Expert Systems and Decision Support Systems Quiz

Chapter 1: Introduction to System Analysis Design

• System Analysis and Design Fundamentals (CSC 1403)
• System Analysis and Design is a method used by companies to create and maintain systems performing basic business functions.
• The main goal is to improve employee efficiency by applying software solutions to key business tasks.
• A structured approach is critical for success.
• A Systems Analyst analyzes and designs systems based on:
  • Understanding of the organization's objectives, structure, and processes.
  • Knowledge of how to exploit information technology for an advantage.

Learning Objectives

• After completing the topic, students should be able to:
  • Identify the importance of System Analysis and Design.
  • Identify the roles and responsibilities of a System Analyst.
  • Compare the four types of Information systems.
  • Identify the tools and techniques for System Analysis and Design.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design

• The major goal is to improve organizational systems by developing or acquiring software and training employees in its use.
• Application software supports organizational functions or processes.
• A system turns data into information and includes hardware, system software, documentation, training materials, job roles, controls (to prevent theft or fraud), and the people who use the software.

1.1 Overview of System Analysis and Design (cont.)

• A computer-based information system application includes hardware, specific job roles, the Computer-Based Information System application itself, users of the system, controls, and system software (and documentation & manuals).
• The benefits of effective system analysis and design are improved accuracy, cost savings, enhanced flexibility, and increased productivity.

1.2 Roles as System Analyst

• Studying problems and needs within an organization, and determining the best approach to improvement using people, methods, and information technology.
• Helping system users and managers define their requirements for new or enhanced systems.
• Analytical skills, including:
  • Understanding of organizations
  • Problem-solving skills
  • System thinking
  • Ability to see organizations and information systems as systems.
• Technical skills, including:
  • Understanding of potential and limitations of technology
• Managerial skills, including:
  • Ability to manage projects, resources, risk, and change
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.

1.3 Type of Information System

• Information systems are collections of multiple information resources to gather, process, store, and disseminate information.
• Many use information systems to communicate, bank, shop online, or look up information.
• Companies employ information systems for communication with customers, suppliers, to manage operations and roll out marketing campaigns.
• Information systems are also used in various levels of management (strategic, management, operational) by different groups of people.

1.3 Type of Information System (cont)

• A pyramid of management levels shows the different kinds of information systems related to different functional areas and management levels within an organization. Example functional areas: Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing and Production, Finance and Accounting. Example management levels: Operational, Middle, Senior, Strategic Managers

a. Transaction Processing System (TPS)

• A type of information system designed to handle, record, and manage routine, repetitive, and structured business transactions efficiently and accurately.
• It automates the handling of data about business activities (transactions).
• Critical for operational-level processes and the backbone for many business activities.
• Ensures core business activities are carried out smoothly and provides the foundation for higher-level systems (like Management Information Systems(MIS) and Decision Support Systems (DSS)).

a. Transaction Processing System (TPS) (cont)

• Use Cases:
  • Retail: Point-of-sale systems to manage sales and inventory.
  • Banking: ATMs and online banking for managing customer transactions.
  • Airlines: Reservation systems for booking tickets and managing passenger data.
  • Manufacturing: Systems to track production schedules and raw material usage

a. Transaction Processing System (TPS) (cont)

• Example of TPS: Payroll System, including employee data, payroll, withholdings, and earnings

b. Management Information System (MIS)

• A type of information system that gathers, processes, stores, and analyzes data to provide meaningful insights and reports to help managers in decision-making and managing operations effectively.
• Converts raw data into meaningful form and integrates people, technology, and processes to achieve objectives.
• Enables organizations to make informed decisions, improve operational efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage.
• Bridges the gap between data collection systems (like TPS) and decision-making systems (like DSS).

b. Management Information System (MIS) (cont)

• Functions of MIS:
  • Data Collection: Gathers raw data from various internal sources.
  • Data Processing: Converts raw data into useful information through sorting, aggregating, and analysis.
  • Data Storage: Secure storage for easy access and retrieval
  • Report Generation: Generates actionable reports tailored to management needs.
  • Problem Identification: Highlights areas of concern, inefficiency, or performance shortfalls.

b. Management Information System (MIS) (cont)

• Examples of MIS:
  • Sales Reporting System
  • Inventory Management System
  • Financial Management System
  • Human Resources System

c. Decision Support System (DSS)

A type of information system designed to support complex decision-making processes by analyzing data, providing insights, and suggesting potential actions or solutions.

c. Decision Support System (DSS) (cont)

• Functions of DSS:
  • Data Collection: Gathers data from databases, spreadsheets, and other sources.
  • Data Analysis: Applies statistical, mathematical, or simulation models to process data.
  • Scenario Evaluation: Enables evaluating "what-if" scenarios and assessing outcomes of different decisions.
  • Decision Support: Provides recommendations, predictions, or insights to support decision-making.
  • Visualization: Presents data through charts, graphs, and dashboards for easier interpretation.

c. Decision Support System (DSS) (cont)

• Examples of DSS:
  • Financial Planning Tools
  • Supply Chain DSS
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) DSS
  • Healthcare DSS

d. Expert System (ES)

• A type of artificial intelligence (AI)-based information system that emulates human expertise in a specific domain.
• Uses a knowledge base (facts and rules) & reasoning algorithms to solve complex problems needing human expertise

d. Expert System (cont)

• Functions:
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Diagnostics (e.g., medical, technical)
  • Learning and Adaptation (new data = better knowledge base)

d. Expert System (cont)

• Examples:
  • Medical Diagnosis: (e.g., MYCIN diagnoses diseases and suggests treatments).
  • Engineering Design: (e.g., CAD for machine or structure design).
  • Customer Support: (e.g., Chatbots troubleshoot issues)
  • Financial Planning: Analyzing investment options
  • Legal Advisory: Legal advice based on case law.

1.4 Tools and Techniques for SAD

• Diagramming Tools: Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs), Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs), Use Case Diagrams, Flowcharts
• Modeling Tools: Unified Modeling Language (UML), Business Process Modeling (BPM) Tools
• Prototyping Tools: Wireframing Tools, Low/High-Fidelity Prototyping Tools
• CASE Tools: Automate tasks like code generation, database design, and documentation
• Software Tools: Project Management Tools, Requirement Management Tools

1.4 Tools and Techniques for SAD (cont'd)

• Techniques:
  • Requirements Gathering: Interviews, Surveys, Workshops, and Observations
  • Analysis Techniques: SWOT analysis, Gap analysis, Feasibility analysis
  • Design Techniques: Structured Design, Object-Oriented Design (OOD), Rapid Application Development (RAD)
  • Testing and Validation: Walkthroughs/Peer Reviews, Simulation and Modeling, Usability Testing
  • Documentation: Data Dictionaries and System Specifications

Test your knowledge on expert systems and decision support systems through this engaging quiz. Explore various applications, functions, and limitations of these systems in different scenarios. Perfect for students and professionals looking to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence in decision-making.