My specialism is the study of knowledge and Artificial Intelligence and my PhD concerned the use of Knowledge, Learning and Intelligence in the way small buildings may adapt to occupant needs and carry out automated control functions in a supportive yet transparent way. In support of my PhD study, a background in Electronics and Microprocessor Control Engineering enabling me to design and build systems for experimental purposes. I designed and installed all of the systems, which were necessary to equip the initial experimental building with the sensors, and motor controls that were needed. I also wrote all of the software, initially using the language LISP but also using other languages, including ‘C’ and microprocessor machine codes.
I have been linked to the field of education for over 25 years and have been involved in business consultancy and Technology Transfer for over 15 years. My work in machine intelligence was linked closely to a study of human knowledge and intelligence and I am currently working towards a greater understanding of knowledge structure and also on issues related to the way people think in various situations and how ‘Thinking’ is viewed by organisations.
I have had first hand experience of the various ways that people can learn and acquire knowledge. Serving time as an apprentice electrician provided a rich experience of skill acquisition. Attending traditional study classes for almost ten years after leaving school and then completing a Science - Technology degree through distance learning enriched the learning experience. Finally, in the traditional study sense, completing a research degree provided a clearer understanding of investigative learning.
I have designed many Industrial training programmes and been involved in developing national certification schemes. More recently I have organised well in excess of 60 seminars and workshops for a variety of companies in a range of different sectors from banking to heavy engineering. As part of this effort I have also organised 9 full seminars for business, attracting top UK speakers to develop specific and important problems solving techniques. The central theme of these events has been that of applied Artificial Intelligence. Topics include all of the major application innovations such as Data Mining, Neural Networks, Knowledge Based Systems, Case Based Reasoning, Genetic Algorithms etc.
In the 1970’s and 80’s I developed several software tools for use by students and developers and also worked with a large Museum in the creation of software to support specific displays. I have written on the topics of Electronics, Microprocessor Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Knowledge Management.
I have managed a team that develops Intelligent Multimedia Applications with one of these applications being distributed to over 40,000 people in UK companies. I have managed two European projects concerning Knowledge Management and Innovation and continue to develop new and innovative approaches to business support.
I would claim to be the inventor of the idea of the Knowledge Structure Map. However, this was not achieved without significant and helpful influence from many other people. The idea continues to lead to exciting new opportunities but in itself is very simple and easy to understand by others. The use of the Knowledge Structure Map as a tool to investigate almost any knowledge area is leading to new understanding of many complex concepts and its value as a business support tool is established.
I am co organiser of the BCS-SGAI Machine Intelligence Prize that is sponsored by Electrolux and held each year at the SGAI Conference in Cambridge.