1. DSS Configurations It supports individual members and an entire team.
It is used repeatedly and constantly.
It has three major components: data, models, and a user
interface.
It uses subjective, personal, and objective data.
It is used in the private sector.
It helps the user to make faster, smarter, better decisions.

2. DSS Versus EDP Dimension DSS EDP Use User Goal Time horizon Objective
Active
Line and staff management
Effectiveness
Present and future
Flexibility
Passive
Clerical
Mechanical efficiency
Past
Consistency

3. Concepts Underlying DSS Definitions
Source
DSS Defined in Terms of
Gorry and Scott-Morton (1971)
Little (1970)
Alter (1980)
Moore and Chang (1980)
Bonczek et al. (1989)
Keen (1980)
Problem type, system function (support)
System function, interface characteristics
Usage pattern, system objectives
Usage pattern, system capabilities
System components
Development process

4. What is a DSS Application
A DSS is an approach (or methodology) for supporting decision-
making. It uses an interactive, flexible, adaptable CBIS especially
developed for supporting the solution to a specific nonstructured
management problem. It uses data, provides an easy user interface, and
can incorporate the decision-maker’s own insights.
In addition, a DSS usually uses models and is built (often by end-users)
by an interactive and iterative process. It supports all phases of
decision-making and may include a knowledge component.
Finally, a DSS can be used by a single user on a PC or can be Web-
based for use by many people at several locations.

5. Key Characteristics and Capabilities of DSS1 14 2
Semistructured
and unstructured
problems
Standalone,
integration and
Web-based
Support
managers at
all levels 13
Data access 3
Support
individuals
and groups 12
Modeling
and analysis 4
Interdependent
or sequential
decisions 11
DSS
Ease of
development
by end users 5
Support
intelligence,
design, choice,
implementation 10
Humans control
the machine 6
Support variety
of decision
processes and styles 9
Effectiveness,
not efficiency 8 7
Interactive
ease of use
Adaptable
and
flexible

6. A Schematic View of DSS Other computer-based systems Internet,
intranets,
extranets
Data: external
and internal
Data
management
Model
management
External
models
Knowledge-based
subsystems
User
interface
Manager (user)
Organizational KB

7. The Structure of the Model Management Subsystem
Models (Model Base)
Strategic, tactical, operational
Statical, financial, marketing,
management science,
accounting, engineering, etc.
Model building blocks
Model
Directory
Model Base Management
Modeling commands: creation
Maintenance: update
Database interface
Modeling language
Model execution,
integration, and
command processor
Data
management
Interface
management
Knowledge-based
subsystem

8. Schematic View of the User Interface System
Data Management
and DBMS
Knowledge-based
subsystem
Model Management
and MBMS
User Interface
Management
System (UIMS)
Natural Language
Processor
Input Output
PC Display
Action Display
Languages Languages
Printers, Plotters
Users