A conceptual analysis and design of a management system for “Ifa” (an African traditional oracle)

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to suggest a conceptual analysis and design of knowledge management (KM) system for “Ifa” divination. In previous research, a randomized expert system for “Ifa” was proposed. In the system, the signatures of the divine‐chain are simulated through randomization process from 1 to 16, triggering the inference engine and knowledge base. This system has been experimented and it works.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a conceptual analysis and design of KM system for “Ifa.” In this system, applying KM to “Ifa” oracle consultation plays the core role. Moreover, the formal explanation of the whole process is given.Findings“Ifa” knowledge visualization was designed with Visual Basic 6.0 and MS‐Access for storing “Ifa” data. The paper presents an application tagged “Ifagraph” – an oracle browser version 1.0.0 that displays the signatures when executed.Originality/valueThis is a novel approach that promotes indigenous technology from an African perspective.