Understanding expert systems applications from a knowledge transfer perspective

Expert systems (ESs) were introduced more than two decades ago, but their effectiveness and success are still in debate. This paper attempts to make a contribution to the better understanding of ES applications from a knowledge transfer perspective. This paper argues that an ES application is knowledge transfer that uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Underpinned by knowledge transfer theories and through a series of empirical investigations of ES projects in agriculture, this study recognises the importance of human interactions in the ESs implementation process. Based on the evidence collected, a number of key players are examined. They are knowledge provider/sender, knowledge engineer, knowledge extensionist and knowledge recipient. This paper represents a first attempt to acknowledge the role of a knowledge extensionist in the ICT-based knowledge transfer process. The name ‘extensionist’ is borrowed from earlier literature and describes an actor whose role is an intermediary in supporting transferring knowledge towards the knowledge user. Findings demonstrate the significant contributions made by extensionists towards the success of ESs applications. It is argued that the rigidity and limitations of ESs in ICT-based knowledge transfer can be significantly reduced with the involvement of close human interactions with the knowledge recipient.