The present research, which started in 2011, has the general aim of evaluating, proposing and validating procedures for the creation and management of knowledge in online communities of professional practice. Its objectives are focused on the analysis of the functions of knowledge management in successful communities, establishing standards for its improvement and validating procedures for the recognition of the informal learning that is generated as a consequence of collaborative work.
It involves the creation of a map of online communities of professional practice with tradition and recognition in the field of training, and the selection and analysis of six of these and the monitoring of another four in the process of delimitating and analysing indicators and instruments for the development of communities and the recognition of the informal learning that is generated.
The fieldwork consists of a sample of more than 300 professionals in the 10 networks to be analysed and incorporates such instruments as questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observation in the workplace, the recording of anecdotes, documentary analysis and debating in seminars.
The expected products include the creation of a map of good practices, the development of indicators for improvement, the creation and validation of a Self-Assessment Guide and the development and application of a model for the certification of informal learning.