An Introduction to Decision Support Systems

Decision support systems constitute a class of computer-based information systems including knowledge-based systems that support decision-making activities

(Wikipedia, 2009)

Definition

set of tools provided to managers to assist them in solving problems in their own, personalised way.

not necessarily totally computer-based

support manager as opposed to replace them

interactive - i.e. prompt new questions as well as providing answers

Decision Support Systems:

Greatest successes in the area of decision taking systems (more like expert systems)

financial institutions use them to accelerate credit / loan approval (e.g. American Express)

In companies, Spreadsheets with simple business models are used as DSS

Individuals may create these models themselves

Decision Support Systems

Important element in supporting decision maker is the existence of a model

= a representation / simulation of reality some are probabilistic or statistically

calibrated other are expertise based on specific

expertise of a group of individuals DSS applications may contain several models they can also include various degrees of

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Role of models in DSS

Google HealthLet’s take a lookhttp://www.google.com/intl/en-IE/health/tour/index.html

Example of DSS:

Demo of Visual Dx –Visual Diagnostic Decision Support

http://www.visualdx.com/visualdx/

http://www.visualdx.com/visualdxIndividual/

Visual Decision Support