Abstract
A methodology for eliciting knowledge from several experts in the valuation of commercial and industrial properties for rating purposes in Malaysia using the rental comparison method was investigated by empirical research. The methodology comprised a conceptual approach (experts and their functions), selection of knowledge sources and techniques of knowledge elicitation. The objective of the methodology was to make explicit enriched knowledge ultimately for the development of a comprehensive system.Knowledge was elicited from selected experts mainly by interviews and observation. Several core valuers acted as a panel to provide core domain knowledge. The knowledge was augmented by knowledge from complementary valuers: valuers from six local authorities; a private valuer and an academic to contribute local contextual, market and legal knowledge respectively. Supporting specialists provided building technology, spatial and macro-economic knowledge. Secondary sources of knowledge were provided by documented materials, supporting staff from the local authorities and objection hearings. The pooling of experts' market opinions using the Delphi technique was investigated. A simple regression analysis to find the weightings of the main attributes was also incorporated in the knowledge-base. The knowledge-base was analysed, represented and evaluated in a prototype.
It has been empirically established that the methodology has led to the elicitation of enriched knowledge. It has been shown that it is possible to represent this knowledge in a prototype iteratively with other means of knowledge elicitation. Limitations regarding communications between the experts and the potential of computer facilitated collaborative work have been highlighted. Issues in the development of a comprehensive system have been discussed namely, the accommodation of meta knowledge between different local authority valuers and database interface with the knowledge base.
The research represents a novel enquiry into a methodology for eliciting knowledge from multiple experts in the valuation domain, specifically in the area of commercial and industrial properties for rating purposes in Malaysia.
| Date of Award | Jan 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | David Jenkins (Supervisor) |