Modeling a Connguration Problem with Generic Tasks

This paper demonstrates the use of Generic Tasks to approach a problem of assigning ooces to a number of employees of diierent ranks, needs and qualiications. It is part of a cooperative project to compare approaches to the modeling of problem solving by having several research teams approach the same connguration problem. This solution shows how Generic Tasks can be used to provide a knowledge level analysis of the performance of an expert. The analysis brings to light exactly what sorts of knowledge, and what particular pieces of knowledge the expert brings to bear on the problem. On occasion the analysis shows inconsistencies or incompletenesses in the experts reasoning, and proposes questions to be asked to clarify an appropriate course of action.