An Introduction to Decision Support Systems

MIS 533

Information Requirements by Management Level

Strategic Management

Tactical Managemen t Operational Managemen t

Structured vs. Semi-Structured

For each decision you make, the decision will fall into one of the following categories:
Structured Decisions Unstructured Semi-Structured

Structured Decisions
Often called programmed decisions because they are routine and there are usually specific policies, procedures, or actions that can be identified to help make the decision
This is how we usually solve this type of problem

Unstructured Decisions
Decision scenarios that often involve new or unique problems and the individual has little or no programmatic or routine procedure for addressing the problem or making a decision

Semi-structured Decisions
Decision scenarios that have some structured components and some unstructured components.

The Role of the Decision Maker

Decision makers can be
Individuals Teams Groups Organizations

All of these types of decision makers will differ in their knowledge and experience; therefore, there will be differences in how they will react to a given problem scenario

The Decision Making Process

Regardless of the type of decision maker, all decisions involve the following steps
Intelligence Design Choice Decision Implementation

Strategies for Making Decisions

Optimization Satisficing Elimination by Aspects Incrementalism Mixed Scanning Analytic Hierarchy Process

Types of Models
Deterministic: linear programming and production planning Stochastic: queuing theory and regression analysis Simulation: transportation analysis and production modeling Domain-specific: meteorological models, geologic models, economic models

Conceptual Models
Formal approaches are not always feasible Most all problem is always completely new Decision makers can therefore recall and combine a variety of past experiences to create a model of the current situation The Garbage can approach to decision making

How can IT be used to support decision makers?

By supporting various individual and team activities and roles:
Communication and team interaction The assimilation and filtering of data Assist with problem recognition Assist with problem solving Putting together the results into a cohesive package

Data is turned into information, but the decision maker also needs Knowledge to make decisions
Types of knowledge:
Descriptive Knowledge Procedural Knowledge Reasoning Knowledge

Knowledge Management Tools

Text and Forms management Database and Reporting management Spreadsheet, Solvers and Charts management Programming management. Rules management

The IS Toolbox
Types of organizational systems
Transaction Processing Systems Management Support Systems Decision Support Systems Executive Information Systems

A model of a DSS
External and Internal Data
Attribute Data Object Data Data Management Attribute Data Model Management Aspatial Models

Knowledge Management

Dialog Management Attribute-Based Queries and Reports

Decision Maker

Other Information Systems

A model of a Spatial DSS

External and Internal Data
Attribute Data Object Data Data Management Attribute Data Spatial Data Model Management Aspatial Models Spatial Models

Knowledge Management

Spatial Data

Dialog Management Attribute-Based Queries and Reports Spatial-Based Queries and Reports

Decision Maker

Other Information Systems

So, how does a DSS benefit decision makers

Supplements the decision maker Allows improved intelligence, decision, and choice activities Facilitates problem solving Provides assistance with non-structures decisions Assists with knowledge management

Specific DSS Technologies

Expert Systems Executive Information Systems Management Support Systems Communication Support Systems
Group DSS

Personal Support System