Spreadsheet-Based Decision Support Systems
Chapter 1: Introduction
Prof. Name
Position
University Name
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Overview
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1.1 Introduction to DSS
1.2 Defining DSS
1.3 DSS Applications
1.4 Textbook Overview
1.5 Summary
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Introduction to DSS
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A decision support system (DSS) gives its users access to a variety of
data sources, modeling techniques, and stored domain knowledge via an
easy to use GUI.
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For example:
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Using data residing in spreadsheets or databases
Preparing mathematical models using this data
Solving or analyzing these models using problem-specific methodologies
Assisting the user in the decision-making process through a graphical user
interface
Learning DSS development skills, which combine OR/business skills with
information technology (IT) skills, will make students highly sought after
in the modern workplace.
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Defining a DSS
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A decision support system (DSS) is a model-based or knowledge-based
system intended to support managerial decision making in semistructured or unstructured situations (Turban and Aronson, 2001).
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A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her
decision making capabilities.
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Characteristics of a DSS include:
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Combining human judgment with computerized information
Designed to be user-friendly
Uses models for analyzing decision-making situations
Improves the effectiveness of making a decision
Provides managerial support
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Defining a DSS (cont’d)
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A DSS application contains five components:
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Database
Model base
Knowledge base
GUI
User
Decision Support System
Database
Model Base
Knowledge Base
GUI
User
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Components of a DSS
Data
Information
System
Graphical
User
Interface
Modeling
and
Optimization
Presentation
of Results
Simulation
Data
Analysis
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Decision
Support System
DSS Applications
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Car production
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Railroad Car Management
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Portfolio Management and Optimization
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Facility Layout
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Textbook Overview
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Overview of Excel
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Overview of VBA for Excel
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Overview of Case Studies
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Overview of Appendices
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Overview of Excel
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Excel Basic Functionality
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Chapter 2: Excel Basics and Formatting
Chapter 3: Referencing and Names
Chapter 4: Functions and Formulas
Chapter 5: Charts & Sparklines
Chapter 6: Pivot tables
Excel Extended Functionality
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Chapter 7: Statistical Analysis with Excel
Chapter 8: Solving Mathematical Programs
Chapter 9: Simulation
Chapter 10: Working with Large Data
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Overview of VBA for Excel
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VBA for Excel
– Chapter 11: Introduction to the Visual Basic Environment
– Chapter 12: Recording Macros
– Chapter 13: More on Objects
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Coding in VBA
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Chapter 14: Variables
Chapter 15: Sub Procedures and Function Procedures
Chapter 16: Programming structures
Chapter 17: Arrays
Creating a User Interface
– Chapter 18: User Interface
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Re-visiting Excel Extended Functionality
– Chapter 19: Mathematical Programming Revisited
– Chapter 20: Simulation Revisited
– Chapter 21: Working with Large Data Using VBA
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Overview of Case Studies
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Chapter 22: The DSS Development Process
Chapter 23: GUI Design
Chapter 24: Programming Principles
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Case Studies in IE/OR and Business
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Case Study 1: Birthday Simulation
Case Study 2: Eight Queens
Case Study 3: Inventory Management
Case Study 4: Warehouse Layout
Case Study 5: Forecasting Methods
Case Study 6: Facility Layout
Case Study 7: Portfolio Management and Optimization
Case Study 8: Reliability Analysis
Case Study 9: Retirement Planning
Case Study 10: Queuing Simulation: Single Server and Multi Server
We have developed 25 case studies. 10 case studies are included in the book.
The remaining case studies are available at the website: www.dssbooks.com.
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Overview of Appendices
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Appendix A: Excel Add-Ins
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Appendix B: Debugging and Error Checking
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Data Analysis Toolpack
The Solver and Premium Solver
CPLEX
@RISK
Crystal Ball
StatTools
Types of Errors
The Debug Toolbar
The Debug Windows
Debugging tips
Error Checking
Appendix C: Advanced Programming Topics
– Object Oriented Programming in VBA for Excel
– Opening Other Applications From VBA
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Summary
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Decision support systems are model-based or knowledge-based systems which
support managerial decision making. A DSS is not meant to replace a decision
maker, but to extend his/her decision making capabilities.
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There are five components to a DSS: database, model base, knowledge base,
GUI, and user.
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Excel is a spreadsheet application with functionality for storing and organizing
data, performing various calculations, and using additional packages for more
advanced problem solving and analysis.
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VBA is a programming language that allows for further manipulation of the Excel
functionalities and creation of dynamic applications which can receive user input
for the model base component of the DSS.
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The case studies are intended to show the reader how to develop DSS
applications which integrate databases, models, methodologies, and user
interfaces.
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Additional Links
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(place links here)
– Example DSS applications
– Course website and/or syllabus
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