Towards a reference architecture for integrated knowledge networks

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis has as its focus the engineering of integrated knowledge networks (IKNs) through the use of areference architecture. The purpose of the study is to gain a deeper understanding of the constructionalprinciples underlying this class of collaborative networks. Although IKNs and enterprise engineering are bothseen as promising approaches to the challenges of the Information Age, significant challenges still exist in theengineering of IKNs.Our globalised and commercialised society may currently be characterised by both extreme complexity andextreme rates of change. Enterprise engineering is seen as a promising approach to equip enterprises with thecharacteristics that are desirable in the modern economy, including flexibility and agility. Enterprise architecturecontributes to this endeavour by providing a high-level design of the enterprise that allows for integratedengineering of the enterprise.From a commercial point of view, it has been widely recognised that the ability to innovate and generate newknowledge through the development of new products, services and processes is a key factor in the survival ofenterprises. The latest trends in innovation management, however, show that the innovation process is no longerone that is executed inside a single enterprise, giving rise to the development of inter-organisational innovationnetworks. Furthermore, the importance of knowledge as a dynamic enabler of this networked innovationapproach is highlighted. This has lead to the emergence of IKNs in which knowledge is created and sharedbetween network stakeholders in order to foster sustainable innovation.The increasing rate of change means that enterprises, including IKNs, have progressively less time to react tomarket changes and opportunities. The emphasis is therefore on the potential of the EE and EA disciplines astools to adapt to the dynamic landscape of the Information Age. At present, the ability to apply comprehensiveenterprise engineering to IKNs is hampered by the lack of resources that describes sound constructionalprinciples for these networks. The focus of this study is therefore on the application of the enterprise engineeringdiscipline to IKNs through the development of a reference architecture.The reference architecture for IKNs is developed through design science research within a pragmatic andqualitative research strategy. The research problem is first identified and motivated. Various solution objectives aresubsequently defined. This is followed by the design and development of the reference architecture through fouriterative design cycles. A qualitative systematic review is conducted and serves as the foundation for thedevelopment of various reference models. The reference architecture for IKNs is demonstrated and evaluatedthrough a series of illustrative scenarios, after which the utility, novelty and design rigour of the artefact iscommunicated.It was found that the reference architecture provides constructional principles in the engineering of IKNs, thusenabling the design, operation and research of this class of collaborative networks. The study therefore takes afirst step toward extending the concept of EE to IKNs, and collaborative networks in general. This enables thegreater adaptability of these networks to the dynamic environment of the Information Age.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University