DiploWizard is a customised information and knowledge management system for diplomatic services. It was designed by
DiploFoundation at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, and is used by Malta’s ministry of foreign affairs.
The main objective of DiploWizard is to preserve and make available for future generations of diplomats the institutional memory and expertise of a diplomatic service. It consists of a number of databases and applications for the management of both structured and non-structured information and knowledge which can be adjusted to meet the needs of any ministry of foreign affairs. DiploWizard also incorporates a training component to assist diplomats in the continuous process of increasing their individual knowledge and
capabilities.
Information Much of the work of a diplomatic service involves receiving information on a daily basis and processing this information into foreign policy decisions. Thus, fast and precise access to necessary information is the conditio sine qua non for the efficient functioning of a ministry of foreign affairs.
DiploWizard manages information through two guiding principles:
management of both structured and non-structured information
combination of internally housed databases and externally available sources of data.
KnowledgeProcessing of information in diplomatic services depends to a large extent on the personal knowledge (experience, education, intuition, etc.) of diplomats, and, in turn, generates a large amount of knowledge. Diplomatic services provide a good example of “knowledge-based organisations” as they are both consumers and producers of knowledge. DiploWizard makes available some of the knowledge diplomats need on a day-to-day basis as well as preserves the knowledge generated through diplomatic activities. Thus, DiploWizard is a system that grows in value over time and through use.
TrainingPersonal knowledge acquisition should not stop when a diplomat enters the foreign service. In today’s dynamic international environment a diplomat needs an on-going process of education in order to keep up with current events and developments. DiploWizard includes several components to help diplomats with the process of continuous training.
