Expert systems development: some issues of design process

ABSTRACT

A discussion is presented of why some Expert Systems (ES) that organizations have developed are not successful. The concept of design process plays a very significant role in the outset of the Expert Systems Development (ESD) process. This concept has not been the subject of much debate and attention in ESD. From the authors' point of view, one of the main issues is how the designer (knowledge Engineer) thinks about the design process. In general, the designers' process is influenced by the knowledge engineer's conception. This paper endeavors to disclose some of the main factors related to knowledge engineer's conception of design process and an attempt is made to put forward a conceptual model of the expert systems' design process. This conceptual model is an initial step towards a successful implementation of ES projects.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.5 Programming Languages and Software
          Subjects: Expert system tools and techniques

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.9 Management
          Subjects: Software process models (e.g., CMM, ISO, PSP)

  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.2 Types of Systems
          Subjects: Decision support (e.g., MIS)

General Terms:
Algorithms, Management

Keywords:
design process, expert systems (ES), expert systems development (ESD), information technology (IT), knowledge engineer (KEN)