit knowledge.
Exploitation is regarded as the commercialization of knowledge

13. Three KM Frameworks – Framework B
Methods/ Instruments

14. Three KM Frameworks – Framework C
Jointly developed by APQC and the Arthur Andersen Global consultancy organization.
Include seven distinct process steps of a KM process and four environmental enablers (critical success factors) (O’Dell, 2000):
sharing, creating, identifying, collecting, adapting, organizing and applying core organizational knowledge assets.
four enablers required to promote the development of organizational knowledge: leadership, culture, technology and measurement.
Used for regression testing in a utility company.

15. Three KM Frameworks – Framework C
Next on integrated framework …

16. An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework A …
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
(CSF)

17. An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework B …
Strategy,
Nature of Organization (willingness)
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
(CSF)
More on From Framework B …

18. An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework B …
Strategy,
Nature of Organization (willingness)
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
Knowledge carriers as people, mgmt systems, and technical systems
(CSF)

19. Future Study Identify niche for KM opportunity Field study
Regression testing
Any other areas ???
Unit,System,UAT
Field study
Assess feasibility/applicability
Identify other enablers, processes, or sub processes