KST is a software tool that supports the construction and analysis of Knowledge Structure Maps.
KST is designed to be used throughout the KSM process particularly during interviews when knowledge structure elicitation takes place. Maps can then be constructed in full view of interviewees.
Many features of KST are designed to support analysis including map layout and information viewing features. KST can display various map views, tables, graphs and charts showing the data in different forms and can produce text-based reports to support analysis and back up presentations.
KST can be used for on going modification and improvements to the KSM and its features support rapid access to the results of changes to the map or knowledge node parameters.
KST supports delivery to the client. These options are however mainly intended to allow the developer to test out a delivery strategy before final implementation.
KST can also directly export web based delivery services.
KST provides basic map construction tools for adding and deleting nodes and links and provides access to global map parameters to allow users to manipulate the map view. It provides some basic map editing operations for moving single nodes and knowledge structures and for creating space during construction. It provides some user centred layout tools such as the ability to centralise nodes in layers and more complex link cross minimisation and link length reduction. KST provides some more automated map layout tools such as shaking the map to reduce complexity and even a full intelligent map layout redesign and rebuild capability.
To support analysis, KST provides tools to inspect structural components of the map and examine overlap between structures. It provides a range of alternative viewing tools to support the analysis of the knowledge resource. Colour coded views involving the parameters elicited from expert opinion can be used flexibly. A set of tabular views are available to allow inspection of the whole knowledge area from several perspectives including that of RISK. Graphs are available to support overview of an entire knowledge study, for instance, inspection of the overall risk profile of the knowledge area.
Users can also access an automated report generator intended to inform and support knowledge resource analysis. A brief automated report for the map is available and brief reports for each knowledge node on the map. These separate knowledge node reports may also include Options For Action that are intended to provide help as to what management decisions can be taken following a knowledge resource study. The reporting feature can also provide some advice to the analysts using the tool on how map development may continue.