B. Information Technology (IS) CISB434: Decision Support Systems Chapter 4: An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies

Learning Objectives Examine the possible decision support system (DSS) configurations Describe the DSS characteristics and capabilities

Learning Objectives Describe the components and structure of DSS Data Management Subsystem Model Management Subsystem User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem Knowledge-based Management Subsys-tem User

Learning Objectives Explain the unique role of the user in DSS versus MIS Describe DSS hardware and software platforms Examine important DSS classifications

An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies DSS Configurations

DSS Configurations Introduction Decision support can be provided in many different configurations These configurations depend on the nature of the management-decision situation, and the specific technologies used for support

DSS Configurations Introduction These technologies are assembled from four basic components Data Models User interface Knowledge (optional)

DSS Description DSS Application A DSS program is build for a specific purpose e.g. a scheduling system for a company Typically built to support the solution of a problem evaluate an opportunity An approach (or methodology) for sup-porting decision making

DSS Description DSS Application A DSS supports all phases of decision making may include a knowledge component Can be used by a single user on a PC Can be Web-based for use by many people at several locations

DSS Application Architecture

An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies DSS Characteristics & Capabilities

Characteristics & Capabilities

Characteristics & Capabilities Business analytics The application of models directly to business data It involves using DSS tools, especially models, in assisting decision makers It is essentially OLAP/DSS Predictive analytics A business analytical approach toward forecasting e.g., demand, problems, opportunities that is used instead of simply reporting data as they occur

Characteristics & Capabilities Support for decision makers mainly in semi-structured and unstruc-tured situations by bringing together human judgment and computerized information Support for all managerial levels ranging from top executives to line managers Support for individuals and groups Support for interdependent and/or se-quential decisions Support in all phases of the decision-making process Support for a variety of decision-making processes and styles 12

Characteristics & Capabilities DSS are flexible users can add, delete, combine, change, or rearrange basic elements DSS can be readily modified to solve other similar problems User-friendliness strong graphical capabilities a natural language interactive human–machine interface can greatly increase the effectiveness of DSS Improved effectiveness of decision making e.g. accuracy, timeliness 12

Characteristics & Capabilities Decision maker has complete control over all steps of decision-making End users are able to develop and modify simple systems by themselves Models are generally utilized to analyze decision- making situations models enable experimentation 12

Characteristics & Capabilities Access is provided to a variety of data sources, formats, and types Can be employed as a standalone tool used by a decision maker in one location or distributed throughout an organization or in several organizations along the supply chain Can be integrated with other DSS and/ or applications can be distributed internally and externally using networking and Web technologies 12

An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies Components of DSS

Components of dss Data Management Subsystem Model Management Subsystem User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem Knowledge-based Management Subsys-tem User

Components of DSS

Data Management Subsystem Components of DSS Data Management Subsystem

Components of DSS Data Management Subsystem 23

Components of DSS Data Management Subsystem The data management subsystem is composed of DSS database DBMS Data directory Query facility 23 24

Data Management Subsystem The DSS Database Internal Data come mainly from the organization’s Transaction Processing System (TPS) Private Data can include guidelines used by some decision makers assessments of specific data and/or situations External Data includes industry data market research data census data regional employment data government regulations tax rate schedules national economic data 24

Data Management Subsystem Data Organization Data for DSS can be entered directly into models extracted directly from larger databases e.g. Data Warehouse Can include multimedia objects OODBs in XML used in m-commerce

Data Management Subsystem Data Extraction (ETL) The process of capturing data from several sources synthesizing, summarizing determining which of them are relevant and organizing them resulting in their effective integration 24

Data Management Subsystem Database Management System A database is created, accessed and updated by a DBMS Software for establishing, updating, and querying e.g. managing a database record navigation data relationships report generation 24

Data Management Subsystem Query Facility The (database) mechanism that accepts requests for data accesses manipulates and queries data Includes a query language e.g. SQL 24

Data Management Subsystem Data Directory A catalog of all the data in a database or all the models in a model base Contains data definitions data source data meaning Supports addition and deletion of new entries

Data Management Subsystem Key DB & DBMS Issues Data quality Managers feel they do not get the data they need – 54% satisfied Poor quality data leads to poor quality information waste lost opportunities unhappy customers

Data Management Subsystem Key DB & DBMS Issues Data integration For DSS to work, data must be integrated from disparate sources Data sources must be mapped into a set of metadata

Data Management Subsystem Key DB & DBMS Issues Scalability Volume of data increases dramatically e.g. from 2001 – 2003, size of largest TPS DB increase two-fold (11 – 20 terabytes) Needs new storage and search techno-logies

Data Management Subsystem Key DB & DBMS Issues Data security data must be protected from unauthorized access through security measures tools to monitor database activities audit trail

Model Management Subsystem Components of DSS Model Management Subsystem

Components of DSS Model Management Subsystem 23

Components of DSS Model Management Subsystem The Model Management Subsystem is composed of the following elements Model Base MBMS Modeling Language Model Directory Model Execution, Integration & Command Processor 37

