On the use and internal structure of logic-based decision support systems

摘要

A general decision support system based on first-order logic with desirable characteristics (for example, being semistructured, supporting, descriptive, effective, and evolutionary) will be presented. The proposed system improves the existing frameworks of Sprague and Bonczek, Holsapple, and Whinston in terms of flexibility and efficiency. A tool called the connection graph is used as a basis for pre-compiling queries for efficient response as well as for modifying pre-compiled queries in response to assumption analyses (such as handling “what-if” questions). Techniques for modifying existing programs derived from the connection graph are described. The notion of determined variables is extended to include the case of process literals. The class of allowable formulas is extended to include condition literals, which may include existential quantifiers.