DSS Modeling
DSS Modeling
DSS Modeling
Major component of DSS Use models instead of experimenting on the real system A model is a simplified representation or abstraction of reality. Reality is generally too complex to copy exactly Much of the complexity is actually irrelevant in problem solving
Benefits of Models
1. Time compression 2. Easy model manipulation 3. Low cost of construction 4. Low cost of execution (especially that of errors) 5. Can model risk and uncertainty 6. Can model large and extremely complex systems with possibly infinite solutions 7. Enhance and reinforce learning, and enhance training. Computer graphics advances: more iconic and analog models (visual simulation)
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson Copyright 1998, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Evaluation (with the search process) leads to a recommended solution Multiple goals Complex systems have multiple goals Some may conflict
Typically, quantitative models have a single goal
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analysis means varying the inputs to a model to see how the results change Sensitivity analysis is a very important component of exploratory use of models
model is not regarded as correct sensitivity analysis helps user explore implications of alternate assumptions human computer interface for sensitivity analysis is difficult to design well
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analysis can be used to determine how changes to the following inputs affect the recommended decision alternative:
probabilities for the states of nature values of the payoffs
If a small change in the value of one of the inputs causes a change in the recommended decision alternative, extra effort and care should be taken in estimating the input value.
Simulation
A technique for conducting experiments with a computer on a model of a management system Frequently used DSS tool Major Characteristics of Simulation
Simulation imitates reality and capture its richness Simulation is a technique for conducting experiments Simulation is a descriptive not normative tool Simulation is often used to solve very complex, risky problems
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson Copyright 1998, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Simulation Methodology
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson Copyright 1998, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Definition of OR
OR professionals aim to provide a rational basis for decision making by seeking to understand and structure complex situations and to use this understanding to predict system behavior and improve system performance.
Much of this work is done using analytical and numerical techniques to develop and manipulate mathematical and computer models of organizational systems composed of people, machines, and procedures.
Examples of OR Applications
Rescheduling aircraft in response to groundings and delays Scheduling operators in mail processing & distribution centers
Heuristic Programming
Reduces search using heuristics Gets satisfactory solutions more quickly and less expensively Finds rules to solve complex problems Heuristic programming finds feasible and "good enough" solutions to some complex problems Heuristics can be
Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Systems, Efraim Turban and Jay E. Aronson Copyright 1998, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