DSS

DSS are interactive information system

that relies on an integrated set of user friendly hardware and software tools
to produce and present information that is
targeted to support the management in decision making process.

4 major components of DSS – Database and its management, model base and it management,
Hardware and System User interface.

Importance of DSS
The primary purpose of using a DSS is to present information to the customer in an easy-to-
understand way. A DSS system is beneficial because it can be programmed to generate many
types of reports, all based on user specifications

Mention the types of DSS along with examples

Status inquiry systems – eg selection of vendor, procurement,
Data analysis system – personnel inventory system, cash flow analysis
Information analysis system – sales analysis, accounts receivables, selection of vendor based
on price, quality performance
Accounting system – cash, inventory, personnel
Model based system – product mix, job scheduling rules

Critical factors for the success/failure of the Decision Support System?

1. Execution time
2. Accuracy of output
3. Versatility
4. Quality of Help
5. Adaptability
6. Uniformity of commands and interface
7. Learning time
8. Ease of recall
9. Errors
10. Concentration required
11. Fatigue
12. Fun

List the major components of the DSS structure.

DSS is composed of four major components. They are: 1. Database and its management 2.
Modelbase and its management 3. Hardware 4. User system interface

Data warehousing
It is a technology that provides the user with the tools to store the summarized information
from multiple heterogeneous databases in a single repository.

List the categories of data warehousing tools

Access tools
Retrieval tools
Database reporting tools
Data analysis tools
Data mining tools

State the characteristics of a OOP (objct oriented programming) system.

1. Real-time systems 2. Simulation and modeling 3. Object-oriented databases 4. Hypertext,
hypermedia and expert text 5. Artificial Intelligence 6. Expert Systems 7. Neural Networks 8.
Decision Support Systems 9. CAD/CAM Systems

List the processes involved in systems development.

The processes involved in systems development are: 1. Systems analysis 2. System design 3.
Programming 4. Testing/debugging 5. Conversion 6. Parallel runs 7. Implementation 8.
Maintenance and modifications

State the characteristics of a system.

A system should possess the following characteristics.
System receives inputs by way of information, energy or materials
System processes inputs and produces/ gives output/results
System has structure, i.e. its elements; components are organized in a particular way
System is interdependent
System has objective orientation

What are the various activities involved in systems design?

The various activities involved in system design can be summarized as below:
Specify data element, records and files
Specify input Performa and data preparation formats
Specify system output
Develop system/data flow chart
Develop feedback control mechanism
Develop program specification
Identify personnel who will complete these activities
Plan the resources
Schedule
Assessment
Decision facilitating ability
Economic
Reliability
Flexibility
Simplicity