Decision Support Systems

Presented ByManjeet Singh

The DSS provides both problem-solving information and a communications capability for solving semistructured problems. The information is produced in the form of periodic and special reports, as well as outputs from mathematical models. The communications are used when groups of managers engage in problem solving.

Introduction

Decision Making Decisions are made to solve problems. While solving a problem, the problem solver may make many decisions. Decisions are courses of action that are taken to avoid or reduce negative effects, or to take advantage of opportunities.

Simon's Types of Decisions

Programmed decisions are "repetitive and routine, to the extent that a definite procedure has been worked out for handling them so that they do not have to be treated de novo (as new) each time they occur".

Nonprogrammed decisions are novel, unstructured, and unusually consequential. There is no cut-and-dried method for handling the problem because it hasn't arisen before, or because its precise nature and structure are elusive or complex, or because it is so important that it deserves a custom-tailored treatment

Simon's Phases of Decision Making

Intelligence Activity Searching the environment for conditions calling for a solution.

Design Activity Inventing, developing, and analyzing possible courses of action.

Choice Activity Selecting a particular course of action from those available.

Review Activity Assessing past choices.

DSS Objectives

Assist managers in making decisions to solve semistructured problems.

Support the manager's judgment rather than try to replace it.

Improve the manager's decision-making effectiveness rather than its efficiency.

A DSS Model

Group Decision Support Systems

A group decision support system (GDSS) is "a computer-based system that supports groups of people engaged in a common task (or goal) and that provides an interface to a shared environment." Other terms have also been coined to describe the application of information technology to group settings. These terms include group support system (GSS), computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW), computerized collaborative work support, and electronic meeting System (EMS). The software that is used in these settings has been given the name groupware.