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(a) Define the term expert system. [1]
An expert system emulates the reasoning power
of a human expert in a particular subject domain.
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [1 mark]
(b) Describe the three elements of an expert system. [6]
For each of the following, one mark should
be awarded for naming the element, and a further mark should be awarded
for a satisfactory elaboration:
- Knowledge base (1 mark). The knowledge base contains unconditional
factual statements that are represented in the form of rule sets and
frames (1 mark).
- Inference engine (1 mark). The inference engine derives results
or infers conclusions from the knowledge base (1 mark).
- User interface (1 mark). The user interface obtains user requests
and submits requests to the inference engine for processing (1 mark).
[6 marks]
(c) How do heuristic rules differ from scientific rules? [2]
Heuristic rules are based on the rule of
thumb (1 mark), whereas scientific rules derive conclusions by applying
rules blindly (1 mark).
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [2 marks]
(d) Describe three factors that may influence a decision as to whether
or not an
expert system should be implemented in a particular scenario. [3]
One mark should be awarded for each factor
named (up to a maximum of
three marks). Examples include the following:
- Is the application one which would be used frequently?
- Does the application have clear organisational benefits?
- Are there any alternative conventional systems?
- Are there other sources of expertise?
Other correct answers should also receive credit. [3 marks]
(e) (i) What is the domain of COCOMO? [1]
(ii) List two benefits of COCOMO. [2]
(i) COCOMO is concerned with the scheduling
and staffing of software development projects. [1 mark]
(ii) One mark should be awarded for each benefit named (up to a maximum
of two marks). Examples include the following:
- It optimises manpower distribution in large software projects.
- It produces schedule reports with resource allocation.
- It assists new project managers to estimate and plan. [2 marks]
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