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Decision Support Systems: An Overview

The document provides an overview of decision support systems (DSS) by summarizing various definitions of DSS from literature. It describes DSS as computer-based systems that assist managers in decision-making through the use of models, easy user interfaces, and the incorporation of user insights. The document also outlines the key components of a DSS including the data management, model management, knowledge-based, and user interface subsystems. It discusses the characteristics, benefits, and issues related to each component of a DSS.

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53 views26 pages

Decision Support Systems: An Overview

The document provides an overview of decision support systems (DSS) by summarizing various definitions of DSS from literature. It describes DSS as computer-based systems that assist managers in decision-making through the use of models, easy user interfaces, and the incorporation of user insights. The document also outlines the key components of a DSS including the data management, model management, knowledge-based, and user interface subsystems. It discusses the characteristics, benefits, and issues related to each component of a DSS.

Uploaded by

Tia
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Decision Support Systems:

An Overview

DSS Definitions

Little (1970)
model-based set of procedures for processing
data and judgments to assist a manager in his
decision making
Assumption: that the system is computer-based
and extends the users capabilities.

Alter (1980)
Contrasts DSS with traditional EDP systems
(Table 3.1)
2

TABLE 3.1 DSS versus EDP.


Dimension

DSS

EDP

Use

Active

Passive

User

Line and staff


management

Clerical

Goal

Effectiveness

Mechanical
efficiency

Time
Horizon

Present and future

Past

Objective

Flexibility

Consistency

Source: Alter [1980].

Moore and Chang (1980)


1. Extendible systems
2. Capable of supporting ad hoc data analysis and
decision modeling
3. Oriented toward future planning
4. Used at irregular, unplanned intervals

Bonczek et al. (1980)


A computer-based system consisting of
1. A language system -- communication between the user and DSS
components
2. A knowledge system
3. A problem-processing system--the link between the other two
components

Keen (1980)
DSS apply to situations where a final system can
be developed only through an adaptive process of
learning and evolution

Central Issue in DSS


support and improvement of decision making

TABLE 3.2 Concepts Underlying DSS Definitions.


Source

DSS Defined in Terms of

Gorry and Scott Morton [1971]

Problem type, system function (support)

Little [1970]

System function, interface


characteristics

Alter [1980]

Usage pattern, system objectives

Moore and Chang [1980]

Usage pattern, system capabilities

Bonczek, et al. [1996]

System components

Keen [1980]

Development process

Working Definition of DSS

A DSS is an interactive, flexible, and adaptable CBIS,


specially developed for supporting the solution of a nonstructured management problem for improved decision
making. It utilizes data, it provides easy user interface, and
it allows for the decision makers own insights

DSS may utilize models, is built by an interactive process


(frequently by end-users), supports all the phases of the
decision making, and may include a knowledge component

Characteristics and Capabilities of


DSS
1. Provide support in semi-structured and unstructured situations, includes
human judgment and computerized information
2. Support for various managerial levels
3. Support to individuals and groups
4. Support to interdependent and/or sequential decisions
5. Support all phases of the decision-making process
6. Support a variety of decision-making processes and styles
7. Are adaptive
8. Have user friendly interfaces (ease o fuse)
9. Goal: improve effectiveness of decision making
10. The decision maker controls the decision-making process
11. Refinement of system
12. End-users can build simple systems
13. Utilizes models for analysis
14. Provides access to a variety of data sources, formats, and types (knowledge)

Characteristics and Capabilities of


DSS

Major Benefits of DSS

Support the solution of complex situation


Fast response to unexpected situation
Ability to try several different strategies under
different configuration, quickly and objectively
New insight and learning
Facilitated communication
Improved management control and
performance
Cost saving
Objective decision
Improve managerial effectiveness
Improved productivity of analysts

DSS Components
1. Data Management Subsystem
2. Model Management Subsystem
3. Knowledge-based (Management) Subsystem
4. User Interface Subsystem (Dialog mngt)

11

DSS Components

12

The Data Management Subsystem

DSS database

Database management system

Database created, accessed and updated by a DBMS


Function : storage, retrieval, control

Data directory

Collection of interrelated data organized


corresponds to the needs and structure of an organization
Can be used by more one person for than one apllication

Catalog of all the data in the database

Query facility

Elements that provide the basis for access to data

13

The Data Management Subsystem

14

DSS In Focus 3.2: The Capabilities of DBMS in a DSS


Captures/extracts data for inclusion in a DSS database
Updates (adds, deletes, edits, changes) data records and files
Interrelates data from different sources
Retrieves data from the database for queries and reports
Provides comprehensive data security (protection from unauthorized access, recovery
capabilities, etc.)
Handles personal and unofficial data so that users can experiment with alternative
solutions based on their own judgment
Performs complex data manipulation tasks based on queries
Tracks data use within the DSS
Manages data through a data dictionary

15

DSS Database Issues

Data warehouse
Data mining
Special independent DSS databases
Extraction of data from internal, external, and private sources
Web browser data access
Web database servers
Multimedia databases
Special GSS databases (like Lotus Notes / Domino Server)
Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
Object-oriented databases
Commercial database management systems (DBMS)

16

Model base

Contains routine and special statistical, financial, management


science and other quantitative models that provide the analysis
capabilities in DSS

Model base management system

Software system with functions:

model creation, using subroutines and other building blocks


Generation new routines and reports
Model updating and changing
Data manipulation

Modeling language
Model directory

The Model Management


Subsystem

Catalog of all models in the model base

Model execution, integration, and command processor


17

The Model Management


Subsystem

18

Model Management Issues

Model level: Strategic, managerial (tactical), and


operational

Modeling languages

Lack of standard MBMS activities. WHY?

Use of AI and fuzzy logic in MBMS

19

The Knowledge Based (Management)


Subsystem

Provides expertise in solving complex


unstructured and semi-structured problems
Expertise provided by an expert system or
other intelligent system
Advanced DSS have a knowledge based
(management) component
Leads to intelligent DSS
Example: Data mining

20

The User Interface (Dialog)


Subsystem

Includes all communication between a user and


the MSS
Graphical user interfaces (GUI)
Voice recognition and speech synthesis possible
To most users, the user interface is the system

21

Dialog management

The User
Different usage patterns for the user, the
manager, or the decision maker

Managers
Staff specialists
Intermediaries
1. Staff assistant
2. Expert tool user
3. Business (system) analyst
4. GSS Facilitator

23

DSS Hardware
Evolved with computer hardware and
software technologies

Major Hardware Options

Mainframe
Workstation
Personal computer
Web server system

Internet
Intranets
Extranets

24

Classification of DSS

Data-oriented vs model oriented


(Alter, 1980)
Institusional vs Ad Hoc DSS (Donovan
& Madnick, 1977)
Degree of Nonprocedurality
(Bonczek, et al, 1980)
Personal, Group and Organizational
Support (Hackathorn & Keen, 1981)
Individual vs Group DSS
Custom-made vs ready-made system

Big
Picture of
DSS

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