An Introduction to Decision Support Systems

1. An Introduction to Decision Support Systems MIS 533

2. Information Requirements by Management Level Strategic Management Tactical Management Information Decisions Operational Management

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

4. 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”

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. The Decision Making Process • Regardless of the type of decision maker, all decisions involve the following steps • Intelligence • Design • Choice • Decision • Implementation

9. Strategies for Making Decisions • Optimization • Satisficing • Elimination by Aspects • Incrementalism • Mixed Scanning • Analytic Hierarchy Process

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

14. Knowledge Management Tools • Text and Forms management • Database and Reporting management • Spreadsheet, Solvers and Charts management • Programming management. • Rules management

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

16. External and Internal Data Data Management Model Management Attribute Data Aspatial Models Attribute Data Object Knowledge Data Management Dialog Management Attribute-Based Queries and Reports Other Decision Information Maker Systems A model of a DSS

17. A model of a Spatial DSS

18. 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

19. Specific DSS Technologies • Expert Systems • Executive Information Systems • Management Support Systems • Communication Support Systems • Group DSS • Personal Support System