PROJECT IPMA: APPLYING DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO BUILDING EXPERT‐BASED SYSTEMS*

There currently is no widely accepted design framework for building expert systems. Knowledge engineers describe the process in terms of a set of heuristics or as a series of phases. Most paradigms are based on post-development reflections. This paper explores an expert-based system constructed using decision support system design techniques. An actual system in experimental use at the Department of Entomology, Oregon State University, was designed using the approach presented. The system, Integrated Pest Management Assistant (IPMA), will be used by extension agents to help orchard owners make decisions regarding pear tree pest infestations and to offer remedial strategies for eradicating potentially destructive insects.