In Stage 1, managers will identify the experienced personnel that will be the focus of the evaluation, obtain input from managers, supervisors, and peers about (1) what knowledge and experience the individuals have that they believe is critical to retain, (2) what time frames are available for capturing and transferring knowledge, (3) to whom they want to transfer the knowledge, and (4) how they want to store captured knowledge.
In Stage 2, we execute plans to capture knowledge through (1) interviewing with highly experienced individuals, (2) creating cognitive maps based on taxonomy of critical knowledge developed in Stage 1, (3) using cognitive maps to revise taxonomies of critical knowledge, plan group knowledge sharing sessions, and (4) planning Individual Knowledge Transfer Action Plans between highly experienced individuals and less experienced individuals.
In Stage 3, we execute plans to transfer knowledge through: (1) storage and accessibility of documentation artifacts, (2) group knowledge sharing sessions, and (3) development and execution of Individual Knowledge Transfer Action Plans.
Clearly, the processes of learning and communication do not neatly fall into three stages and there will be natural overlaps as the project is executed. However, for purposes of planning, the three stages will help guide efforts and ensure that they meet Client needs for knowledge retention.
