Uncertainty in Information Systems: An Introduction to Techniques and Applications (Advanced Topics in Computer Science)

This text is intended to highlight the significance of uncertainty in the management of information, introduce methods of modelling uncertain information and discuss current and potential applications of such methods in information systems. It provides the reader with the following: a discussion of the kinds of information that are problematical; a discussion of the ways this impinges upon systems, eg. null values in relational databases; heuristics in rule-based decision-support systems; vagueness of keywords used in information retrieval; and appropriateness of cases selected in case-based decision-support. It also provides an exposition of means of modelling uncertain information including probability theory, possibility theory, fuzzy set theory and non-classical logics, and a review of the current and potential applications of handling uncertainty in information systems. Synopsis This text is intended to highlight the significance of uncertainty in the management of information, introduce methods of modelling uncertain information and discuss current and potential applications of such methods in information systems. It provides the reader with the following: a discussion of the kinds of information that are problematical; a discussion of the ways this impinges upon systems, eg. null values in relational databases; heuristics in rule-based decision-support systems; vagueness of keywords used in information retrieval; and appropriateness of cases selected in case-based decision-support. It also provides an exposition of means of modelling uncertain information including probability theory, possibility theory, fuzzy set theory and non-classical logics, and a review of the current and potential applications of handling uncertainty in information systems. From the Publisher No prior knowledge of formalisms for uncertainty is required Discussion of diverse types of information Applications in database systems From the Back Cover Uncertainty pervades much information in the world. This uncertainty can take many forms. For instance, consider the problems of incomplete or inconsistent data, and the problems of heuristics or general principles, that have exceptions. Similarly, consider the uncertainty associated with locating useful information in a large repository. The problems of uncertainty become even more complex when merging different kinds of information from different sources and of different reliabilities. The ubiquitous usage of uncertain information by people contrasts sharply with the low-level of computer-based handling of uncertain information. This situation, however, is set to change as users request more from their information systems. This book will be of interest to postgraduates, researchers, developers and managers of advanced information systems. Undergraduates whose courses cover advanced information systems will also find it useful.