INS3705
MAY JUNE MEMO 2026
DUE: 28 MAY 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
,INS3705 May/June 2026 Examination
QUESTION 1: Multiple Choice Answers
Q1: D. Data - Information - Knowledge - Wisdom
The DIKW hierarchy represents the progression from raw facts to meaningful insights.
As explained in the guide, "data represents a fact or statement of event without relation
to other things," information embodies understanding of relationships, while knowledge
represents patterns that provide predictability (Study guide, 2020, p. 19). Dalkir (2005,
p. 48) confirms this sequence, noting that "knowledge is a fluid mix of framed
experiences, values, contextual information, and expert insight."
Q2: A. Tacit knowledge
Tacit knowledge is defined as "personal and context independent" that is "hard to
formalise and difficult to communicate to others" (Unisa, 2020, p. 56). Dalkir (2005, p. 8)
cites Polanyi's famous observation that "we can know more than we can tell," capturing
the essence of tacit knowledge.
Q3: C. Ba
Ba is the Japanese concept referring to a "shared context that enables knowledge
creation" (Unisa, 2020, p. 11). Dalkir (2005, p. 52) explains that this concept is central to
Nonaka and Takeuchi's knowledge creation theory, representing the physical, virtual, or
mental space where knowledge interactions occur.
,Q4: C. Human capital
Human capital refers to "a significant proportion of a company's knowledge assets often
stored in the minds of its employees," including their skills and expertise (Unisa, 2020,
p. 21). Dalkir (2005, p. 267) categorises human capital as "all the brainpower that
'leaves at 5:00 p.m.'"
Q5: D. Available to the right person at the right time
"The ultimate goal of any information management exercise is to provide relevant
information to the right person, at the right time and in a usable form to facilitate
situational understanding and decision-making" (Unisa, 2020, p. 35).
Q6: B. Knowledge loss
When an organisation depends heavily on senior experts without proper documentation,
it faces "knowledge loss" risk through retirement or departure. The study guide notes
that "the loss of skilled people through turnover" is a key driver for knowledge
management (Unisa, 2020, p. 4).
Q7: A. Value is driven mainly by expertise and innovation
, In a knowledge economy, "knowledge resources such as know-how, expertise, and
intellectual property are more critical than other economic resources such as land,
natural resources, or even manpower" (Unisa, 2020, p. 24).
Q8: C. Single-loop learning
Single-loop learning "involves the refinement and improvement of existing procedures
and technologies as opposed to developing new ones" without questioning underlying
assumptions (Unisa, 2020, p. 96). Dalkir (2005, p. 193) explains that in single-loop
learning, "individuals simply use assumptions]without thinking."
Q9: D. Knowledge hiding
Knowledge hiding specifically refers to "refusing to share knowledge when directly
requested." Dalkir (2005, p. 132-133) distinguishes this from knowledge hoarding,
noting that obstacles to knowledge sharing include the notion that "knowledge is power"
and that individuals are "rewarded for what they know, not what they share."
Q10: B. Knowledge involves interpretation and action
"knowledge is the internalisation of/or internalised information, data, and experience"
and is "subsequently applied to interpret the available information" (Unisa, 2020, p. 16).
Dalkir (2005, p. 48) defines knowledge as "a fluid mix of framed experiences, values,
contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and
incorporating new experiences."
MAY JUNE MEMO 2026
DUE: 28 MAY 2026
SEMESTER 1 2026
,INS3705 May/June 2026 Examination
QUESTION 1: Multiple Choice Answers
Q1: D. Data - Information - Knowledge - Wisdom
The DIKW hierarchy represents the progression from raw facts to meaningful insights.
As explained in the guide, "data represents a fact or statement of event without relation
to other things," information embodies understanding of relationships, while knowledge
represents patterns that provide predictability (Study guide, 2020, p. 19). Dalkir (2005,
p. 48) confirms this sequence, noting that "knowledge is a fluid mix of framed
experiences, values, contextual information, and expert insight."
Q2: A. Tacit knowledge
Tacit knowledge is defined as "personal and context independent" that is "hard to
formalise and difficult to communicate to others" (Unisa, 2020, p. 56). Dalkir (2005, p. 8)
cites Polanyi's famous observation that "we can know more than we can tell," capturing
the essence of tacit knowledge.
Q3: C. Ba
Ba is the Japanese concept referring to a "shared context that enables knowledge
creation" (Unisa, 2020, p. 11). Dalkir (2005, p. 52) explains that this concept is central to
Nonaka and Takeuchi's knowledge creation theory, representing the physical, virtual, or
mental space where knowledge interactions occur.
,Q4: C. Human capital
Human capital refers to "a significant proportion of a company's knowledge assets often
stored in the minds of its employees," including their skills and expertise (Unisa, 2020,
p. 21). Dalkir (2005, p. 267) categorises human capital as "all the brainpower that
'leaves at 5:00 p.m.'"
Q5: D. Available to the right person at the right time
"The ultimate goal of any information management exercise is to provide relevant
information to the right person, at the right time and in a usable form to facilitate
situational understanding and decision-making" (Unisa, 2020, p. 35).
Q6: B. Knowledge loss
When an organisation depends heavily on senior experts without proper documentation,
it faces "knowledge loss" risk through retirement or departure. The study guide notes
that "the loss of skilled people through turnover" is a key driver for knowledge
management (Unisa, 2020, p. 4).
Q7: A. Value is driven mainly by expertise and innovation
, In a knowledge economy, "knowledge resources such as know-how, expertise, and
intellectual property are more critical than other economic resources such as land,
natural resources, or even manpower" (Unisa, 2020, p. 24).
Q8: C. Single-loop learning
Single-loop learning "involves the refinement and improvement of existing procedures
and technologies as opposed to developing new ones" without questioning underlying
assumptions (Unisa, 2020, p. 96). Dalkir (2005, p. 193) explains that in single-loop
learning, "individuals simply use assumptions]without thinking."
Q9: D. Knowledge hiding
Knowledge hiding specifically refers to "refusing to share knowledge when directly
requested." Dalkir (2005, p. 132-133) distinguishes this from knowledge hoarding,
noting that obstacles to knowledge sharing include the notion that "knowledge is power"
and that individuals are "rewarded for what they know, not what they share."
Q10: B. Knowledge involves interpretation and action
"knowledge is the internalisation of/or internalised information, data, and experience"
and is "subsequently applied to interpret the available information" (Unisa, 2020, p. 16).
Dalkir (2005, p. 48) defines knowledge as "a fluid mix of framed experiences, values,
contextual information, and expert insight that provides a framework for evaluating and
incorporating new experiences."
