The Need for Experiential Knowledge: The Accumulation and Utilization of Non-quantifiable Data for Business System Designs

Abstract

This paper proposes an approach to effectively reuse experiential knowledge by integrating current and past knowledge in future business system designs. First, this study discusses the business system transformation model (BSTM) as a framework for accumulating and utilizing information about the transformation process of business systems, focusing primarily on experiential knowledge. Next, three types of knowledge are established, such as using BSTM to modify and use past experiences (past experiential knowledge: PEK), using it in similar cases (similar experiential knowledge: SEK), and finally using it for a current business design (current discussed knowledge: CDK). This paper then describes the relationship between the three types of knowledge, and proposes two utilizations to demonstrate the process of accumulating and utilizing information. These proposed utilizations are examined in two actual cases where users identify a clear purpose for the accumulation and utilization of experiential knowledge. Finally, operational problems are claried and solutions for solving these problems are also discussed.