Decesion Support Systems
John O’Gorman
Dept MIS
Structured and
Unstructured Problems
Structured Problems
Proven set of steps for solution
Algorithm
Unstructured Problems
Multiple potential solution
Semistructured Problems
Neither fully structured nor totally
unstructured
Structured and
Unstructured Problems
Programmable Problems
Specific programs can be written to solve
Structured problems are programmable
Unstructured problems are unprogrammable
Managers and Semistructured
Problems
Most common type of problem for
managers
DSS Components
Decision Support Systems (DSS)
Computer-based information systems that
help managers select one of many
solutions
Automates some of decision-making process
Sophisticated and fast analysis
Used at all management levels
DSS Components
Three Major Components
Data management module
• Database
• External Structured Data
Model management module
• Model for Analysis e.g. Regression
Dialog management module
• Parameter Modification
• Display of Results
• Connection to other Modules
Types of Decision
Support Systems
Personal Decision Support Systems
Serve individual users in daily decision
making
Run on personal computers
Single model for data processing
Types of Decision
Support Systems
Group Decision Support Systems
Promote brainstorming and group
decision making
Located in conference room or on
networked computers
Weigh votes to overcome impasses
Sensitivity Analysis
Sensitivity analysis
Tests degree to which result is affected
by change in parameters
What-if analysis
Can change multiple parameters at
once
Future/Current Development
Natural Language Query/Visual Display
Support for Acessing External Data
Sources (XML/ADO)
Zero Administration
Concurrency
Document Repositories
Expert System
Embody Human understanding
Target not explicit model
Target is tacit understanding
Implications from Ba
Expert Systems
Limited to Specific Domain
Limited to Specific Problem ina Specific
Domain
Organisation Context
Comprehensive / Muiltiple tasks / Useful Life
Who makes the decesions
Type of Solution (Time, Number)
Conclusion
DSS encapsulate Mdoels
ES encapsulate tacit understanding
Make unstructured structures
Executive Information
Systems
John O’Gorman
Dept of MIS
EIS - What is it?
Strutured Data System
Superior User Interface
Drill Down Features
Trend Analysis
Visual Query Features
Communicate with other data sources
EIS - The Aim
Aeroplane Metaphor
Cockpit equiped with early warning
instrumentation
By Mid-90’s had not worked out
EIS - The Problem
Lack of Data Integration
Dependability/Consistency Issues
EIS developed as complete new system
Predefined query path
Slow Database Software
EIS stopped been EIS
Business Intelligent System
Decesion Support System
EIS - Implementation
High Costs
Unknown Benefits
Threat to existing functional areas
Executive training
Incompatibility with Corporate procedures
EIS - What Changed?
1. Data Integration
ERP
2. New Development
Emergent System
3. Set queries
Visual Query Tools
4. Slow DB
Better Technology
5. Exec Training
New Breed
EIS - Uses (Scottish Power)
Standarize Information
Scottish Power
Visible Performance Levels
Model Organisations CSF
Phased approach
Only Financial System in DB
Long Term Forecast
Fuelled Decentalisation
EIS - Uses (Nike)
Profitability System (1980’s)
One question leads to another
Daily Flash - Transaction warning
Query Engine
Trend Analysis
Real Time reporting
Conclusion
EIS problems from
lack of integration
Lagging Technology
Physical barriers overcome
New potentails arise (decentralisation etc)