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Channeling knowledge: Expert Systems as communications media

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Abstract

Expert Systems (ES) are as yet imperfectly defined. Their two consistently cited characteristics are domain knowledge and expert-level performance. We propose that current structural definitions are inadequate and suggest a view of ES as communication channels. We proceed to explore the factors influencing applicability of ES technology to an enterprise and the impacts that could be expected. A consequence of this view is the idea of incremental information loss on the path from the expert to the ES user. Strategies for minimizing this loss derive naturally from our perspective and are evident in successful ES.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA

    Randall Whitaker

  2. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA

    Olov Östberg

Authors
  1. Randall Whitaker
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  2. Olov Östberg
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Whitaker, R., Östberg, O. Channeling knowledge: Expert Systems as communications media. AI & Soc 2, 197–208 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01908544

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