Building Knowledge-Based Systems: Towards a Methodology

While knowledge-based systems (KBSs) differ from conventional computer systems, lessons in their construction can be drawn from years of conventional artificial intelligence, software engineering, and ``soft'' operations research/systems analysis techniques. Proposes an engineering methodology that is an extension of these techniques. Examines these three disciplines and their relationship to KBSs. Sets out the POLITE methodology for building KBSs, including some of the work on KBSs in conventional systems design. Draws on the experience gained from developing several systems of varying sizes, but particularly from the Intellipse project which encouraged links between building KBSs and structured methods for conventional software engineering.