The conceptual model explained the process on how the study will be done. The study also proposed that knowledge transfer system may be influenced by variables such as information accessibility, knowledge acquisition and knowledge management.
Independent variables: The independent variables in this conceptual model are information accessibility, knowledge acquisition and knowledge management. The information accessibility here shows that proper accessibility of information source would make traditional medical practitioners to be effective at their services. The second independent variable is knowledge acquisition which means acquisition of knowledge on different types of herbs and diseases which each cures through teaching, group meetings, documentaries such as books, sound records, video recording files and letters, peoples’ experience, adoption of information communication technology, in-depth use of library. This will bring about effectiveness production of medicine by traditional herbal medical practitioners, hence render good quality services to the users. The third independent variable is knowledge management. This model is describing how knowledge acquired by the traditional herbal medical practitioners can be properly managed to yield results of giving recognition to the herbal medicine in caring diseases. Also, effective management can lead to sharing of experiences. Thus, flow of knowledge from one person to another or group to group is enhanced.
Dependent Variable: The dependent variable in this model is knowledge transfer system. Knowledge Transfer system here has been explained to mean the methods adopted to transfer knowledge among traditional herbal medical practitioners. The methods include brainstorming mechanism to generate ideas and refine them, using the joint talent and experience of a group. It can also be used for discussion. Moreover, documentaries such as books, video records, sound records and record files provide a good basis for sharing of ideas and building confidence among the herbal practitioners. Storytelling is also here for conveying messages, ideas, promoting values and good morals among herbal practitioners. Adoption of information communication technology also facilitate transfer of knowledge. Communities of practitioners understand what they are doing, what it means in their lives and lives of the users. Teaching and learning contribute greatly to the ways in which knowledge can be transferred. Intervening variables in this model are the variables that can have effects on the independent and dependent variables. They are as follows:
(1) Knowledge packaging: This refers to the process of putting knowledge acquired in the format necessary for easy transfer and usage. These include proper methods, tools and techniques, experiences and know- how.
(2) Government planning and budget:- This refers to the essence of government to recognise the traditional medical practitioners, involve them in government meetings so that they can be cater for in the planning and budget of the local, state and federal government for their effectiveness.
(3) Adoption of information communication technology: This implies that, the new trend today is the adoption of information communication technology by all organizations, be it indigenous or modern, to be effective and efficient in the production of their service, for instance, use of computer internet service, e- mail and web page.
(4) Use of library resources: Use of library in this model means the need to make use of the library to support knowledge. This is because library is a place where there is existence of information on indigenous practices in both print and non print format properly organized and preserve for the purpose of the users.
(5) Preservative measures: This means that quality preservative measures need to be adopted for the effective and efficient protection of herbal medicine for future use.
In this model, it is further proposed that knowledge transfer system could be affected by intervening variables such as knowledge packaging, government planning and budget, adoption of information communication technology; use of library resources and preservation measures. It is also proposed information accessibility knowledge acquisition and knowledge. Management will have a relationship with knowledge transfer system among herbal medical practitioners in South West Nigeria.
However, knowledge management process model will be adopted for this study because of its relevance in the steps of: identification of knowledge needs which can lead to easy accessibility of information, acquisition of knowledge, organisation and storage of knowledge, knowledge transfer/ sharing and use of knowledge which can result from effective transfer of knowledge.
