Q: What is an expert system?

Ans: Business expert systems, which are based on artificial intelligence(AI), are advanced
information systems: A knowledge based information system adds a knowledge base to the main components found in other types of information systems. Artificial intelligence may be referred as the capability that makes computer display intelligent human like behaviour. A business expert system(BES) is a knowledge-based information system that uses its knowledge about a specific, complex application area to act as expert. Thus expert systems provide decision support to managers in the form of advice from an expert in a specific problem area. The main advantages of using expert systems may be outlined as follows. I. II. III. The knowledge/capabilities of many experts can be used to build a single expert system. Decision-making in critical times can be more reliable, as these systems are not affected by emotional factors of fatigue. Multiple hypotheses can be considered simultaneously.

The main components of expert system include: I. II. III. Knowledge base, Inference engine, and User interface.

Q: Discuss different levels of management information system. Ans:

1. Operational control. The first level, operational control, indicates process performed to control the basic product or services produced by the company. In a manufacturing company, examples of operational control are the processes that move a product from one assembly point to the next and the action that take place at each assembly point. In a bank, operational control includes the physical sorting, recording, and posting of checks. In a relating or distribution operation, it involves the physical flow of merchandise through warehouses and retail stores.

2. Management control. The next level, management control, includes the functions that facilitate the management of those processes delegated to the operational control level. An example of a management control process is the production function where products are scheduled through the various fabrication and assembly points within a factory. The feedback from the production scheduling process enables management to control an operation. In a retail operation, the merchandise managers place orders for merchandise based on the movement of items in the store and the forecasted future demand. 3. Strategic planning. The top level of the triangle represents strategic planning processthe processes that determine which products to produce in the first place or, more broadly , which markets or business the company should be in currently or should plan to be in.