Ch5 - Decision Support Systems

Question 1

DSS Stands for

Answer 1

Decision Support System

Question 2

What is a model?

Answer 2

A representation of some aspect of the real world.

Question 3

What is a simulation?

Answer 3

Running data through a model to produce an outcome.

Question 4

Decision Support Systems are useful for what types of problems?

Answer 4

Fuzzy complicated problems which can’t be directly computed.

Question 5

Which three of the seven information processes is important in a DSS?

Answer 5

Collecting, Organising and Analysing

Question 6

What are the three components of a DSS?

Answer 6

Data management, Model management, Dialogue management

Question 7

What are the three classifications of situations?

Answer 7

Structured, Semi Structured and Unstructured

Question 8

Describe the characteristics of structured situations.

Answer 8

• Decisions are automated
• DSS not required
• A set of inputs will always produce the same solution

Question 9

Describe the characteristics of semi-structured situations.

Answer 9

• There is a method to follow
• Requirements are clear cut
• Correct, accurate solution is not guaranteed
• Many factors or unknown factors involved

Question 10

Describe the characteristics of unstructured situations.

Answer 10

• There is no method to reach the decision
• Judgements are required
• Requires insights into the problem
• Too many factors or unknown factors involved

Question 11

Give examples of a structured situation.

Answer 11

• Calculating area of a shape
• Producing an average of a set of results
• Working out the height of an object

Question 12

Give examples of a semi-structured situation.

Answer 12

• Predicting the weather
• Working out an insurance estimate
• Which subjects should I choose at school

Question 13

Give examples of unstructured situations.

Answer 13

• Outcome of a coin toss
• Best course of action for a sports player during a game
• Predicting stock prices

Question 14

What are the different types of DSS’s?

Answer 14

• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Expert Systems
• Neural networks

Question 15

What are the four areas of a well laid out spreadsheet?

Answer 15

• Instruction area
• Input area
• Calculation area
• Output area

Question 16

What is the difference between a formula and a function?

Answer 16

A formula is a calculation that you have written. A function is a calculation using built in operations (usually to perform more complex tasks).

Question 17

What is the difference between an absolute and a relative cell reference?

Answer 17

An absolute cell reference will not change as it is copied to new cells whereas a relative cell reference will update what it refers to when copied to a new cell.

Question 18

How do you make a cell reference an absolute cell reference?

Answer 18

By adding a $ sign in front of either the Row or Column (or both) to lock it in place.

Question 19

What is a circular reference?

Answer 19

When you have two or more cell references that create a loop in terms of referring to each other. Results in an error.

Question 20

What are the four main parts of an SQL query?

Answer 20

SELECT
FROM
WHERE
ORDER By

Question 21

What is a VLOOKUP?

Answer 21

A function in spreadsheets that can identify a value in a table several columns over from the reference column according to a set criteria.