An ontology is part database, part model of the world and part artificial intelligence.
Ontologies may provide the following benefits:
Persistent organizational memory:
Ontologies are consumable knowledge which can be stored, this means, processes are not lost if a key member leaves the organization.
Process modulation:
Ontologies may be used to add, or delete redundant processes, thus improving patient outcomes and productivity.
Instructional tool:
Ontologies may be useful as evidence to show managers where resources/money could be better placed.
All too often, ontologies are used merely as a taxonomy of things. My research is about making ontologies do useful things, especially, reflecting the classic notion of ontology as a 'snapshot' of reality.
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