Expert and Intelligent Systems

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

- the overarching field focused on developing machines that behave intelligently

- Understanding natural language and analyzing the ability to reason through a problem to its logical conclusion

A specialized class of information system that uses AI reasoning to capture and apply the knowledge of human experts to solve specific organizational problems

Expert Systems (ES) / Knowledge-Based Systems

Executive Support Systems (ESS)

- Computer systems designed for strategic-level executives that help them address unstructured decision problems by organizing information from the external environment through easy-to-read graphics and communication tools

- Scenario: The CEO of an international company uses an ESS dashboard in the corporate boardroom .The system pulls in external global market trends and competitor news alongside internal summaries, helping the executive evaluate strategic, long-term questions such as whether to expand into a new country

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

- Interactive information systems tailored to a specific person or group that support every phase of decision-making (using databases and business intelligence models), while leaving the actual decision strictly to the human user

- Scenario: A logistics manager uses a this system to test different "what-if" options for shipping routes. By entering variables like driver availability and fuel prices, the system simulates different outcomes and displays cost comparisons, allowing the manager to evaluate choices and make the final decision

Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS)

- Systems equipped with specialized software and facilitator support designed to help groups make semistructured or unstructured decisions together in electronic decision rooms or virtual settings

- Scenario: A committee meets in a specialized decision room to plan a new budget. Using this systems software, members submit brainstorming ideas and vote on proposals anonymously. This structure ensures everyone participates without fear of reprisal or domination by vocal group members

Computer-Supported Collaborative Work Systems (CSCWS)

- An overarching term for systems that support team collaboration across networked computers, often utilizing specialized software called groupware

- Scenario:A team of engineers located in different regional offices uses a this systems platform. They share interactive project boards, update group documentation, and communicate in real time across their computer network to complete a joint design project

The Groupware Matrix

framework used in information systems to classify collaboration technologies based on two dimensions: Time (when people work) and Place (where people work).

1. Same Time / Same Place (Synchronous, Co-located)

2. Same Time / Different Place (Synchronous, Remote)

3. Different Time / Same Place (Asynchronous, Co-located)

4. Different Time / Different Place (Asynchronous, Remote)

Enumerate the 4 Quadrants in The Groupware Matrix

Same Time / Same Place (Synchronous, Co-located)

Concept: People collaborating in person at the same moment.

Example: An electronic meeting room equipped with a Group Decision Support System (GDSS) for real-time brainstorming and voting

Same Time / Different Place (Synchronous, Remote)

Concept: People working at the same moment, but from different locations.

Example: Video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams), screen sharing, or live chat apps.

Same Time / Different Place (Synchronous, Remote)

Concept: People working in the same location, but at different times.

Example: A shared computer terminal or physical kiosk used by factory workers on different shifts to pass along status logs.

Different Time / Different Place (Asynchronous, Remote)

Concept: People working from different places at whatever time suits them.

Example: Email, project management boards, or collaborative document tools.

Critical Systems

- Systems that are so vital to an organization or to human life that any failure, error, or downtime will lead to catastrophic financial losses, operational failure, or physical harm

Key Capabilities of a Critical System

- Continuous High Availability: Operate non-stop without interruptions to process daily high-volume operations

- Eliminate Single Points of Failure: Use real-time data replication and mirroring (synchronous/asynchronous) across redundant servers so that if one server dies, another instantly takes over

- Disaster Recovery: Protect sensitive "mission-critical" data and restore operations immediately after an unexpected crisis or outage