Knowledge Management and IT Skills for Animal Science Operations

Knowledge Management

The practice of capturing, organizing, and sharing information to support good decisions.

Information Technology (IT)

The set of digital tools used for working efficiently and accurately with information.

Information Pipeline

The process of locating, recording, analyzing, and presenting information.

Word Processing

Software for writing and formatting documents like SOPs and reports.

E-mail

A tool for sending messages and files asynchronously.

Spreadsheets

Grid-based tools for calculations and tables useful for budgets and data tracking.

Databases

Structured systems for storing related records, optimal for complex data management.

Presentation Software

Tools designed for visual communication such as slides and reports.

Internet Search Engines

Tools used for researching information online and finding best practices.

Authority (in source evaluation)

The credibility of the author or organization that produced the information.

Evidence (in source evaluation)

The presence of data or references that support the claims made in a source.

Currency (in source evaluation)

The timeliness of the information, important for topics like regulations.

Bias (in source evaluation)

The partiality or slant of the information, often due to promotional intent.

Accuracy (in recording information)

The correctness of recorded values, ensuring they are right and reliable.

Consistency (in recording information)

The uniformity of data entry, using the same units and naming conventions.

Completeness (in recording information)

Ensuring all necessary data is included and free of missing elements.

Primary Key (in databases)

A unique identifier for a record within a database table.

Conditional Formatting (in spreadsheets)

A feature that allows you to highlight cells based on specific criteria.

Triangulate (in source evaluation)

To confirm claims by finding the same information across multiple reputable sources.

Collaboration Tools

Shared documents and platforms that allow team members to work together effectively.

Netiquette

The norms and professional behaviors that guide respectful and effective digital communication.

Subject Line (in emails)

The header that gives a brief indication of the email's content.

CC (Carbon Copy)

An email feature that allows you to send a copy to additional recipients.

BCC (Blind Carbon Copy)

An email feature that allows you to send a copy without revealing the recipients to each other.

Digital Citizenship

Responsible behavior in the digital environment, including proper credit and trust.

Version Control (in document management)

The practice of managing changes to documents to avoid confusion.

Outliers (in data analysis)

Data points that differ significantly from other observations in a dataset.