A Knowledge Based Approach for Resource Management

This paper discusses the applicability of a knowledge based system to resource management in the context of information centers. The Information Center Expert (ICE) system has been developed in the MIS Department of the University of Arizona to support the consultation process of information center personnel. The system determines the (software) resource requirements of the end-users and makes appropriate recommendations. ICE further aids the management of the IC software resources by keeping track of user consultations and the recommendations made. Issues of knowledge requirements, acquisition, representation and implementation of ICE are discussed. ICE is currently being tested at IBM/Endicott (New York), IBM/Tucson (Arizona) and the Center for the Management of Information at the University of Arizona. Preliminary feedback from users has confirmed the applicability of the knowledge based approach to resource management. The implications of this approach for future research are discussed. 1. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Thus, an important aspect of the management of reusable resources is a method for identifying and One indicator of the success of any organization accessing existing resources. It is a classification operating in a competitive market is how effectively and retrieval problem (Prieto-Diaz and Freeman it uses its resources to support the production of 1987). goods and services (Porter 1985). The resource management process is "the set of all activities Rowe, Mason and Dickel (1985) state that effective involved in the optimal allocation and administration resource management requires tools for assessing of an organization's human, financial and physical resource requirements and decision aids for resources, to fulfill the organization's mission and determining the best allocation. In the situation achieve its goals and objectives" (Bender 1983). where the resources are reusable, then, we need The ability to identify resource needs and to tools that will help accomplish the process of acquire and allocate resources are basic requireclassifying and retrieving existing organizational ments for effective management. resources. There are two levels of reuse: (1) the reuse of data and knowledge, and (2) the reuse of specific objects or components. In both cases, the It is widely believed that the reuse of resources is attributes of the reusable resource must be matched a key to improving productivity and quality within with the attributes of the new situation in which organizations (Biggerstaff and Richter 1987). While they are needed. One of the instances in which this strategy holds great promise, it is one whose this matching process is done most often is the promise has been largely unfulfilled. To reuse Information Center, where software resources are resources, one first must be able to find them. matched with end users and their needs.