Decision Support Systems:

An Overview

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 Working Definition of DSS

 A DSS is an interactive, flexible, and

adaptable CBIS, specially developed for
supporting the solution of a un-structured
management problem for improved
decision making. It utilizes data, it
provides easy user interface, and it allows
for the decision maker’s own insights

 DSS – “model based set of procedures for

processing data & judgments to assist a
manager in his decision making”

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 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
(more)

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7. Are adaptive
8. Have user friendly interfaces
9. Goal: improve effectiveness of decision
making
10. The decision maker controls the decision-
making process
11. Utilizes models for analysis
Decision makers can make better, more
consistent decisions in a timely manner

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

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 DSS Components

User

User Interface

KBS1

DBMS MBMS

KBS2 KBS3

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 The Data Management
Subsystem

 DSS database
 Database management system
 Data directory
 Query facility

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 Data management subsystem
 Database
* collection of interrelated data organized to meet the needs
& structure of an org.
* Data are extracted from internal & external data sources
* Extracted go to specific application DB or to the corporate
data warehouse
* Internal data ( Intranet) & external data (Internet)
 Extraction – Importing of files, summarization,
Standardization & condensation of data
 DBMS
* DB is created, accessed & updated by a DBMS
* Most DSS are built with std. Commercial DBMS (SQL)
 Query facility
* Important function of DSS query system is selection &
manipulation operations
 The directory
* It is a catalog of all the data in the DB ,contains data
definitions & its main function is to answer questions about
the availability of data items , their source & exact meaning

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DSS In Focus 3.2: The Capabilities of DBMS in a DSS
Captures/extracts dataforinclusioninaDSSdatabase
Updates (adds, deletes, edits, changes) datarecords and
files
Interrelates datafromdifferent sources
Retrieves datafromthedatabase forqueries andreports
Provides comprehensivedatasecurity(protectionfrom
unauthorizedaccess, recoverycapabilities, etc.)
Handles personal andunofficial datasothat users can
experiment withalternative solutions basedontheirown
judgment
Performs complexdatamanipulationtasks basedon
queries
Tracks datausewithinthe DSS 9
The Data Management Sub system

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 The Model Management
Subsystem

 Model base (building blocks)

 Model base management system
 Modeling language
 Model directory
 Model execution, integration, and
command processor

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 Model Management Issues
 Model Base: Strategic, managerial (tactical),
operational & analytical
 Model building blocks & routines - Excel
 Modeling tools :
Modeling languages ( C, C ++, LISP and
PROLOG)
 Model Base Management system: s/w – Model
creation, updation & Manipulation using pgm.
Language & other building blocks
 Model directory: Model defn. ,Availability &
capability of models
 Model execution – controlling the actual running
of model
 Model integration – integrating DSS with other
applications
 Model command processor: Accept & interpret
modeling instructions from user interface &
direct to MBMS, model execution or integration12

functions
The Model Management Subsystem

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 Major functions of the MBMS

Creates models easily & quickly either from existing models

or from building blocks
Allows user to manipulate models to conduct experiments &
sensitivity analysis
Stores, retrieves, & manages a wide variety of models in a
logical & integrated manner
Access & integrates the model building blocks
Catalogs & displays the directory of models for use by several
individuals in the org.
Use multiple models to support problem solving

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 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

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User Interface( dialog) Subsystem

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 The User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem
 Includes all communication between a user
and the MSS
 Managed by a s/w called UIMS also known as
dialog generation & mgt system
 Includes a natural language processor or std.
Objects through a GUI
 Enables the user to interact with Database &
modebase mgt. subsystem
 Voice recognition and speech synthesis possible

 To most users, the user interface is the system

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 The User

Different usage patterns for the

user, the manager, or the
decision maker
Users
 Managers
 Staff specialists
 Intermediaries
1. Staff assistant
2. Expert tool user
3. Business (system) analyst
4. DSS Facilitator

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 DSS Hardware
Evolved with computer hardware and
software technologies

Major Hardware Options

 Mainframe
 Workstation
 Personal computer
 Web server system
– Internet
– Intranets
– Extranets

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 DSS Classifications
Alter’s Output Classification (1980)
 Degree of action implication of
system outputs (supporting
decision)
 Holsapple and Whinston’s
Classification
1. Text-oriented DSS
2. Database-oriented DSS
3. Spreadsheet-oriented DSS
4. Solver-oriented DSS
5. Rule-oriented DSS
6. Compound DSS

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