Expert Systems: Manager's Perspective
Philip C. Terry · Journal of Management in Engineering · 1991
The paper begins with an informal definition of intelligence and a brief introduction to the field of artificial intelligence. Core concepts of rule‐based expert systems (knowledge base, inference engines, chaining, symbolic‐information processing, and expert system shells) are examined in simple, useful terms appropriate for managers. Common components of shells are listed. The unique limitations and advantages of expert systems are identified. Five steps to creating an expert‐system application while building management and user acceptance are outlined. Problems suitable for application of expert system methods are discussed and examples are given. The paper concludes with a discussion of 17 items that managers should consider when evaluating the development of expert systems.