Building a Library Exchange System of Knowledge Trees

Student: Tashen Dromey

Supervisor: Dr. Helen Purchase

Category: Software Engineering Thesis Project

Mindtrail is a tool that allows the rapid deployment of expert knowledge. Expert knowledge is, in this context, the information generated when constructive feedback is given in response to certain problem situations. Mindtrail expert knowledge may be used to create resume builders, performance appraisal tools, evaluate business plans, grade assignments, provide detailed feedback in many situations and numerous other applications. Mindtrail maintains its expert knowledge using what is called a Knowledge Tree; a flexible data structure that, unlike traditional data structures or databases, does not place any restrictions upon fields or formats. Once a Knowledge Tree has been created, Mindtrail uses it to rapidly generate reports.

The current implementation of Mindtrail does not allow users or groups to remotely access or share knowledge trees. The Library Exchange System (LES) solves this problem by extending Mindtrail’s functionality to support the creation of web-based libraries of expert knowledge trees that can be easily integrated and adapted by a diverse range of users. The LES focuses on sharing, creating and retrieving this knowledge. It also allows users to personalise and adapt this knowledge. It exploits Mindtrail’s mechanism for storing the knowledge, and thereby allows it to be shared within a large community of users. This facilitates knowledge reuse on a much larger scale than is commonly practiced.

Poster Presentation (PDF)

Thesis Document (PDF)