The Development Manager's Advisory System: A Knowledge‐Based DSS Tool for Project Assessment*

Abstract

This research investigates whether the knowledge-based decision support system (KBDSS) paradigm provides the necessary supporting structure and developmental framework for product development evaluation. To address the research questions posed in this study, it is necessary to develop and implement KBDSS's at specific decision points along the product development cycle. This paper describes the design, development, and implementation of a KBDSS to support a product development manager's decision concerning fullscale development of a new product. From the systems design perspective, this paper addresses the integration and innovative use of a variety of techniques for knowledge acquisition, modeling, and processing. The approach utilized obtains the benefits of normative modeling as well as the flexibility and developmental advantages of knowledge-based systems. Since its implementation, the system has been successfully used by a development manager to support his recommendation for an ongoing project. His complete satisfaction with this system served as the impetus for the design and development of a multi-expert system which was implemented at the strategic level.

Technology Portfolio Planning by Weighted Graph Analysis of System Architectures

“…A commonly used method is real options analysis, which has been used to evaluate investment decisions for NASA [Saleh et al., ; Shishko et al., ; Hawes and Duffey, ] as well as for information technology project investments [Benaroch and Kauffman, ] and automotive industry research and development [Avadikyan and Llerena, ] among many other applications. Other technology portfolio decision aids studied in the literature include multi‐attribute utility theory [Mehrez, ], financial portfolio theory [Kumar et al., ], and knowledge‐based expert systems [Liberatore and Stylianou, ].…”

A knowledge‐based approach to maintenance project planning

“…Based upon their studies, Libertore and Stylianou (1993) present a common procedure for establishing content validity. These guidelines were utilized throughout the development of the system.…”

Research and development project selection and resource allocation: a review of quantitative modelling approaches

“…Accordingly, Jin et al (1987) describe the combination of scoring models with expert system capabilities as the most intriguing candidate for future developments whereas Madey and Dean (1985) expect next generation R&D management models to be syntheses of newer developments, such as expert systems, and conventional approaches. For more recent expert systems, refer to Liberatore and Stylianou (1993) and Pearson et al (1996).…”