Knowledge-based systems
H Smith
6 points * 3 hours per week * First semester * Caulfield * Prerequisites: SYS1252 * Prohibitions: CFR3062, CFR3306, SYS3064, SYS3162
Knowledge-based (expert) systems have developed from artificial intelligence research, but have recently been applied to commercial information systems. This subject will provide students with a broad understanding of knowledge-based systems and the process of their development. This knowledge will extend their `tool kit' of available approaches as professional information systems designers. The following topics will be covered: the role of knowledge-based systems in business; fundamentals of knowledge-based systems: knowledge representation with particular emphasis on production rules, inference and control structures, representation of uncertainty; the process of developing a knowledge-based system; knowledge acquisition techniques; integration with organisational information systems. Assessment will include a project involving the development of a small knowledge-based system using a simple rule-based shell. Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of personal study time early in the semester learning the software and developing skills in formulating rule-based systems. The practical assignment must be accompanied by a written report of at least 1500 words analysing the student's experience of performing knowledge acquisition. Students are advised to read the prescribed texts prior to commencement of lectures. This is a six-point version of SYS3064 designed for the Bachelor of Computing (Information Systems). SYS3060 is in the process of being phased out.
Assessment
Examination (3 hours): 50% * Practical work: 50%
Prescribed texts
Baur G and Pigford D V Expert systems for business: Concepts and applications Boyd and Fraser, 1990
Smith H G Class notes for SYS3060 Dept Information Systems, Monash U, 1995
Recommended texts
Harmon P and Sawyer B Creating expert systems for business and industry Wiley, 1990