EXPERT-SYSTEMS AND ORGANIZATIONAL DECISION-MAKING

Expert systems incorporate decision-making processes, and can be considered as the mechanization of human thinking. Whereas they are attributed many advantages such as improved decision-making and productivity increases, managers need to realize that such gains are unlikely to be realized unless ample attention is paid to the organizational embedding of expert systems. Knowledge erosion, manipulation of data, and high maintenance costs are but some of the phenomena that endanger the successful use of expert systems. Unless managers are aware of such potential threats and unless actions are taken, expert systems' effectiveness can be seriously damaged.