Frequently Asked Questions

• 1、What is Know Well’s Ranking? What does it measure?

  A Know Well Ranking page is designed to present relative performance and tiered outcomes under a specific topic. Because different Ranking pages may target different types of entities, the measured dimensions and indicator system for a given Ranking should be interpreted strictly according to that page’s “Methodology / Indicators” section.

• 2、How are ranked entities evaluated?

  We convert publicly verifiable information into structured indicators and compute and aggregate them according to the methodology defined on the specific Ranking page, producing a comparable relative ordering or tiered result. Where a multi-level indicator system is used, we generally follow the logic of “standardize bottom-level indicators, aggregate upward with weights, and then produce the final rank or grade.” The number of indicator levels and whether grades are displayed are determined by the page’s stated rules.

• 3、How many entities does a Ranking page cover? What are the inclusion criteria?

  Coverage and inclusion criteria vary by Ranking page depending on the topic, data availability, and methodological design; therefore, we do not apply a single fixed standard across all rankings. Each page will disclose, under “Scope / Updates” (or equivalent), the number of entities included for the current version, the entity types and geographic/industry scope, the sampling time window, the screening rules, and any potential version changes that affect coverage.

• 4、Where does the data come from? Do you use non-public data?

  In principle, we use only publicly verifiable information sources—such as official websites, public notices, press releases, public data portals, and other channels that can be accessed and verified by third parties—and we use automated workflows to locate sources and extract them into structured indicators while requiring that results map to reviewable evidence. Non-public data is not used as a standard input for rankings, and we do not accept private materials as a substitute for public evidence in a way that could affect ranking outcomes. In rare cases where restricted-access data is used with explicit authorization and a verifiable compliance basis, we will disclose its nature, authorization basis, and verification path in the page’s “Data Sources / Methodology” section and ensure such use does not weaken verifiability and fairness.

• 5、How are indicator weights set? Are they disclosed?

  Weights are typically determined based on the stated methodology, considering indicator importance, availability, discriminative power, and stability, and may incorporate completed weight-optimization or finalized scheme settings to define the disclosure level for external publication. Disclosure granularity can differ by Ranking page; please refer to the page-specific explanation. If you have concerns about weights or indicators, you may contact us at support@know-well.org.