A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH EASTERN BLOC COUNTRIES: THE COUNTRY CONSULTANT

In the face of the failure of command economic systems and the introduction of free‐market principles in Central and Eastern Europe,there will be an increasing need to provide timely and relevant information to business people who may be interested in marketing their products or services to these countries. One practical way to present this information in software form is through the use of knowledge bases and expert systems. Knowledge bases contain information which can be obtained through specific queries or via keyword searches. Expert systems act as decision‐support tools, providing consultation and advice in much the same manner that a human expert would use. Describes an expert system designed to aid the international manager in decision making, particularly with respect to target market evaluation and selection. It includes specific information on several Eastern European nations, as well as many more traditionally capitalistic countries. Descriptions of the technical structure and theoretical foundations of this expert system are presented, as well as its uses and implications for future development.