BUSI237

Introduction to Computers
and
Information Systems in Business

Decision Support

and

Artificial Intelligence

Decision making is one of the most significant and important activities in business.

Organisations devote vast resources of time and money to the process.

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

• Data Management

• Model Management

• User Interface

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

• Enterprise-Wide Collaboration

• Supply Chain Collaboration

• Web-based Collaboration

• Enterprise-Wide Collaboration

• Supply Chain Collaboration

• Web-based Collaboration

• uses email as a simple collaboration system, allowing employees from different sites to communicate

• uses Lotus Notes to integrate databases, wordprocessing and spreadsheets (similar to Microsoft Exchange)

• Enterprise-Wide Collaboration

• Supply Chain Collaboration

• Web-based Collaboration

• Allow sharing of information at all stages in the supply chain of a product. E.g. Dell Computers uses this type of software to track the supply of computers from the factory to the customer.

• Enterprise-Wide Collaboration

• Supply Chain Collaboration

• Web-based Collaboration

• Web-based collaboration tools enable people to work together efficiently by using the Internet.

• Intel (the maker of the Pentium computer chip) intends to make all company procedures accessible over the Internet.

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

• A GIS is a decision support system designed

specifically to work with spatial information - i.e.

information that can be presented in map form...

Spatial information...

…is any information that can be shown in map form, such as roads, railways, forests, grizzly bear populations...

Geographic Information Systems

• Today GISs are helping businesses:

– Identify the best site to locate a branch office

– Target pockets of potential customers

– Reposition promotions and advertising

– Determine the optimal location of a new distribution outlet

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

• Decision Support Systems

• Collaboration Systems

• Geographic Information Systems

• Expert Systems

• Neural Networks

• Genetic Algorithms

• Intelligent Agents

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI)

The science of making machines imitate human thinking and behavior.

Artificial Intelligence

• Who uses artificial intelligence?

– Financial analysts to:

• Manage assets

• Invest in the stock market

• Perform other financial operations

Artificial Intelligence

• Who uses artificial intelligence?

– Hospitals:

• For scheduling staff

• Assigning beds to patients

• Diagnose illnesses

• Treat conditions and illnesses

Artificial Intelligence

• Who uses artificial intelligence?

– Credit card companies

• To detect credit card fraud

– Insurance companies

• To ferret out fraudulent claims

Artificial Intelligence

• Artificial intelligent systems that businesses today use most can be classified into the following major categories

– Expert systems

– Neural networks

– Genetic algorithms

– Intelligent agents

Homework

Read Chapter 4, pages 133 - 168

End of BUSI237_Chap4.ppt

Last Updated: Thursday 29th September 2005, 7:25 PT, AHD