The place of expert systems in business now and over the next decade

Information technology has entered a new generation. In recent years, considerable interest has been focussed on the commercialisation of expert systems, which represent an important application of Artificial Intelligence in the field of Information Technology. Expert systems are now in a crucial stage of development because, although in business computerised systems are not new, expert systems still need time for their applicability and usefulness to be proved. The market for expert systems will not develop if such systems are unable to cope with the demanding applications of business; for example with top management problem-solving and decision-making. This thesis is principally concerned with determining the position of expert systems in business by looking at these major business related issues. [Continues.]