DECISION SUPPORT

SYSTEMS
EDSS & GDSS

Presented by
ASWINI
 DSS ??

 Decision support systems (DSS)

– DSS are interactive computer-based systems
intended to help decision makers utilize data to
identify and solve problems and make
decisions.

– Offer potential to assist in solving both semi-

structured and unstructured problems.
 GROUP
DECISION
SUPPORT
SYSTEMS
GDSS: Group Decision Support Systems
 So much work is accomplished in groups
within organizations that a special category
of systems called GDSS has been developed
to support group & organizational decision
making.

Definition
 An interactive, computer-based system that facilitates solution of
unstructured problems by a set of decision-makers working together
as a group. It aids groups, especially groups of managers, in analyzing
problem situations and in performing group decision making tasks.

 Group Support Systems has come to mean computer software and

hardware used to support group functions and processes.
 Why Use GDSS?
 High level managers can spend 80% of their time making
decisions in groups. Applied correctly, GDSS can reduce this
time, arriving at a better decision faster.

 GDSS provides the hardware, software, databases and

procedures for effective decision making.
 Typical GDSS Process
1)Group Leader (Facilitator) select software, develop
agenda
2) Participants meet (in decision room/Internet) and
are given a task.
3) Participants generate ideas – brainstorm
anonymously
4) Facilitator organize ideas into categories
5) Discussion and prioritization – may involve
ranking by some criteria and/or rating to the
facilitators scale
6) Repeat Steps 3, 4, 5 as necessary
7) Reach decision
8) Recommend providing feedback on decision and
results to all involved
Three types of computer based support are available:

 Decision networks

 Decision room

 Teleconferencing
 Decision networks
 Characteristics
o Location of group members is distant
o Decision frequency is high
o Virtual workgroups
– Groups of workers located around the world
working on common problems via a GDSS
 Decision room

– For decision makers located in

the same geographic area or
building
– Use of computing devices,
special software, networking
capabilities, display equipment,
and a session leader
– Collect, coordinate, and feed
back organized information to
help a group make a decision
– Combines face-to-face verbal
interaction with technology-
aided formalization
 Advantages of GDSS
• Anonymity – drive out fear leading to better decisions from a
diverse hierarchy of decision makers
• Parallel Communication – eliminate monopolizing
providing increased participation, better decisions
• Automated record keeping – no need to take notes, they’re
automatically recorded
• Ability for virtual meetings – only need hardware, software
and people connected
• Portability - Can be set up to be portable… laptop
• Global Potential - People can be connected across the world
• No need for a computer guru – although some basic
experience is a must
 Disadvantages of GDSS
• Cost –infrastructure costs to provide the hardware and
software/room/network connectivity can be very expensive
• Security – especially true when companies rent the facilities
for GDSS; also, the facilitator may be a lower-level
employee who may leak information to peers
• Technical Failure – power loss, loss of connectivity, relies
heavily on bandwidth and LAN/WAN infrastructure –
properly setup system should minimize this risk
• Keyboarding Skills – reduced participation may result due
to frustration
• Training – learning curve is present for users, varies by
situation
• Perception of messages – lack of verbal communication
could lead to misinterpretation
 Future Implications of
GDSS
 GDSS will incorporate Artificial Intelligence and
Expert Systems – the software will “learn” and help the
users make better decisions
 Decreasing cost will allow more organizations to use
GDSS
 GDSS may play a large role in the future of the virtual
companies
 GDSS can help the virtual companies do business in the
global business environment
 GDSS can help promote a culturally diverse work
environment.
EXECUTIVE
SUPPORT
SYSTEMS
 EIS: Executive Information Systems

Definition

An EDSS is a MIS tailored to the strategic needs of top

management.
Goal of a computer-based EDSS is to provide top
management with immediate and easy access to selective
information about key factors that are critical to
accomplishing a firm’s strategic objectives.
The decisions at this level of the company are usually
never structured and could be described as "educated
guesses."
 Characteristics of EDSS
 Tailored to individual executives
 Easy to use
 Drill down capabilities
 Support the need for external data
 Help with situations with high degree
of uncertainty
Advantages of EDSS
– EDSS provide information that helps top
executives make their decisions.
– “Sense-and-respond” strategy
– Improve management performance & upper
management’s span of control.
– ESS rely on graphic presentation of
information
– Simple for high-level executives to use.
– •Provides timely delivery of company
summary information
– •Provides better understanding of
information
– •Filters data for better time management
 Disadvantages of EDSS
 Computer skills required to obtain results
 • Requires preparation and analysis time to
get desired information
 • Detail oriented •
 • Difficult to maintain database integrity
 • Provides only moderate support of
external data and graphics capabilities
THANKYOU.….