7.1.2 Knowledge Hierarchy

As noted above the success of the post close period will depend to a large extent on the Authority's ability to act as an intelligent customer. The intelligence will come from a deep knowledge of many issues including, but not limited to, the terms of the Contract.   This depth of knowledge is, in turn, derived from having meaningful information about all matters relating to the project.  To be really meaningful information must be based on accurate and up to date data i.e. facts and observations. This hierarchy, sometimes known as the knowledge hierarchy, is a useful conceptual framework for Authorities to consider when planning their knowledge management systems:

WIDP's experience suggests that there is typically plenty of data available to the Authority managing waste PFI/PPP contracts but this is not always converted into useful management information. This implies Authorities would benefit from a greater focus on the analysis and presentation of data. Intellectual capital has become an indispensable asset of any organisation and needs to be managed as carefully as other types of asset.