Matrix of knowledge

Steve Trautman is one of America’s leading knowledge experts. View the following four videos to understand the depth of the knowledge-transfer process and follow Mr. Trautman’s widely used knowledge transfer solution.

Pay close attention to the process. Developing your own Knowledge Silo Matrix and discussing what you found will be the basis of your Case 1 assignment.

Trautman, S. (2012, December 18). How it works: The Steve Trautman Co. 3 step knowledge transfer solution [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tWyMU90x6o4

Case Assignment
For this Case Assignment you will be completing and analyzing a matrix following the Knowledge Silo Matrix instructions in the third video above. (The team you choose could be a current or past work group, a group of committee members, a group of family members, members of a rock band, or any group where you know the expertise needed and the skill levels of the employees/members.)
You may (a) complete the matrix by hand, (b) use the Knowledge Silo Matrix Word form, or (c) download the Excel form from stevetrautman.com. Remember these key points:

The Knowledge Silo Matrix (KSM) is a high-level tool of knowledge silos. Think bigger picture. For example, if you were filling out a KSM for building a house, some example silos would be Plumbing, Electrical, Flooring, Insulation, etc. Not “Weld a pipe” or “Test for adequate water pressure.” The blog article, Tip for Better, Faster Knowledge Transfer—It's Not What People KNOW, It's What They Know How to DO, provided by The Steve Trautman Co., addresses the important distinction between Knowing vs. Doing. This will help you create a more actionable KSM.

Once you have your matrix completed, then respond to the following questions using the section headings in your paper that are marked in bold below. Utilize at least two sources of outside information from other authors; be sure to cite them and provide a reference list at the end.

Introduction—This section is often written after you have completed the rest of your paper.
Work Team Overview—Provide an overview of the work team you have assessed in the Knowledge Silo Matrix. Who are they, how long have they been in the group, and what are their jobs?
Skill Level in Silo—Discuss each group member’s job in terms of his/her silo status—discussing why you have evaluated them as purple, green, yellow, or white.
Matrix Analysis—Analyze what the matrix tells you.
Look at each silo and analyze what you see and what needs to be done to minimize the knowledge risk.
Look at the colors assigned to each employee (horizontal colors). What should be done next to minimize the risk related to each employee as well as to enhance the performance of the work team? Be sure to discuss the training needed (or not) for each member and what the format of the training should be given what you learn from the matrix.
Application of the Matrix--Discuss what you have learned from this exercise and the strengths of the Knowledge Silo Matrix approach and the challenges you see managers could face in an organization using the Matrix.
Conclusion