TOPIC 4 - Decision Support Systems (DSS) Flashcards
State the four components of a DSS model.
TO CHECK
Explain the group decision support system (GDSS) and its technologies.
DSS is primarily focused on individual decision making. In today’s business environment, a lot of work is carried out in groups. As such, it becomes extremely important that a group decision support system or GDSS is developed. This is done to aid in organisational decision making and has since become a special category of the systems.
GDSS Concept
GDSS is basically a computer system designed to provide interactive facilitations to solve unstructured problems. It is carried out by a group of decision makers who could be stationed in the same location or in different locations throughout the organisation.
In supporting group decisions processes, organisations adopt the use of collaboration systems or web-based tools that are designed for electronic meetings or teleconferencing tools which are mostly used for communication. Meanwhile, GDSS is primarily used and explicitly adopted for group decision making through the available tools and technologies.
Special hardware and software are used in conference rooms for GDSS-guided meetings to facilitate group decision making. These tools include overhead projectors, display screens, networking or computer equipment and special electronic-meeting software which are able perform typical tasks such as storing and editing ideas during a decision-making meeting.
Meanwhile, a more elaborate GDSS would involve the use of additional staff as well as a professional facilitator or moderator who will determine the appropriate tool(s) for the meeting.
Moreover, a sophisticated GDSS will have a dedicated computer or system assigned to every member of the meeting. This enables every member to work on their private spaces and only share what they want others to see. Input can be shared over the network which is controlled by a central server whereby data can be used for collaboration purposes. The data can be projected onto the large screen for everyone to see and evaluate.
List the key characteristics and capabilities of a DSS.
Covers both data and models in the process;
(b) Specifically designed to help perform semi-structured or unstructured tasks for managers and decision makers;
(c) Does not replace managerial judgement. Instead, it is designed to support the decision-making process; and
(d) Helps to enhance decision making by improving the effectiveness instead of the efficiency of the processes.
Describe at least three categories of the DSS.
(a) Communication-driven DSS
The main purpose of a communication-driven DSS is to aid in collaboration among team members who are predominantly within the organisation including its partners. It is most commonly used with a web or client-server platform and includes the use of instant messaging software, NetMeeting system and online chat programs. In the past, special software such as a video conferencing platform was needed for these applications. With broadband Internet access now readily available, web-based communication software such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are now common tools used in this type of DSS.
(b) Data-driven DSS
This is a common category of DSS which is used to work with a database via queries and other applications. Data-driven DSS are mostly used by people such as the managers, staff and suppliers of the business. A mainframe, client-server link or web-based program is commonly adopted to run data- driven DSS. Examples of data-driven DSS include Microsoft Access.
(c) Document-driven DSS
Targeted for a large community or group of users, document-driven DSS is suitable for searching documents or web pages. This is commonly done using a client-server or a web-based system. An example of this is an internal intranet system in an organisation. Real-life examples of document-driven DSS include UNCOVER and Lexis-Nexis.
(d) Knowledge-driven DSS
Known also as knowledge-based DSS, this type of DSS covers a broad range of systems that can be accessed by a large group of users. It is the catch-all category of DSS among the five categories and has a lot of usage. It is not only limited to internal users but can also include those from the external environment, for example, the customers. A knowledge-driven DSS is used to provide advice to the management in choosing which type of product or service to offer. It is normally offered through a client-server platform, a web- based application or even a stand-alone system. Among the known applications of this type of DSS are XCON and TAXADVISOR.
(e) Model-driven DSS
This category of DSS is a lot more complex. It helps businesses to derive the best option among many and to analyse data. It is used mostly by internal managers, staff and those who have direct involvement with the business. A model-driven DSS has various purposes such as scheduling, analysing decisions and so on. The client-server platform, web-based platform and stand-alone computers are commonly used in deploying this type of DSS. Model-driven DSS is commonly used by high-profile industries. Some examples of model-driven DSS are Analytica 2.0, iThink and Stella.
