Data, Information, Knowledge and Knowledge Management

Question 1
Define and extensively explain each of the following, giving examples whenever possible
(preferably genuine examples):
Data, Information, and knowledge
In the contemporary, we hear people using the words data, information and knowledge
interchangeably without knowing that they are making mistakes. The word data refers to
anything that is that is represented in the digital that also includes the non- executing knowledge
that is reserved in digital form. Data is what humans take as the facts of the environment or the
world we live in. it exists in raw form and may not have any significance in on its own (Liew
2013). A good example of data is the tallness, and the color of a person’s hair or eyes.
Information refers to data that has been given useful meaning through a relational connection.
The information allows for the expansion of human knowledge past his senses. Information helps
people share data with other. For example, when we take a picture of an object, the photograph is
information but what we see in the photograph is data. Knowledge refers to the appropriate
gathering of information which is useful. Knowledge simply put represents what we know
including our beliefs and expectations. When a student memorizes information for purposes of
an exam or test, he or she has amassed knowledge. Knowledge is stored in the brain because it
has the ability to connect all the things together (Liew, 2013). Computers do not have any
knowledge because they can’t understand what they process.
Tacit and Explicit Knowledge
Tacit knowledge is a type of knowledge that is gets embedded in the mind as a result of jobs and
experiences. Also referred to know-how, tacit knowledge includes intuitions and insights.

Whereas explicit knowledge is the type of knowledge that is codified and digitized in report,
memos, books, and documents. This is a knowledge that is easily learned, shared, employed or
articulated. A common example of explicit knowledge is information contained in the school
library textbooks.
People Management
People management entails the tasks of recruiting, managing, supporting and directing people,
often the employees of an organization. People management is a role undertaken by the human
resource managers who have to focus on both hiring and firing people as well as getting the most
out of them.
Total Quality Management (TQM)
The continuous business approach was undertaken to improve the performance and quality of
employee’s services and hence improve customer experience. Developed by William Deming,
TQM focuses on ensuring that the internal process and guidelines eliminate errors in an
organization (Porter & Tanner 2012). Examples of TQM system strategies are the guru approach,
the TQM element approach, the award criteria approach, among others.
Knowledge repository
An online database that captures, organizes and knowledge based information. Data contained in
the organizational repository can easily be searched and retrieved. Knowledge repository aids
organization to link people with information and experts through online searchable libraries and
discussion platforms (Botha et al, 2014). The person education Equella solution and the
Microsoft corporation SharePoint collaboration software are examples.

Question 2
“Critical thinking” and “analytical skills”
Can knowledge be converted from one type to another?
Knowledge exists in two main types; tacit and explicit which is discussed in question one above.
Converting knowledge from one form to another is possible only if you understand the creative
process of each knowledge type. According to Ikujiro Nonaka, their knowledge creation process
entails the cycle of socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (Nonaka,
2012).
The concept of “Sharing knowledge” mentioning when it is beneficial and when it is not
Sharing knowledge is beneficial to the organization when it helps in eliminating communication
barrier in organizations and helps in improving efficiency, encourage leadership and innovation.
The concept of sharing knowledge is, however, a challenge in situations where it generates little
enthusiasm among the staff in the organization (Botha et al, 2014).
Are tacit and explicit knowledge related?
Tacit and explicit knowledge may be related because they explain some aspects of knowledge.
But as suggested by various studies, the two tell distinctions between knowing how and
‘knowing that’ aspects of human knowledge
Why do we manage knowledge?
Knowledge is crucial to the production and efficiency of an organization. Managing knowledge
helps people in the organization to access, share and also update information and knowledge.