Ch5 - Decision Support Systems Flashcards
DSS Stands for
Decision Support System
What is a model?
A representation of some aspect of the real world.
What is a simulation?
Running data through a model to produce an outcome.
Decision Support Systems are useful for what types of problems?
Fuzzy complicated problems which can’t be directly computed.
Which three of the seven information processes is important in a DSS?
Collecting, Organising and Analysing
What are the three components of a DSS?
Data management, Model management, Dialogue management
What are the three classifications of situations?
Structured, Semi Structured and Unstructured
Describe the characteristics of structured situations.
- Decisions are automated
- DSS not required
- A set of inputs will always produce the same solution
Describe the characteristics of semi-structured situations.
- There is a method to follow
- Requirements are clear cut
- Correct, accurate solution is not guaranteed
- Many factors or unknown factors involved
Describe the characteristics of unstructured situations.
- There is no method to reach the decision
- Judgements are required
- Requires insights into the problem
- Too many factors or unknown factors involved
Give examples of a structured situation.
- Calculating area of a shape
- Producing an average of a set of results
- Working out the height of an object
Give examples of a semi-structured situation.
- Predicting the weather
- Working out an insurance estimate
- Which subjects should I choose at school
Give examples of unstructured situations.
- Outcome of a coin toss
- Best course of action for a sports player during a game
- Predicting stock prices
What are the different types of DSS’s?
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Expert Systems
- Neural networks
What are the four areas of a well laid out spreadsheet?
- Instruction area
- Input area
- Calculation area
- Output area
What is the difference between a formula and a function?
A formula is a calculation that you have written. A function is a calculation using built in operations (usually to perform more complex tasks).
What is the difference between an absolute and a relative cell reference?
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.
How do you make a cell reference an absolute cell reference?
By adding a $ sign in front of either the Row or Column (or both) to lock it in place.
What is a circular reference?
When you have two or more cell references that create a loop in terms of referring to each other. Results in an error.
What are the four main parts of an SQL query?
SELECT
FROM
WHERE
ORDER By
What is a VLOOKUP?
A function in spreadsheets that can identify a value in a table several columns over from the reference column according to a set criteria.
