Artificial intelligence and the management science practitioner: One definition of knowledge-based expert systems

Over the past two years the authors have attempted, through their writing and the writing of others, to convey to the management science practitioner the value of integrating knowledge-based expert system (KBES) techniques with MS/OR techniques. They firmly believe this will lead to successful applications. The authors employed this combination to successfully build an application system, called LMS, to monitor and control the IBM semiconductor facility in Essex Junction, Vermont. They often find in our work a need for a definition of KBES that does not involve techniques or products. What follows is the present definition of KBES. The authors are sure it is not the last word on the subject, but thet think readers will find it helpful.