Management expert systems (M.E.S.): A framework for development and implementation

Abstract

Managers frequently find themselves involved with problems in which decisions are difficult to reach due to the complexity of the problems or the number of factors involved. Furthermore, many such problems, particularly those dealing with strategic management issues, are problems in which there is no one “right” answer. This paper examines the development of expert systems in the strategic planning area by focusing on the strategic option of corporate divestment. This option is receiving increasing attention from managers; however, managers find it difficult to adequately integrate all factors that must be considered when reaching a decision. Further, there are relatively few “experts” available to firms considering such a move. Thus, this research proposes and describes the creation and development of an expert system to be applied to the general area of strategic management while using the divestment option as an example. The basic development concept could serve as a model for other uses of expert systems in the strategic planning field.