Context modeling for knowledge flow

Knowledge flow exists in almost every collaborative teamwork environment and now it attracts much attention in the knowledge management field. As knowledge flow often takes place in specific context, context should be considered in the modeling of knowledge flow. However, previous models of knowledge flow lack deep studies on context modeling, which makes these models insufficient for real application. This paper puts forward a conceptual framework of context-based knowledge flow. In this framework, context is viewed as one indispensable element of knowledge flow, which is about how to create, transform, propagate and apply knowledge items. Then, TPK context model is proposed, which is based on three spaces: task space, process space and knowledge space. The multi-dimensional structures for the three spaces are suggested. The proposed model reflects the main features of the context of knowledge flow. Based on the model, context-aware knowledge reuse flow is detailed through a case study in product design domain. A system implementing the model is also developed and applied in enterprises.