Expert systems applications for productivity analysis

The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of productivity management and potential expert systems applications at each stage of productivity analysis. Based on literature reviews it discusses the strengths and limitations of these technologies. Describes several tasks in the measurement, interpretation and evaluation phases and examines the appropriateness of an expert systems application. Finds that expert systems applications could be useful in interpretation and evaluation. Focuses on productivity analysis at the organizational‐level only. Opines that business managers with limited or no knowledge of productivity models may want to have expert systems applications developed to diagnose problems and take corrective actions in a timely manner. The paper could be useful to business practitioners as well as researchers. Contributions include a detailed description of productivity analysis and how and where expert systems applications could make a difference. Productivity management is critical for long‐term business survival.