This document compares and contrasts decision support systems (DSS) and expert systems. It discusses that DSS help with non-structured decision making by focusing on unique, non-routine problems, while expert systems automate decision making by injecting expert knowledge into a system. The document also provides examples of components and uses of each system, including problems in developing expert systems and advantages like availability, low cost, and fast response. Ethical implications of using computerized decision making are also raised.

1. DSS Vs Expert System
By Anita Johri
INFS 401
Spring 2012

2. What is DSS?
• Helps is decision making when trying to figure out solution for a non structured
decision. Focuses on problems that are unique, non routine & rapidly changing.
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 2

3. 3 Components of DSS:
• Model Management
• Data Management
• User Interface Management
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 3

4. Examples…of DSS:
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 4

5. What is Expert System?
• Major roles of individuals
who interact with the system
– Domain expert
– Knowledge engineer
– User
• The major components are:
• Knowledge base
• Working storage
• Inference engine
• User interface
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 5

6. Problems in developing an ES:
1. The expert is unable to communicate his/her ideas
2. The expert is unwilling to communicate his/her ideas
3. The expert is not available
4. Can all the testing be accomplished?
5. User acceptance
Disadvantages of Rule-Based Expert Systems
1. Common sense
2. Creativity
3. Learning
4. Sensory Experience
5. Degradation
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 6

7. Advantages of ES
• Availability
• Cheaper
• Reduced danger
• Permanence
• Multiple expertise
• Explanation
• Fast response
• Unemotional and response at
all times
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 7

8. Ethical implications:
Do you want to put a decision about your
life in the hands of a computer?
When do you think you’d trust a
computer’s judgment over a doctors?
Does anyone know any examples of expert
systems used in everyday life?
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 8

9. Where are Expert System used?
• Aircraft accident investigations- GP1020 Computer Tool
• Robotic surgeries. more than 300 surgeries done.
• Scientist use Robots in space research/ or radioactive places where its not safe for
humans to go.
• Interactive games : Chess, Wii
• Saya : Taking tech classes.
(surprise, fear, disgust, anger,
happiness and sadness)
• Triage – Medical Diagnosis (Medical Expert System)
• Patriot Missile Guidance System
– Radar identifies Scud missile
– System steers Patriot missile to intercepts Scud missile
– Laws of physics, expert knowledge about missile trajectory is captured in the
system
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 9

10. DSS Expert Systems
• Facilitates decision making • Automate decision making.
• Unstructured environment • The decision environments have
structure
• Alternatives may not be fully • The alternatives and goals are
realized yet often established in advance.
• Extract or gain knowledge from a • Inject expert knowledge in to a
computer system computer system.
• Use goals and the system data to • The expert system can eventually
establish alternatives and replace the human decision maker.
outcomes, so a good decision can
be made
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 10

11. References:
http://worldacademyonline.com/article/25/367/dss_applications.html
http://www.tech-faq.com/decision-support-system.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Different_between_expert_system_and_de
cision_support_system
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_support_system
www.google.com
Spring 2012 Anita Johri - INFS 401 11