Knowledge management information tool Web analytics - 15182

Abstract

The Knowledge Management Information Tool (KM-IT) is a web-based [01] system developed to maintain and preserve the Department of Energy's (DOE's) D and D knowledge base. The system was developed by Florida International University's Applied Research Center (FIU-ARC) with the support of the D and D community including the DOE Office of Environmental Management, and with the active collaboration and support of the DOE's Energy Facility Contractors Group (EFCOG). The KM-IT system is a D and D community driven system tailored to serve the technical issues faced by the D and D workforce across the DOE Complex. The D and D KM-IT is an interactive web-based system operational and available for free access at www.dndkm.org. [02] The D and D KM-IT is currently composed of the following tailored D and D modules: Web Crawler, Hotline, Technology, Document Library (including Hanford's and Savannah River Sites' ALARA Center Reports), Specialist Directory, Lessons Learned, Best Practices, Video/Picture Library, Vendors, Collaboration Tools, Training, and Mobile Systems. The Web Crawler dynamically searches through the D and D KM-IT repository as well as the web and displays search results based on the search criteria. The Hotline allows registered users to post questions/problems related to D and D and to receive solutions from a subject-matter specialist. The Technology module serves as repository of D and D technologies and contains technology/ demonstration fact sheets and vendor information. D and D community members can add Lessons Learned, Best Practices, Documents, and Pictures/Videos to the D and D KM-IT repository, after a formal approval process. The Vendor module provides a directory of commercial vendors who provide D and D related technologies, supplies, and services. D and D KM-IT makes excellent use of the knowledge that exists within the D and D community by allowing D and D project managers around the DOE complex to collaborate by sharing innovative ideas, past experiences, and practices and by maintaining a directory of subject matter specialists. The mobile version of the KM-IT can be accessed from m.dndkm.org [03] and currently has six active modules: Vendor, Technology, Picture/Video Library, Hotline, Lessons Learned and Specialist Directory. Web analytics is a key tool being implemented by the D and D KM-IT project team in an effort to enhance the system to better meet users' needs. The D and D KM-IT project team incorporates web analytics as part of its operational elements to analyze information and key data points on how the system is being used. Web analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimizing web usage. The use of web analytics retains or attracts D and D community members to access and share knowledge through virtual collaboration on the KM-IT platform. D and D KM-IT web analytics measures details on the overall usage of the system without tracking personal information or specific user behavior: how many users visited the application, how many of those users were unique visitors, how visitors come to the system (i.e., by following a link to the system or by using the web site URL via bookmark or directly typing the address), what keywords were used to perform searches with the search engine, how long the average user stayed on a given screen or on the entire system and what links were clicked on. This information is used to identify which areas of the system are more popular than the others and provides information that can be used to streamline the application for a better user experience. (authors)