The document discusses expert systems, which are computer-based systems that use stored knowledge and data to solve problems. They work best in areas with clearly defined rules and established facts. A knowledge engineer collects information from subject specialists to build the system. The system then uses an inference engine and either forward or backward chaining to lead the user to a solution through a series of questions and validations. Examples of uses for expert systems include investment analysis, financial planning, and medical diagnosis. The systems can save time and provide accurate solutions based on expert knowledge, but require high set-up costs, user training, and continual updates.

1. By Ivan Fan

2. 
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They are computer-based that uses
knowledge and data stored in them to solve
various problems
They can only be used in areas where there
are clearly defined rules and established facts
It requires a knowledge engineer that collects
information and knowledge from subject
specialists in order to create the system

3. 
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The user interface will display a number of
questions, information and validation checks
to lead the user to the appropriate solution or
further questions
The solution will be found by the inference
engine using either forward or backward
chaining or both

4. 
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Investment analysis – knowledge base that
contains facts about the prices of stocks over
the years can suggest possible trends
Financial planning – used to assess the
actions that needs to be taken in a certain
situation or set out a financial plan e.g.
reducing taxes
Medical diagnosis – symptoms will be typed
into the systems to generate possible
illnesses.

5. Advantages
 Saves time on
solving problems
 Based on the
knowledge of many
experts therefore
more accurate
 Can predict future
and current
problems
Disadvantages
 High set up cost
 Users need to be
trained in order to
use the system
 It will be temporarily
out of use as it
needs to be
continually updating
itself