DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM

DSS is an intelligent work environment that will help you capture the why as well as the what of
engineered design and decision making.

Using a decision support system involves an interactive analytical modeling process.

For example using a DSS software package for decision support may result in a series of displays in
response to alternative what-if changes entered by a manager.

They use the DSS to find the information they need to help them make a decision. This is the essence of
the decision support system concept.

Unlike MIS decision support systems rely on model bases as well as databases as vital system resources.

DSS software contains built-in analytical modeling routines and also enables you to build your own
models.

PepsiCo and Sedgwick James Inc. the world’s largest insurance broker developed a risk management DSS
to help minimize PepsiCo’s losses from accidents, theft and other causes.

DSS involves four basic types analytical modeling activities 1. What-if analysis 2. Sensitivity analysis 3.
Goal seeking analysis 4. Optimization analysis

Three fundamental components of a DSS architecture are: the database (or knowledge base), the model
(i.e., the decision context and user criteria), and

the user interface.

DSS components may be classified as:

Inputs: Factors, numbers, and characteristics to analyze

User Knowledge and Expertise: Inputs requiring manual analysis by the user

Outputs: Transformed data from which DSS "decisions" are generated

Decisions: Results generated by the DSS based on user criteria

DSSs which perform selected cognitive decision-making functions and are based on artificial intelligence
or intelligent agents technologies are called Intelligent Decision Support Systems (IDSS).[citation needed]

EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEM

• Information systems that combine many of the features of MIS and decision support systems.

• When they were first developed their focus was on meeting the strategic information needs of
top management.
 • The first goal EIS was to provide top executives with immediate and easy access to information
about Critical Success Factors that is key factors that are critical to accomplishing organization’s
strategic objective.

• EIS are becoming so widely used by managers, analysts and other knowledge workers that they
are sometimes called everyone’s information system.

• In EIS the information is presented in forms tailored to the preferences of the executives using
the system.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

 Knowledge Management System (KM System) refers to a (generally IT based) system for
managing knowledge in organizations for supporting creation, capture, storage and
dissemination of information.

 It can comprise a part (neither necessary nor sufficient) of a Knowledge Management initiative.

 The idea of a KM system is to enable employees to have ready access to the organization's
documented base of facts, sources of information, and solutions.

 For example a typical claim justifying the creation of a KM system might run something like this:
an engineer could know the metallurgical composition of an alloy that reduces sound in gear
systems.

 Sharing this information organization wide can lead to more effective engine design and it could
also lead to ideas for new or improved equipment.

Telecommunication Processors

Telecommunication processors such as modems, multiplexers, switches and routers perform a

variety of support functions between the computer and other devices in a telecommunications
network.

Modems- are the most common type of communication processor. They convert the digital
signals from a computer or transmission terminal at one end of a communications link into
analog frequencies that can be transmitted over ordinary telephone lines.

Multiplexers- is a combinations processor that allows a single communications channel to carry

simultaneous data transmissions from many terminals. This is accomplished in two ways. In
FDM a multiplexer divides high speed channel into slow speed channels.

In TDM the multiplexer divides the time each terminal can use the high speed line into very
short time slots.

Internetwork processors networks are interconnected by special purpose communication

processors called internetwork processors such as switches, routers, hubs and gateways. A
switch is a communications processor that makes connections between telecommunications
circuit in a network.

Telecommunications software is a vital component of all telecommunication

networks.

For e.g mainframe based wide area networks frequently use telecommunications

Monitors, CICS for IBM mainframe is a typical example.

Telecommunication software packages provide a variety of communications support services.

Network management packages such as LAN network operating systems and WAN
telecommunication monitors determine transmission

Network Topologies

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other
peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method
used to pass information between workstations

There are several types of network topologies in telecommunication network.

A star network ties end user computers to a central computer.

A ring network ties local computer processors together in a ring.

A bus network is a network in which local processors share the same bus.

Client/sever networks may use a combination of star, ring and bus approaches.

Obviously the star network is more centralized while ring and bus networks have a more
decentralized approach.

Ring and bus networks are most common in LAN network. Ring network are most reliable and
less costly for such networks.

BUS NETWORK-
Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology-

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

• Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

STAR NETWORK-

Advantages of a Star Topology

• Easy to install and wire.

• No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.

• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

• Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

• If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

• More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc.

RING NETWORK-