Following our class discussion, read pp154-158 in your textbook. Then complete the following tasks:

1. Spreadsheets
     (a) Describe the kinds of analysis supported by a spreadsheet.
     (b) Identify one example each of situations/decisions that would be supported (i) effectively by a spreadsheet or (ii) ineffectively by a spreadsheet.
   
   
2. Databases
     Explain how a relational database can support decision-making in a way that a spreadsheet cannot.
   
   
3. Expert Systems
     (a) Identify the aspects of human intelligence that are imitated by artificial intelligence (AI).
     (b) Outline some of the difficulties in designing and implementing an AI-based DSS.
     (c) Account for why expert systems would be designed to be domain-specific.
   
   
4. Neural Networks
      (a) Identify the basic concept that neural networks are based upon. Propose arguments for and against the use of this particular concept as the model of a computer-based information system.
      (b) Neural networks and expert systems are both designed by human software engineers. Contrast the relationships between these two decision support systems and their designers.
      (c) A neural network's designer is often incapable of providing an explanation for the decisions made by the network as a whole. Explain how this can be the case.
      (d) Compare the characteristics of parallel processing systems and neural networks.