Model Management Subsystem Model Base A collection of preprogrammed quanti-tative models e.g., statistical, financial, optimization Organized as a single unit Provides analysis capabilities for DSS 37

Model Management Subsystem Model Base Four categories of models with the model base Strategic models Tactical models Operational models Analytical models 37

Model Management Subsystem Categories of Models Strategic Models Models that represent problems for the strategic level i.e. executive level of management developing corporate objectives forecasting sales target Tactical Models Models that represent problems for the tactical level i.e. mid-level management allocates and controls resources labour requirement planning sales promotion planning

Model Management Subsystem Categories of Models Operational Model Models that represent problems for the operational level of management Supports day-to-day working activities manufacturing targets e-commerce transaction acceptance approval of personal loans Analytical Models Mathematical models into which data are loaded for analysis statistical management science data mining algorithms Integrated with other models, e.g. strategic planning model

Model Management Subsystem Model Building Blocks & Routines Preprogrammed software elements that can be used to build computerized models e.g. curve- or line-fitting routine regression analysis Model components for building DSS Modeling tools

Model Management Subsystem Model Base Management System MBMS software has four main functions Model creation using programming languages DSS tools and/or subroutines and other building blocks Generation of new routines and reports Model updating and changing Model data manipulation 37

Model Management Subsystem Model Directory Similar to database directory A catalog of all models and other soft-ware in the model base model definitions functions availability and capability 37

Model Management Subsystem Model Execution, Integration the process of controlling the actual run-ning of the model Model integration involves combining the operations of several models when needed 37

Model Management Subsystem Model Command Processor A model command processor accepts and interpret modeling instruc-tions from the user interface component and route them to the MBMS model execution or integration functions 37

Model Management Subsystem Some DSS Questions Which models should be used for what situations? Cannot be done by MBMS What method should be used to solve a problem in a specific model class? highly dependent on the knowledge com-ponent

User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem Components of DSS User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem

Components of DSS User Interface (Dialog) Subsystem The component of a computer system that allows bidirectional communication bet-ween the system and its user Managed by User Interface Management System (UIMS) The DSS component that handles all inter-action between users and the system 23

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. The User Interface Process Object A person, place, or thing about which information is collected, processed, or stored Graphical User Interface (GUI) An interactive, user-friendly interface in which, by using icons and similar objects, the user can control communication with a computer

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. The User Interface Process 23

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. DSS User Interfaces DSS user interfaces access is provided through Web browsers including Voice input and output Portable devices Direct sensing devices

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. DSS Developments Parallel processing hardware and soft-ware technologies have made major inroads in solving the scalability issue Web-based DSS easier and less costly to make decision-relevant information model-driven DSS available to users in geographically distributed locations especially through mobile devices

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. DSS Developments Artificial intelligence continues to make inroads in improving DSS faster, intelligent search engines intelligent agents promise to improve the interface in areas such as direct natural language processing creating facial gestures

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. DSS Developments The development of ready-made DSS solutions for specific market segments has been increasing DSS is becoming more embedded in or linked to most EIS

User Interface (Dialog) Subsys. DSS Developments GSS improvements support collabora-tion at the enterprise level Different types of DSS components are being integrated more frequently

Knowledge-Based Management Subsystem Components of DSS Knowledge-Based Management Subsystem

Components of DSS Knowledge-Based Mngt Subsystem Advanced DSSs are equipped with a Knowledge-based Management Sub-system supplies required expertise for solving some aspects of the problem provides knowledge that can enhance the operation of other DSS components 23

Components of DSS Knowledge-Based Mngt Subsystem Knowledge components provided by Expert Systems Neural Network Intelligent Agents Fuzzy Logic Case-Based Reasoning etc.

An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies Role of Users

The User The person faced with a decision that an MSS is designed to support is called user manager, or decision maker

The User Differences in users Provides the human intellect cognitive preferences abilities ways of arriving at a decision Provides the human intellect expertise in guiding the development and use of a DSS

The User MSS has two broad classes of users Staff Specialists use the system much more frequently than manager tend to be more detail-oriented e.g. production planners Staff Analysts are often intermediaries between managers and the MSS

The User Intermediary A person who uses a computer to fulfill requests made by other people e.g. a financial analyst who uses a com-puter to answer questions for top manage-ment Staff Assistant s An individual who acts as an assistant to a manager Expert Tool Users A person who is skilled in the application of one or more types of specialized problem-solving tools

The User Intermediary Business (System) Analysts One who analyzes business processes and the support they receive (or need) from information technology Facilitators (in a GSS) One who plans, organizes, and controls a group in a collaborative computing envi-ronment

An Overview of DSS Concepts, Methodologies & Technologies DSS Hardware

DSS Hardware Hardware affects the functionality and usability of the MSS The choice of hardware can be made before, during, or after the design of the MSS software Major hardware options Organization’s servers Mainframe computers with legacy DBMS Workstations Personal computers Client/Server systems

DSS Hardware Portability has become critical for deploying decision- making capability in the field, especially for salespersons and technicians The power and capabilities of the World Wide Web have a dramatic impact on DSS Communication and collaboration Download DSS software Use DSS applications provided by com-pany Buy online from Application Service Pro-viders

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