An Introduction to Decision

Support Systems
MIS 533

Information
Information Requirements
Requirements by
by
Management
Management Level
Level

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Tactical
Managemen
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Operational
Managemen
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De
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Strategic
Management

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

Spatial
Data

Data Management
Attribute Data
Spatial Data

Model Management
Aspatial Models
Spatial Models

Knowledge
Management

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

THANK YOU