Knowledge-based systems
H Smith
4 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield
*
Prerequisites: SYS1252
* Prohibitions: CFR3062, CFR3306, SYS3060
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should know the basic principles of knowledge-based systems technologies; understand basic reasoning and knowledge representation techniques and the differences between a knowledge-based system and a conventional information system; be able to perform knowledge acquisition activities and to represent the acquired knowledge in rule form; and appreciate appropriate applications for knowledge-based technologies and the roles of experts, clients and developers.
Synopsis Initially developed as part of research into artificial intelligence, knowledge-based systems (KBS) are now being used in commercial information systems. This subject introduces students to the key concepts of KBS, and provides a broad understanding of the KBS development process. This knowledge will extend students' `tool kit' of available approaches as professional information systems designers. The following topics will be covered: the role of knowledge-based systems in business; knowledge representation with particular emphasis on production rules, inference, representation of uncertainty; the process of developing a knowledge-based system; knowledge acquisition; integration with organisational information systems and the characteristics of `second generation' expert systems. Assessment will include a project involving the acquisition of knowledge from an expert and the representation of this knowledge 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.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 60%
* Practical work: 40%
Prescribed texts
Baur G and Pigford D V Expert systems for business: Concepts and applications 2nd edn, Boyd and Fraser, 1995
Smith H G Class notes for SYS3064 Dept Information Systems, Monash U, 1995
Recommended texts
Turban E Decision support and expert systems 4th edn, Prentice-Hall, 1995
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