An Integrated KM Framework for
Software Testing
by
Ted E. Lee
1
1
FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Agenda
Introduction
 Three KM Frameworks
 An Integrated KM Framework
 Future Study

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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Introduction

Software testing

Involves the process of detecting software
discrepancies
• so that they can be corrected before they are installed
into a live environment supporting operational
business units.

Requires expertise in technology as well as
business units.

Therefore, the testing support team in an
organization heavily relies on having ready
access to
• business process and
• system knowledge.
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Introduction

Identify a KM framework to help the
organization’s software-testing group

improve their skills in defining a software-testing
process, and

facilitate the ongoing maintenance and use of a
business knowledge repository.
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Introduction

Tacit vs. Explicit Knowledge (Awadand Ghazari 2004)

Tacit knowledge
• personal knowledge embedded in individual experience and
involving intangible factors such as belief, perspective, and
values.
• This type of knowledge can be considered to be very difficult to
transfer.

Explicit knowledge
• the one that has already documented and articulated into
formal language, and can be much more easily accessible and
transferred among individuals.

Hence, one of the key functions of a KM strategy
is to make tacit knowledge explicit.
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Introduction

Knowledge Management (KM)

Knowledge management is the process of capturing and
making use of an organization’s collective expertise
anywhere in the business –
• on paper, in documents, in databases, called explicit
knowledge, or
• in people’s heads, called tacit knowledge (Awad and Ghazari,
2004).

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The main component of knowledge management process
involves a cycle of
• exchanging tacit knowledge and
• converting it to explicit knowledge and then
• re-formulating it through an individual’s experience and other
factors (such as belief, perspective, and values) into tacit
knowledge.
FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks

Framework A


Framework B


Pretorius and Steyn (2005) propose a framework for KM in
project environments.
Kerkhof, Ende and Bogenrieder (2003) propose a framework
of KM that considers knowledge processes as competencies
of learning organizations.
Framework C

Jointly developed by American Productivity and Quality
Center (APQC) and the Arthur Andersen Global consultancy
organization (2000).
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework (A)

Based on a cycle of KM actives of creation,
codification, dissemination and utilization.

Focus on only two processes: codification and
dissemination

Provide detailed mechanisms, challenges,
processes/procedures for these two activities


Clear distinction of tacit and explicit knowledge
But no mention on CSF/enablers
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three
KMKM
Frameworks
– Framework
Three
Frameworks
(A) A
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework B

Based on

Sprenger’s four competencies of the learning
organization: absorption, diffusion, generation,
and exploitation (1995).

Single-loop and double-loop learning (Argyris and
Schon 1978)

Quinn’s four carriers of knowledge in the
organizations: people, mgmt systems, technical
systems and culture

Three conditions for KM by Davenport (1996) and
Zack (1999): strategy, the nature of organization,
and culture.
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework B

Provide methods/instruments for the four
competencies

Used for a software testing consulting firm

But, problematic sequence of competencies
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework B

Based on Sprenger’s four competencies of the
learning organization:

Absorption involves the process of obtaining new
knowledge from the external environment of the
organization.

Diffusion has to do with the distribution of knowledge among
the members of the organization.

Generation is the process of developing new knowledge
and making explicit existing tacit knowledge.

Exploitation is regarded as the commercialization of
knowledge
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework B
Methods/
Instruments
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework C

Jointly developed by APQC and the Arthur
Andersen Global consultancy organization.

Include seven distinct process steps of a KM process
and four environmental enablers (critical success
factors) (O’Dell, 2000):


sharing, creating, identifying, collecting, adapting,
organizing and applying core organizational knowledge
assets.

four enablers required to promote the development of
organizational knowledge: leadership, culture, technology
and measurement.
Used for regression testing in a utility company.
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Three KM Frameworks – Framework C
Next on integrated framework …
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework A …
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
(CSF)
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework B …
Strategy,
Nature of Organization
(willingness)
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
(CSF)
More on From Framework B …
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
An Integrated KM Framework
From Framework B …
Strategy,
Nature of Organization
(willingness)
(CSF)
(Disseminate)
Codify
Knowledge carriers as
people, mgmt systems,
and technical systems
(CSF)
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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis
Future Study

Identify niche for KM opportunity
Regression testing
 Any other areas ???

• Unit,System,UAT

Field study
Assess feasibility/applicability
 Identify other enablers, processes, or
sub processes

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FedEx Institute of Technology
University of Memphis