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Phase 1: Develop Alpha Taxonomy

The initial taxonomy that will seed the collaborative effort is specified in this task. Alpha taxonomies are typically a top-level outline 2 to 3 levels deep. Top-levels are usually the most stable component of a taxonomy. For this reason, the effort to reach organizational consensus is focused on the overall outline, while validation of sub-trees and leaf nodes is delegated to subject matter specialists.

The alpha taxonomy may be generated by one or more of the following mechanisms:

Inspiration	Viewpoint of an individual consultant or project participant.
Induction	Analysis of document collections using automated tools.
Deduction	Application of an existing standard, approach, or model.
Synthesis	Combination of approaches.

Alpha taxonomies are typically generated via synthesis, using a combination of these techniques.

The NASA Taxonomy was developed based on semi-structured interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SME's) and collection and analysis of content culled from existing controlled vocabularies, exemplary web sites, and other resources that SME's supplied to the taxonomy team.

Critique and revise alpha taxonomy. Alpha taxonomies are typically reviewed in outline format. Generally, each participant independently communicates their critique and comments in writing. In some cases a more structured process utilizing a questionnaire may be needed to effectively reach consensus.

Stakeholders responded to the alpha NASA Taxonomy in group meetings, via email, and in one-on-one conversations.

Reach consensus on alpha taxonomy. Iterate until consensus is reached.

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