Explanation provision and use in an intelligent decision aid: Research Articles

  • Authors:
  • Vicky Arnold;Nicole Clark;Philip A. Collier;Stewart A. Leech;Steve G. Sutton

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Connecticut, USA and University of Melbourne, Australia;University of Tasmania, Australia;University of Melbourne, Australia;University of Melbourne, Australia;University of Connecticut, USA and University of Melbourne, Australia

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Intelligent Systems in Accounting and Finance Management
  • Year:
  • 2004

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Abstract

Intelligent decision aids have been widely adopted by organizations in an effort to capture, retain and disseminate the knowledge of individuals within the organization. To date, these efforts have met with mixed results. Two primary limitations have been the usability of systems (users either cannot or do not wish to use systems) and the inability to transfer knowledge from such systems to less expert decision makers. Explanation capabilities have been perceived as a potential means for improving the effectiveness of such systems in terms of both usability and knowledge transfer. In this study, four advancements are put forth. First, a working prototype system for highly complex decision making is used as the foundation for implementing a full-scale, embedded explanation facility. Second, the development of the explanation facility is carefully grounded in the extant prescriptive literature on explanation types and delivery processes—including feedforward and feedback. Third, a development strategy is formulated and demonstrated as a generalized process of explanation development and integration. Fourth, high-level professional decision makers use the system and provide evaluative feedback on the usability and value of the explanation facility. Overall, the results of the development efforts and subsequent evaluation are very positive and provide a solid foundation for future research and practice efforts related to explanation provision within the context of intelligent systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.