1. Defining Decision Support System
The concept of a (DSS) is extremely broad and its definitions vary:
It is "a computer-based system that aids the process of decision making, (Finlay, 1994)
It is "an interactive, flexible, and adaptable computer-based IS - especially developed for supporting the solution of a non-structured management problem for improved decision making, (Turban, 1995)
Defining DSS ….. (Contd…)
“DSS couple the intellectual resources of individuals with the capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of decisions”, (Keen & Scott, 1978)
DSS are "interactive computer-based systems that help decision makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured problems", (Sprague & Carlson, 1982),

2. Defining DSS ….. (Contd…)
“DSS couple the intellectual resources of individuals with the capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of decisions”, (Keen & Scott, 1978)
DSS are "interactive computer-based systems that help decision makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured problems", (Sprague & Carlson, 1982),

3. Defining DSS Architectures is extremely broad too:
Sprague and Carlson (1982) identify three fundamental components of DSS
(a) DBMS
(b) Model-Base Management System (MBMS), and
(c)     the dialog generation & management system (DGMS)

4. Power (2002), discussed building DSS in terms of 4 major components:
a) the user interface
b) the database
c) the model and analytical tools, and
d) the DSS architecture and network.

5. Marakas (1999) proposes a generalized architecture made of five distinct parts:
(a)   the data management system,
(b)    the model management system,
(c)     the knowledge engine,
(d)     the user interface, and
(e)     the user(s).

6. But in this unit we define:
DSS as a computer program application that analyzes business data and presents it so that users can make business decisions more easily.
It is an "informational application" that collects the data in the course of normal business operation).

7. Typical example a DSS might gather and present would be:
Comparative sales figures between one week and the next
Projected revenue figures based on new product sales assumptions

8. Furthermore DSS is:
A computer based program for solving structured and semi-structured problems
A DSS consists of :
Model base management system
Database management system
Dialog generation management system
Database
Model base

9. Decision Support Systems
Solving structure problems
Person compared the problem with available models
Person find match between model and problem
Person runs the model using available data and gets solution
Person plays “what if” analysis
Person may use different models

10. Decision Support Systems
Solving unstructured problem
Force fit the problem into one of the available models
Solve problem regular way
What we do is turn an unstructured problem into a structured problem
What to do when we fail?

11. Decision Support Systems
Solving non structured problem
There are no known methods to solve unstructured problems
Turn unstructured problem into semi-structured problem
Turn semi-structured into structured problem
How to accomplish above steps?

12. Decision Support Systems
Problem Solving
Define the problem usually as mathematical model
Get relevant data
Suggest a possible solution
Run the model against the data
Evaluate results of proposed solutions

13. Decision Support Systems
Problem Solving (...contd.)
Change model parameters to see how robust your solution is
Change model to see how robust your solution is

14. Decision Support Systems
What is a good model?
Know how each input determines output
Know how each output depends on the inputs
For each output be able to work out the necessary inputs
Model simplicity
Model understandability by manager

15. Decision Support Systems
Model
Management science has many models:
Statistical
Mathematical
Linear programming
Integer programming
Linear models
Non-linear models
Dynamic models
Transportation models

16. Decision Support Systems
Model
If all else fails use simulations
Waiting lines
Store clerk placement
Inventory control

17. Decision Support Systems
Data
Transaction data
Corporate data
Environmental data
Economic data
Competitive data
Marketing data
Data Warehouse
Integration of above data types

18. Decision Support Systems
Problem with models
Lack of input data
Do not understand model output
Models age
Managers have no confidence in model
Model base lacks integration
Models are difficult to make
Input/Output relations complex

19. Decision Support Systems
Case example
School districts needed a new bus schedule to ensure district be racially balanced
A typical transportation model
Consultants worked out a new bus schedule satisfying requirement
District rejected the model
District wanted to maintain old schedule but want to back this up scientifically

20. Decision Support Systems
Graphical functions
Time series
Scatter diagram
Bar/Pie charts
Geographic maps
Organizational charts
Event schedule

21. Decision Support Systems
DSS history
DSS
GDSS
EIS
ESS

22. Decision Support Systems
EIS/ESS presents executives with
Performance data
Internal data arising from communications
Environmental data
EIS/ESS
helps executives to do their job
Adapted to executives tasks and management style

23. Decision Support Systems
How things get done wrong
No executive support
Lack of objectives
Lack of data
Lack of support staff
No thought about DSS future

24. Decision Support Systems
Presentations
Tables
Graphics
DSS development
GDSS anonymity
DSS generator
Marketing case

25. How about Executive Information Systems, (EIS)?
Def: (EIS) is a computer-based system intended to facilitate and support the information and decision making needs of senior executives by providing easy access to both internal and external information relevant to meeting the strategic goals of the organisation.

26. EIS Def.… Contd
It is commonly considered as a specialized form of DSS. The emphasis of EIS in on graphical displays and easy-to-use user interfaces.
EIS are enterprise-wide DSS that help top-level executives analyze, compare, and highlight trends in important variables. So that they can monitor performance and identify opportunities and problems

27. Can you see the difference between DSS and EIS?
Do you know a software package which is appropriate for decision making?
What package(s) do we have here at Goldsmith that can be used as a decision making tool?
How do we decide what software package to use?
How do we justify our choice?