1. Decision Support System Course
Dr. Aref Rashad
Part:5
Car Purchasing DSS Example
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

2. Goal of Car Purchasing DSS
To provide support for users from a broad range of experiences and expertise.
There is a wide range of data that could be requested in support of the automobile purchasing decision.
Different people will approach the problem differently after some experience.
Given individuals with a given level of experience may approach the problem differently if the system can provide guidance as to how to use the information.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

3. Data Component
DSS must contain comprehensive information, not only about current models, but also about the history associated with the manufacturer and model.
The user may have a need to look at trends with regard to a particular model and its maintenance record
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

4. Historic Background Information: New Automobiles

5. Historic Background Information: New Automobiles

6. Historic Background Information Targeted Category of Automobile

7. Automobile Attributes in Kiplinger’s Buyer’s Guide to New Cars
• Manufacturer
• Model
• Body Style
• Suggested Retail Price
• Dealer Cost
• Resale Value in 2 and 4 years
• Insurance Cost Index
• Engine Size
• Number of Cylinders
• Miles Per Gallon in the City and on the Highway
• Curb Weight
• Wheelbase
• Length and Width
• Turning Circle (feet)
• Legroom in the front and rear
• Headroom in the front and rear
• Cargo space
• Antilock brakes status/cost
• Automatic Transmission status/cost
• Air Conditioner cost

8. Edmund’s Web-Based Information Service

9. Edmund’s Car Review February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

10. Information Uses Consider Rationality aspects Consider Images
Try Virtual Reality
Video Clips
Audio Clips
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

11. Rationality Aspects:
Economic rationality Costs of the various automobiles
Technical rationality Engine size, Horsepower, Better grade wheels and tires
Legal Rationality Car seats
Societal rationality air or noise pollution
Procedural rationality Fare away Service center, Rare unique type of fuel
Political issues car purchased for an elected official
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course

12. Annual Automobile Cost Worksheet

13. Data Requirements
Data must be current. New car buyers will want information about the newest features and problems.
Recall notices and identified problems may also provide critical information to a user.
The system should present the user with basic, standard information and allow him or her to drill as deeply as desired and to compare automobiles with regard to factors that are of importance to that user.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

14. Data Requirements
Use electronic field definition dictionary, particularly for first-time users.
This dictionary used to:
Define technical terms such as EFI, MPGH, MPGC
Define scale for collision and insurance ratings
Concepts such as a car through a broker or standard lease terms.
Explanations to more technical questions such as why they would care how many valves are available in the car or the difference between a single and dual overhead cam.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

15. Data Component Development
The creation of a database can be done relatively straightforwardly using one of the standard database management systems, such as Oracle or MySQL.
Accessing external data requires the use of a tool - Cold Fusion - that will allow the Web-based interface to connect with the behind-the-scenes database
A database generally has multiple tables associated with it.
Each table stores information about multiple attributes of multiple cars.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

16. Example Relation (Table) for New Cars

17. Model Component
A careful consideration of models for the DSS could result in a system that allows users to make truly informed decisions.
Models should provide support for all phases of decision making, from the initial generation of alternatives to the final questions of how to finance.
Model management component should include assistance in the appropriate use of models and intelligence that reviews model use for errors.
Model management system should implement heuristics to automate choices where decision makers cannot or do not implement choices.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

18. Brainstorming and Alternative Generation
One important model management operation is to help users generate alternatives. At the simplest level, alternative generation could include searching for options that meet some criterion specified by the user
the goal is to summarize and guide while still allowing a great deal of flexibility.
One possibility is to categorize criteria and ask users first to specify the category of criteria that they want to emphasize.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

19. Assistance for Defining Criteria
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

20. Finer Detailed Definition of Criteria
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

21. Evaluating Alternatives
As decision makers consider various automobiles, they compare the benefits and costs associated with owning each of them. How they compare them depends upon the criteria selected.
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

22. Content-Dependent Assistance of Criteria Selection
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

23. Support for Criteria Definition
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

24. Intelligent Support in a DSS
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

25. Support for Multi Criterion Choices
February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

26. Specifying Criteria February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

27. Results from Analysis February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

28. Consumer Reports February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

32. Better Understanding Choices
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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

33. Decision Support Results
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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

34. Historical Information to Facilitate Support
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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

35. Support for Users Exploring Assumptions
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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

45. Interface Component February 2013
Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

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Decision Support Systems Course .. Dr. Aref Rashad

51. Initial Screens from Commercial Automobile Purchasing System

52. Initial Screens from Commercial Automobile Purchasing System

53. Three Methods by Which Users can Enter Data in the System

54. Three Methods by Which Users can Enter Data in the System

55. Three Methods by Which Users can Enter Data in the System

56. Change in Menu After Other Selections