Class 6 Part 2 Flashcards
What are Decision Support Systems (DSS)?
Special-purpose information systems designed to support managerial-level employees in organizational decision making
DSS use computational software to construct models for analysis to solve problems such as sales or resource forecasts.
What is the most common software used in Decision Support Systems?
MS Excel
What is ‘what-if’ analysis?
Changing one or more variables in the model to observe the effect
Who developed the well-known model of decision making?
Herbert Simon
What are the three stages of the decision-making phase in problem-solving according to Herbert Simon’s model?
- Intelligence stage
- Design stage
- Choice stage
What does the monitoring stage of problem solving involve?
Evaluating the implementation to determine whether the anticipated results were achieved
What are programmed decisions?
Routine and repetitive decisions made using a rule, procedure, or quantitative method
What are nonprogrammed decisions?
One-time decisions that deal with unusual or exceptional situations
Define structured decisions.
Decisions where the variables are known and can be measured quantitatively
Define unstructured decisions.
Decisions where the variables cannot be measured quantitatively and are based on criteria that are ambiguous or incomplete
What are semi-structured decisions?
Decisions where only some variables can be measured quantitatively
What are the benefits of Information and Decision Support Systems?
Support better decisions and enhance decision quality, problem complexity, and decision-making speed
What is the focus of a Decision Support System?
Decision-making effectiveness regarding unstructured or semi-structured business problems
List some components of Decision Support Systems.
- Database Management System (DBMS)
- Model Base
- User-friendly Interface
- Access to the Internet and networks
What is the role of the Database Management System (DBMS) in a DSS?
Allows managers to perform qualitative analysis on data stored in databases
What does the Model Base do in a Decision Support System?
Allows managers to perform quantitative analysis on both internal and external data
What is Model Management Software (MMS)?
Coordinates the use of models in a DSS including financial, statistical analysis, and project-management models
What is the primary function of a user interface in a DSS?
Allows decision makers to easily access and manipulate the DSS
What distinguishes model-driven DSS from data-driven DSS?
Model-driven DSS performs mathematical or quantitative analysis, while data-driven DSS emphasizes access to and manipulation of data
What are some examples of data-driven DSS?
- Evaluate alternative investment in mortgage portfolios
- Evaluate and compare air fares
- Evaluate and compare various automobile prices
What is a Group Decision Support System (GDSS)?
A computerized collaborative work system that provides effective support in group decision-making settings
What is a key feature of GDSS that helps reduce negative group behavior?
Anonymous input
What is the purpose of automated record keeping in GDSS?
Automatically keep detailed records of a meeting
Name a popular software package for Group Decision Support Systems.
IBM Lotus Notes
What is the function of shared electronic calendars in GDSS?
To coordinate meetings and schedules for decision-making teams
