Part 1.3.
1 Decision
Support Systems
ICS625 Artificial Intelligence
Systems for Decision Support
Decision Support Systems
This involves:
Decision Support Methodology
Technology Components
Development
Decision Support Systems
Overview:
DSS Definitions and Capabilities
DSS Structure
DSS Classifications
DSS Definitions and Capabilities
DSS Configurations (characteristics)
Supports individuals and teams
Used repeatedly and constantly
Two major components: data and models
Web-based
Uses subjective, personal, and objective data
Has a simulation model
Used in public and private sectors
Has what-if capabilities
Uses quantitative and qualitative models
DSS Definitions
Little (1970)
model-based set of procedures for processing
data and judgments to assist a manager in his
decision making
Assumption: that the system is computer-based
and extends the users capabilities.
Moore and Chang (1980)
1. Extendible systems
2. Capable of supporting ad hoc data analysis and
decision modeling
3. Oriented toward future planning
4. Used at irregular, unplanned intervals
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DSS Definitions
Bonczek et al. (1980)
A computer-based system consisting of
1. A language system -- communication between
the user and DSS components
2. A knowledge system
3. A problem-processing system--the link
between the other two components
Keen (1980)
DSS apply to situations where a final system
can be developed only through an adaptive
process of learning and evolution
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DSS Definitions
Alter (1980)
Contrasts DSS with traditional EDP systems
(Table below)
DSS versus EDP
Dimension
Use
Goal
Time horizon
Objective
DSS
Line and staff
management
Effectiveness
EDP
Clerical
Mechanical
efficiency
Present and future Past
Flexibility
Consistency
Source: Alter(1980)
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DSS Definitions
Concepts underlying DSS Definitions
Source
Gory & Scott
Morton (1971)
Little (1970)
Alter (1980)
Moore & Chang (1980)
Bonczek, et.al (1996)
Keen (1980)
DSS Defined in terms of
Problem type, system function (support)
System function, interface characteristics
Usage pattern, system objectives
Usage pattern, system capabilities
System components
Development process
Central Issue in DSS:
support and improvement of decision making
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Working Definition of DSS
A DSS is an interactive, flexible, and adaptable
CBIS, specially developed for supporting the
solution of a non-structured management
problem for improved decision making. It utilizes
data, it provides easy user interface, and it allows
for the decision makers own insights
DSS may utilize models, is built by an interactive
process (frequently by end-users), supports all
the phases of the decision making, and may
include a knowledge component
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Characteristics and Capabilities
of DSS (Figure 3.1)
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Characteristics and
Capabilities of DSS (Figure 3.1)
1. Provide support in semi-structured and
unstructured situations, includes human
judgment and computerized information
2. Support for various managerial levels
3. Support to individuals and groups
4. Support to interdependent and/or sequential
decisions
5. Support all phases of the decision-making
process
6. Support a variety of decision-making processes
and styles
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Characteristics and
Capabilities of DSS (Figure 3.1)
7.
8.
9.
10.
Are adaptive
Have user friendly interfaces
Goal: improve effectiveness of decision making
The decision maker controls the decisionmaking process
11. End-users can build simple systems
12. Utilizes models for analysis
13. Provides access to a variety of data sources,
formats, and types
Decision makers can make better, more consistent
decisions in a timely manner
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DSS Structure
DSS Components
These are:
1. Data Management Subsystem
2. Model Management Subsystem
3. Knowledge-based (Management) Subsystem
4. User Interface Subsystem
5. The User
(diagram illustration See Figure 3.2)
Model base management system (MBMS):
Modeling languages (software) for building custom models
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DSS Components
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DSS Components
User
User Interface
KBS1
DBMS
KBS2
MBMS
KBS3
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The Data Management Subsystem
DSS database
Database management system
Data directory
Query facility
(illustration: Figure 3.3)
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The Data Management Subsystem
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Capabilities of DBMS in a DSS
Captures/extracts data for inclusion in a DSS database
Updates (adds, deletes, edits, changes) data records and files
Interrelates data from different sources
Retrieves data from the database for queries and reports
Provides comprehensive data security (protection from
unauthorized access, recovery capabilities, etc.)
Handles personal and unofficial data so that users can
experiment with alternative solutions based on their own
judgment
Performs complex data manipulation tasks based on queries
Tracks data use within the DSS
Manages data through a data dictionary
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DSS Database Issues
Data warehouse
Data mining
Special independent DSS databases
Extraction of data from internal, external, and private
sources
Web browser data access
Web database servers
Multimedia databases
Special GSS databases (like Lotus Notes/Domino Server)
Online Analytical Processing (OLAP)
Object-oriented databases
Commercial database management systems (DBMS)
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The Model Management
Subsystem
Analog of the database management
subsystem
(see illustration Figure 3.4)
Model management subsystem comprises of:
Model base
Model base management system
Modeling language
Model directory
Model execution, integration, and command
processor
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The Model Management Subsystem
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Model Management System
Strategic Models: Non routine
mergers, impact analysis, capital budgeting
Tactical Models: Allocation & Control
labor requirements, sales promotion planning
Operational Models: Routine-day-to-day
production scheduling, inventory control,
quality control
Analytical Models: SAS, SPSS, OR,
data mining
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Model Management Issues
Model level: Strategic, managerial (tactical),
and operational
Modeling languages
Lack of standard MBMS activities. WHY?
Use of AI and fuzzy logic in MBMS
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Model Management Issues
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The Knowledge Based
(Management) Subsystem
Provides expertise in solving complex
unstructured and semi-structured problems
Expertise provided by an expert system or
other intelligent system
Advanced DSS have a knowledge based
(management) component
Leads to intelligent DSS
Example: Data mining
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The User Interface (Dialog)
Subsystem
Includes all communication between a user
and the MSS
Graphical user interfaces (GUI)
Voice recognition and speech synthesis
possible
To most users, the user interface is the
system
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The User Interface (Dialog)
Subsystem
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The User
Different usage patterns for the user, the
manager, or the decision maker
Managers
Staff specialists
Intermediaries
1. Staff assistant
2. Expert tool user
3. Business (system) analyst
4. GSS Facilitator
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DSS Hardware
DSS Hardware has Evolved with computer
hardware and software technologies
Major Hardware Options:
Mainframe
Workstation
Personal computer
Web server system
Internet
Intranets
Extranets
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Distinguishing DSS from
Management Science and MIS
DSS is a problem-solving tool and is
frequently used to address ad hoc and
unexpected problems
Different than MIS
DSS evolve as they develop
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Distinguishing DSS from
Management Science and MIS
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DSS Classifications
DSS Classifications
Alters Output Classification (1980)
Degree of action implication of system
outputs (supporting decision) (Table 3.3)
Holsapple and Whinstons Classification
1. Text-oriented DSS
2. Database-oriented DSS
3. Spreadsheet-oriented DSS
4. Solver-oriented DSS
5. Rule-oriented DSS
6. Compound DSS
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Intelligent DSS Categories
Descriptive
Procedural
Reasoning
Presentation
Expert system driven
Adaptive
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Other Classifications
Institutional DSS vs. Ad Hoc DSS
Institutional DSS deals with decisions of a
recurring nature
Ad Hoc DSS deals with specific problems that
are usually neither anticipated nor recurring
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Other Classifications (contd.)
Degree of nonprocedurality (Bonczek et al.,
1980)
Personal, group, and organizational support
(Hackathorn and Keen, 1981)
Individual versus group support systems (GSS)
Custom-made versus ready-made systems
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Summary
Fundamentals of DSS
Components of DSS
Major capabilities of the DSS components
Major DSS categories
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Summary
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