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Abstract
An expert system based training package for owner managers of small business is described. The nature of small businesses is described and the reasons for adopting an expert system based approach are explained. Difficulties were found in knowledge elicitation and were overcome by the use of prototyping and other techniques. XiPlus proved an adequate tool for the construction of the expert system shell, while imposing a few design limitations. An extensive trial is proposed to identify the effectiveness of the package as a training tool.
The National Computing Centre (NCC) has worked with the Durham University Business School (DUBS) to develop an expert system based training package for small businesses. The project was one of the first of three demonstrator packages sponsored by the Training Agency (then the Manpower Services Commission ‐ MSC) as part of its AI Applications in Learning programme.
The small business sector has been recognized by all political parties as a vital component of the economy It represents a real opportunity to provide economic growth. While medium and large companies continue to reduce their work‐forces, successful small businesses take on more employees as they expand thus making a beneficial impact on employment. Many small firms provide the right climate to stimulate innovation. Ideas successfully implemented by small businesses are often taken up by larger companies. For all these reasons, Government has been anxious to encourage and support small businesses.