Qualitative knowledge acquisition for learning organizations

Abstract

This paper addresses the first step about collecting qualitative knowledge from persons working for learning organizations. Mental models of policymakers are considered the sources of knowledge. The main idea is to represent their qualitative knowledge into a computer simulation model. System Dynamics methodology is used. Results of the process carried out with a team of two consultants on a hotel system are presented. Conclusions are derived and future research is discussed to construct knowledge-based systems that incorporate simulation models for learning purposes in business organizations. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2000.