Fuzzy Abstraction Hierarchy based expert search framework for Knowledge Management Systems

In Knowledge Management Systems (KMS), tacit knowledge which is usually possessed as forms like know-how, experiences, etc. is hard to be systemized while managing explicit knowledge is comparatively easy using information technology such as databases. Recent researches in knowledge management have shown that it is more applicable in many ways to provide expert search mechanisms in KMS to pinpoint experts in the organizations with searched expertise so that users can contact them for help. In this paper, we propose an intelligent expert search framework to provide search capabilities for experts in similar or related fields according to the user's needs. In enabling intelligent expert searches, Fuzzy Abstraction Hierarchy (FAH) framework has been adopted, through which finding experts with similar or related expertise is possible according to the subject field hierarchy defined in the system. To test applicability and practicality of the proposed framework, the prototype system, Knowledge Portal for Researchers in Science and Technology, was developed.