Knowledge Management in collaborative engineering

Collaboration has always been a key driving force behind human civilisation, and an integral part of the engineering profession. Engineered systems such as manufacturing systems and information systems are generally complex. Knowledge is inextricably bound up with human cognition, and the management of knowledge occurs within a complex environment. It is also essential for those designing KM systems to consider the human and social factors at play in the production and use of knowledge. This paper presents a systems analysis and design approach to support the design information and the methodologies needed for both a comprehensive and consistent design process.