Purpose – Modelling complex knowledge resources can be problematical as there is currently no
formalism that can represent the nature of the data-seeking process at a conceptual level. The purpose
of this paper is to develop a knowledge representation formalism, the functional entity relationship
diagram (FERD), which comprises a set of extensions to the industry standard entity relationship
diagram established by Chen.
Design/methodology/approach – The research uses a design science approach to extend the
existing ER formalism using the question-answering (QA) paradigm. It is an extension of standard
data modelling theory and is consistent with category theory.
Findings – The authors defined the functional entity, an encapsulated data resource that acts as a QA
system and enumerated a typology of nine functional entities generated from two established principles
to produce a modelling framework that can depict all existentially quantifiable relations, and
demonstrated a satisficing extension to that framework (non-Aristotelian functional entities) for those
situations that do not permit such relations. Further, the authors discussed the system of knowledge
mixins for qualifying the relations, and presented an adjunct to the framework, cartographic functional
entities, to permit formally verifiable documentation.
Research limitations/implications – Future research will address the pragmatic/sociological
dimensions of FERD modelling, and test its utility in field case studies.
Practical implications – The FERD conceptualisation incorporates traditional IS modelling as one
aspect of a richer modelling system, and thereby includes all of traditional IS repositories as first class,
unmediated sources of knowledge. The establishment of standard types of functional entities can
provide a framework for the methodical conversion of the declarative design level to the imperative
implementation level. It thus has significant practical implications for the management and use of
knowledge in organisations.
Originality/value – The research is original and provides a valuable contribution to conceptual
modelling and representation of complex knowledge systems.
Keywords Knowledge management, Modelling, Functional analysis
Paper type Research paper