A Generalized Decision Support System Using Predicate Calculus and Network Data Base Management

In view of the growing prominence of corporate modeling, an important area of research concerns techniques for facilitating the design and utilization of models. In this paper we show how first-order predicate calculus can be used as a language for formally stating modeling knowledge. Furthermore, knowledge stated in this manner can be subjected to the resolution principle. The result is that application specific modeling knowledge need not be embedded in a computer program. Rather, it can be stored in a data base and utilized as needed by a problem processing system employing resolution techniques. Advantages of a decision support system taking an approach of this sort are considerable modeling flexibility, capacity for automating the model formulation and execution processes, and compatibility with a high-level user interface language.