Knowledge Capture Mechanisms and

Technologies: Examples
Internalization - Mechanisms:

1. Learning by doing: This approach involves acquiring knowledge or skills by actively

engaging in tasks or activities. It's hands-on learning where individuals learn through
practical experience, trial-and-error, and direct participation in tasks or projects. For
example, someone learning to code by writing actual programs or learning a sport by
playing it regularly is learning by doing. This method involves actively engaging in tasks
or activities. Through practical experience and hands-on involvement, individuals convert
explicit knowledge (theoretical information or instructions) into tacit knowledge (practical
know-how or skills). By directly applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios
and learning from mistakes, successes, and variations encountered during the task
execution, individuals internalize and refine their understanding, gradually transforming
explicit information into ingrained, intuitive knowledge.
2. On-the-job training: This refers to training that occurs within the actual work
environment, where individuals learn while performing tasks related to their job. It
involves guidance from colleagues, supervisors, or mentors and typically focuses on
specific job responsibilities, procedures, or company protocols. It allows individuals to
apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings and gain relevant skills while working.
On-the-job training occurs within the context of the workplace. Here, individuals integrate
explicit knowledge provided through training materials, instructions, or guidance from
mentors/supervisors into their daily work routines. As they perform tasks, encounter
challenges, and interact with colleagues, they continually refine their understanding and
develop tacit knowledge. Through practical application and experience gained while
performing job-related activities, individuals internalize the explicit knowledge and
nuances of how to navigate specific situations, turning it into tacit knowledge.
3. Learning by observation: This method involves learning by watching and observing
others perform tasks or actions. Individuals learn by paying attention to how tasks are done,

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 the strategies used, and the outcomes achieved by others. This could involve shadowing
more experienced colleagues or observing experts in a particular field to grasp techniques,
methods, and best practices. Learning by observation: Observing others perform tasks, use
certain techniques, or apply specific strategies allows individuals to absorb and understand
explicit knowledge in action. By closely watching how experienced individuals handle
situations, solve problems, or execute tasks, learners internalize not just the explicit steps
but also the nuances, unspoken rules, and subtle variations involved. Over time, this
observation leads to the development of tacit knowledge—intuitive understanding and
know-how acquired through the assimilation of observed practices and behaviors.
4. Face-to-face meetings: These are direct interactions or discussions that occur between
individuals in a physical or virtual setting. Face-to-face meetings provide opportunities for
real-time communication, collaboration, exchange of ideas, and immediate feedback. They
can be an effective way to convey information, clarify doubts, brainstorm solutions, and
build relationships among team members or participants. These meetings facilitate direct
communication, interaction, and the exchange of explicit knowledge through discussions,
presentations, demonstrations, or collaborative problem-solving. Through active
participation in discussions, asking questions, sharing experiences, and receiving
immediate feedback, individuals engage in a dynamic process of transforming explicit
information shared in these meetings into tacit knowledge. The exchange of ideas, real-life
examples, and diverse perspectives in face-to-face interactions aids in the internalization
and assimilation of knowledge into practical understanding and insights.

Internalization - Technologies

1. Computer-based communication: This technology facilitates the exchange of explicit

knowledge among individuals or groups through various digital mediums like emails,
video conferences, chat platforms, and collaborative software. While initially dealing with
explicit information, repeated interactions, discussions, and sharing of ideas through these
mediums can enable the conversion of explicit knowledge (information that is easily
expressed and documented) into tacit knowledge (personal insights, experiences, and
intuition). Discussions, debates, and collaboration over digital platforms often lead to a

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 deeper understanding, shared experiences, and nuanced perspectives, which contribute to
the internalization of knowledge.
2. AI-based knowledge acquisition: Artificial Intelligence systems are designed to acquire
and process vast amounts of explicit knowledge from structured and unstructured data
sources. By analyzing patterns, relationships, and contexts within this data, AI systems can
derive insights, create connections, and generate new knowledge. When individuals
interact with AI systems, they can learn from the interpretations, conclusions, and
recommendations provided by these systems. Over time, exposure to AI-driven insights
might lead to the internalization of patterns, correlations, and problem-solving approaches,
transitioning some explicit knowledge into tacit understanding.
3. Computer-based simulation: Simulations are powerful tools that replicate real-world
scenarios or systems in a controlled environment. They allow users to experiment, explore,
and interact with dynamic models. Through hands-on experience within these simulated
environments, individuals can acquire tacit knowledge by practicing decision-making,
problem-solving, and experiencing consequences without real-world risks. As users
engage with these simulations, they gain a deeper understanding of complex systems,
develop intuitive insights, and hone skills that are difficult to obtain solely through explicit
information.

Externalization – Mechanisms:

1. A model is a representation or a blueprint of a system, product, or concept that helps

understand, analyze, or simulate the final version.
2. A prototype is a working or non-working sample of a product or system, used to test or
demonstrate its functionality, design, and feasibility before the final product is developed.
In summary, a model is a conceptual representation, while a prototype is a tangible version
used for testing and validation.
Example: In the context of a car, a model might be a digital 3D representation or a detailed
blueprint created by designers and engineers. It includes specifications, designs, and
features of the car, allowing stakeholders to visualize the final product and understand its
components and functionalities before it's physically created. Once the model is
established, a prototype of the car is then built. This could be a test vehicle created based

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 on the model's specifications. It might be used for various tests, such as assessing
aerodynamics, testing the engine, checking safety features, and evaluating the overall
performance. The prototype allows engineers and designers to identify potential issues,
make necessary adjustments, and refine the design before mass production. So, the model
serves as the conceptual blueprint of the car, while the prototype is a physical or functional
representation used for testing and validation.
3. Best practices refer to established methods or techniques that are recognized as the most
effective and efficient ways to accomplish a particular task or goal. These practices are
derived from experience, research, and successful outcomes over time within a specific
field or industry. They represent a set of guidelines or standards that are generally accepted
and recommended for achieving optimal results.
4. Lessons learned are insights gained from experiences, whether successful or unsuccessful,
during a project, task, or endeavor. These lessons involve analyzing what worked well,
what didn't, and why, in order to understand what could be improved in the future. They
focus on understanding mistakes, challenges faced, successes achieved, and identifying
ways to replicate positive outcomes or avoid repeating mistakes.
In summary, best practices are established methods or guidelines for achieving success,
while lessons learned are insights gained from experiences, allowing for continuous
improvement by leveraging both successes and failures.