Evaluation of expert systems: The application of a reference model to the usability parameter

Abstract

This study aims to present an expert systems' performance evaluation model, which will then be used to evaluate an existing expert system as a way of testing its applicability. The proposed model's evaluation criteria are: usability, utility, quality, interface, structure, productivity and return. Information systems, especially expert systems, are today a real necessity for any organisation intending to be competitive. Given this scenario, organisations investing in these systems, aim to, progressively, ensure that the investment they've made is contributing to the organisation's success. Hence, it is fundamental to evaluate the expert system performance. The evaluation assesses an expert system's adaptability to its original requisites and objectives and determines if its performance satisfies its users and meets the organisation's strategic goals. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.