Convergence of knowledge engineering and electronic performance support systems

Abstract

The evolution of the information age continues to redefine the roles of professional communications. The primary focus of conveying generalized knowledge is being overridden by the users' need to find specific knowledge in the almost infinite supply of possible sources now available. Because of the complexity of our working-worlds, people do not have the luxury to absorb and internalize general knowledge, but must instead find ways of quickly finding and using the knowledge and experience of others. This need presents new challenges to professional communicators. Knowledge engineering principles are evolving as a means to address the need for readily accessible knowledge. Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) are evolving in response to the need for information that is framed in the specific context of the task-at-hand. We illustrate the commonalities between the evolving paths, and to propose bridges to converge the paths in a more synergistic manner.