ABSTRACT
Expert systems are probably the most practical application of artificial intelligence. Expert systems are computer programs that emulate the behavior of a human expert in a well-bounded domain of knowledge. The development of rule-based systems is typically called knowledge engineering. The knowledge engineer is the individual involved in the development and deployment of the expert system. Knowledge acquisition involves eliciting knowledge from an expert or multiple experts and also using available documentation, regulations, manuals, and other written reports to facilitate the knowledge acquisition process. Object-oriented database systems are one of the latest trends in database technology. Most expert systems are able to explain their reasoning, in the same manner that one would want human experts to explain their decisions. Once the system is ready to be deployed within the organization, the knowledge engineer must be cognizant of various institutionalization factors.
