This article provides an introduction to the theory and analysis of Knowledge-Based expert systems (ES)
and computerized decision support systems (DSS), emphasizing a knowledge-management perspective ranging from the role of management programs to methods of evaluation. With the relentless advances in the technology and economics of computers, we are rapidly reaching the point where a manager’s success depends on his or her understanding of ES and DSS possibilities and skill in its application. Many DSSs are oriented toward individual decision support. There is growing interest in DSSs that directly support distributed decision making at the group, organization, and inter-organization
levels. Decision support systems also differ with respect to the kinds of knowledge they help manage. The majority of conventional DSSs have been devised to help manage primarily descriptive and procedural knowledge. In contrast, there is a class of artificially intelligent DSSs concerned mainly with the representation and processing of reasoning knowledge. Indeed, we explore computer-assisted management of every major type of knowledge relevant to supporting decision activities.