An Overview of Decision Support Systems

What is Decision Support System (DSS)?

• Computer based systems.

• That help decision makers.

• Confront ill-structured problems.

• Through direct interaction.

• With data and analysis model.

Definition from: Sprague and Carlson 1982

Decision Support Systems (DSS)

DSS in organisation?

Borrowed from Yuval Dan-Gur lectures

Comparison of DSSs and MISs

Factor DSS MIS

Problem Types

Non-Structured Structured

Users Individuals, small groups, entire organization

Entire organization

Support People still have to make decisions

Sometimes people can be replaced

Emphasis Decisions Information

Approach Interactive reports Regularly reports

Comparison of DSSs and MISs (Cont.)

Factor DSS MIS

Speed Fast reaction to users request

Usually slower

Output Screen oriented Printer oriented

Development Short with users involvement

Long without users involvement

Components of a DSS

Storage of Raw Data

Data Base User Interface

Haifa MBA Graduate

• Rules• Instructions• Assumptions • Commands

DSS User Interface

External Raw Data

Storage.

Database Client Model Base Client

The Model Base

DSS Applications Examples

The Group Decision Support System (GDSS) - Decision Room

Examples of GDSS

• Are we going to play today?

• ECO Process.

• Nasa – “Houston” we have a problem.

Different DSS Trends

• Personal based DSS.

• Distributed DSS – One language for all.

• Group DSS.

• Intelligent DSS.

• User friendliness.

Bibliography

• Sprague, Watson, 1986“DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS”

• Singh , Massuyes, 1991“DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND

QUALITATIVE REASONING”

• Sean B. Eom, 2001“DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS”

• Web Sources

Q & A

Benjamin Celebicich

Pablo Srabstein