The first book to discuss efficient ways to implement the systems currently being developed--written by the co-author of Expert Systems: Artificial Intelligence in Business, generally regarded as the best non-technical guide to expert systems for business people. Gives innovative ideas for using expert systems to facilitate business operations. Appropriate as a text or supplement for data base, decision support, or special-topic courses that cover expert systems. Clearly explains new applications of automatic decision-making in management, sales, operations, programming, research, and service industries. Text supported by extensive examples and graphs.

Contents include: What is an expert system? How is an expert system different from other systems? When to use an expert system rather than human expert Where would an expert system be useful? Why do we need experts? Balancing the make or buy portfolio Knowledge acquisition Managing the acquisition Modelling the problem and the tasks

Presents a step-by-step methodology for designing expert systems. Each chapter on design methodology starts with a problem and leads the reader through the design of a system which solves that problem.

Introduces readers to the basic principles and the exciting promise of a new generation of computer programs known as knowledge or expert systems, and their associated technologies. Explains what they do, how they work, and how they will be used to increase efficiency and productivity. Knowledge systems are computer programs that can help solve problems in the same fashion as human experts. Many studies have concluded that in the course of the next 20 years, knowledge systems will revolutionize the way businesses are conducted, and this book provides a preview of how that revolution will occur.