Abstract
Knowledge management is not one single discipline. Rather, it an integration of numerous endeavors and fields of study. This paper provides a framework for characterizing the various tools (methods, practices and technologies) available to knowledge management practitioners. It provides a high-level overview of a number of key terms and concepts, describes the framework, provides examples of how to use it, and explores a variety of potential application areas.

Introduction
Over the past several years, a number of authors have proposed a variety of approaches for classifying the tools (methods, practices and technologies) that typically comprise knowledge management systems. This is not the first attempt to develop a framework for organizing and understanding knowledge management tools. And, given the emerging practices and changing understanding of knowledge management, it will not be the last.
As with any discipline that lacks a recognized unifying paradigm, various views will emerge, each based on what can be readily observed or what can be applied from practices associated with other disciplines. Likewise, as individuals encounter particular
phenomena, they tend to describe and interpret them in different ways (Kuhn, 1996).
The following working definition of knowledge management frames the discussion: knowledge management is a discipline that seeks to improve the performance of individuals and organizations by maintaining and leveraging the present and future value
of knowledge assets. Knowledge management systems encompass both human and automated activities and their associated artifacts.
From this perspective, knowledge management is not so much a new practice as it is an integrating practice. It offers a framework for balancing the myriad of technologies and approaches that provide value, tying them together into a seamless whole. It helps
analysts and designers better address the interests of stakeholders across interrelated knowledge flows and, by doing so, better enables individuals, systems and organizations to exhibit truly intelligent behavior in multiple contexts. continua >>>