The expert system of Knowledge Management - Assignment Example

The expert system of Knowledge Management An expert system as applied to problem solving is simply a kind of technology which is useful in making decisions and providing solutions related to a specific field. In making this possible, the technology applies analytical guidelines prescribed by experts in that very field (Szakwani, 2007). Humans have the tendency of making deep analysis into problems that affect their normal life. They may choose to utilize expert or knowledge based systems. Knowledge based systems are those which have been researched and document in sources like books. However, knowledge based systems have a number of challenges which make them much unreliable. First, they are prone to human errors, the people who compile the information may not have been accurate in that field, and this means that application of that knowledge will tend to be misleading. For this case, human beings are designing expert based technologies in different fields. This technology is expected to provide intelligence to human beings in solving challenges in the different areas. As a consultant I would advocate for the use of experts systems over knowledge based systems. The process of solving a problem starts with application of facts which are known and proceeding to complex ones in the specific field (Maher, 1986). This path of search has to move from the real problem to the solution or objective in question. The expert system is however challenged by a few rules that govern it. First, it should be understood that the experts system has to rely on human knowledge. The system acquires this knowledge though practice over time. Each information is fed into the system to make it effective. Human beings have the mandate of collecting the small pieces of information and accumulating it in a knowledge base. Expert systems may not be resourceful in reasoning about the processes which are involved. This implies that for an expert system to be effective, a human expert must feed information into it (Szakwani, 2007). One of the main advantages with an expert system is that it is able to make solutions to problems that would rather have involved a specialized expert, who in this case is a human being. Its key objective is to avail quick solutions to the technicians who are using the process. This is underpinned by the assumption that it’s impossible to find ready answers from experts who are not always available in every field at their required time. Despite all this challenges, these systems have proved reliable over the many decades they have been applied. Many computers have been loaded with different kinds of software programs that are useful at any place in business. This reduces the tendency to source for human specialists who may be far expensive and unavailable. This is perhaps the reason why expert systems are still highly recommended. Expert systems are very reliable in organizations where knowledge is not easily transferable to other members. This knowledge is usually fed into an expert system and can be accessed over long periods of time by other members. In this case, the system can be employed in conducting intelligence, feeding into it and making it available for other users. Another reason for the use of expert systems is the fact that they can be used to work out solutions to problems whose solutions may be varied depending on foreseeable algorithms. This system has several and easy ways of interpreting charts graphical materials and other complex stuff. Expert systems are known to minimize on running costs when used. This is because few humans will be needed where many solutions can be provided by a simple and easy way. The only shortcoming is that it results into massive unemployment. The application of this system should then be considered carefully so that human capital is not left unutilized. Neural Network Technologies in practice As human needs increase, he is forced to look for different ways of working out his solutions. Human problems are dynamic, this means that methods that were used to solve similar problems in the past may not apply to current problems. The advent of neural technologies has been seen as the latest and best invention to aid in human problem solving endeavors. In this technology, manmade neural networks are created using the same model of the natural human brain (Anderson & McNeill 1992). The human brain grows with experience; this means that through interaction with various systems and processes, the brain is able to develop. This course of brain developed is influenced by nature. When some problems cannot be solved using the present computer technology, it has been proved that with special packages, it is solvable. Modeling of computers using the brain technology is meant to improve their efficiency in managing the dynamic human world. Computers have been tested and found to be reliable in doing mathematical problems efficiently; they can keep ledgers and perform complex tasks without major problems. Neural networks are founded on the natural thinking route of the brain. The brain of a human being is known to store information according to certain set patterns, which happen to be complex in their functioning. This is the brain’s ability that enables us to recognize various objects from different perspectives. In designing neural network technology, similar sequence of using patterns as information stores, and problem solvers is applied. One advantages of this kind of technology is that it enables performance of task and functions which other linear programs may not effectively manage. This means if a particular element happens to stop functioning, the technology can continue to work effectively. This is because it has multiple sequences of patterns. However, it should be known that this technology requires good training so as to work with it effectively. Collective Intelligence It is a new-fangled arena that is being used by various organizations to solve their day to day problems. Just as the term suggests, this technology incorporates various dimensions where information can be found. It is believed that different groups of people possess ideas which when put together; they can prove essential towards managing the complexities in their environment. When a person wants to find a solution to a problem, two important steps are usually employed; generation of a solution which implies that the problem is thoroughly framed and assumptions created. Secondly, evaluation of the stated assumptions is done. The biggest limitation towards this process is that it gives room for biasness (Bonabeau 2009). It is general to note that people usually create assumptions that seem to be consistent with their problems. In order to avoid these eventualities, collective intelligence seems to work best. This concept involves integration of various perspectives of people. Through this way, decisions made may not be biased. This method is becoming popular with many organizations and companies. Companies are investing into the many approaches applied in this technique. There are internal as well as external approaches towards collective intelligence. A company like Nucor Steel can incorporate this technique to its best advantage. Using the internal intelligence approach means that workers can be used to facilitate research into some of the proposals to be adopted in managing various company problems. Their diverse viewpoints can be taken and implemented. Alternatively, they may use external approaches where similar views can be sampled but from people not working in the company. Intelligence from such multiple sources will benefit the company in many ways. Human beings are always nurtured from diverse schools of thinking. Incorporation of their viewpoints will enable Nucor Company to excel in their various fields of operation. References Anderson, D & McNeill G. (1992). Artificial neural Networks technology; Retrieved from; < http://andrei.clubcisco.ro/cursuri/f/f-sym/5master/aac-nnga/AI_neural_nets.pdf > Bonabeau E. (2009). The power of collective intelligence. Retrieved from; < http://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/decisions-20-the-power-of-collective-intelligence/> Maher M. (1986). Problem solving using expert system techniques; Retrieved from; Szakwani (2007). Expert System and Knowledge Based Systems. Retrieved from; < http://www.omandev.net/2007/07/expert-system-and-knowledge-based-systems/ > Read More