KLRM Framework Addresses Knowledge Loss in Software Engineering

A new stochastic framework, Knowledge Lever Risk Management (KLRM), targets knowledge loss in software engineering. The KLRM framework recasts tacit knowledge assets—such as architectural expertise and design rationale—as active risk mitigation mechanisms called Knowledge Levers. It operates through a four-phase architecture: Audit, Alignment, Activation, and Assurance. The research, published on arXiv (2604.23257), aims to integrate these levers into the software development lifecycle, addressing the under-represented intangible knowledge risks that impact project velocity and quality. The framework is designed to mitigate risks from key contributor departure and undocumented decision decay.