Decesion Support Systems

John O’GormanDept MIS

Structured andUnstructured Problems

Structured Problems Proven set of steps for solution

Algorithm

Unstructured Problems Multiple potential solution

Semistructured Problems Neither fully structured nor totally

unstructured

Structured andUnstructured Problems

Programmable Problems Specific programs can be written to solve

Structured problems are programmableUnstructured problems are unprogrammable

Managers and Semistructured Problems Most common type of problem for

managers

DSS Components

Decision Support Systems (DSS) Computer-based information

systems that help managers select one of many solutions Automates some of decision-making

processSophisticated and fast analysisUsed at all management levels

DSS Components

Three Major ComponentsData management module

• Database• External Structured Data

Model management module• Model for Analysis e.g. Regression

Dialog management module• Parameter Modification• Display of Results• Connection to other Modules

Types of DecisionSupport Systems

Personal Decision Support Systems Serve individual users in daily

decision making

Run on personal computers

Single model for data processing

Types of DecisionSupport Systems

Group Decision Support Systems Promote brainstorming and group

decision making

Located in conference room or on networked computers

Weigh votes to overcome impasses

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis

Tests degree to which result is

affected by change in parameters

What-if analysis

Can change multiple parameters at

once

Future/Current Development

Natural Language Query/Visual Display

Support for Acessing External Data Sources (XML/ADO)

Zero AdministrationConcurrencyDocument Repositories

Expert System

Embody Human understanding

Target not explicit model

Target is tacit understanding

Implications from Ba

Expert Systems

Limited to Specific DomainLimited to Specific Problem ina

Specific DomainOrganisation Context

Comprehensive / Muiltiple tasks / Useful Life

Who makes the decesionsType of Solution (Time, Number)

Conclusion

DSS encapsulate MdoelsES encapsulate tacit understanding

Make unstructured structures

Executive Information Systems

John O’GormanDept of MIS

EIS - What is it?

Strutured Data System

Superior User Interface

Drill Down Features

Trend Analysis

Visual Query Features

Communicate with other data sources

EIS - The Aim

Aeroplane Metaphor

Cockpit equiped with early warning

instrumentation

By Mid-90’s had not worked out

EIS - The Problem

Lack of Data Integration Dependability/Consistency Issues

EIS developed as complete new systemPredefined query pathSlow Database SoftwareEIS stopped been EIS

Business Intelligent System Decesion Support System

EIS - Implementation

High Costs

Unknown Benefits

Threat to existing functional areas

Executive training

Incompatibility with Corporate

procedures

EIS - What Changed?

1. Data Integration

2. New Development

3. Set queries

4. Slow DB

5. Exec Training

ERP

Emergent System

Visual Query Tools

Better Technology

New Breed

EIS - Uses (Scottish Power)

Standarize InformationScottish Power

Visible Performance Levels Model Organisations CSF Phased approach

Only Financial System in DB

Long Term Forecast Fuelled Decentalisation

EIS - Uses (Nike)

Profitability System (1980’s)One question leads to anotherDaily Flash - Transaction warningQuery EngineTrend AnalysisReal Time reporting

Conclusion

EIS problems from

lack of integration

Lagging Technology

Physical barriers overcome

New potentails arise (decentralisation

etc)