Management Information Systems Finals Reviewer

Decision Support System

A type of information system that helps executives make better decisions using historical and current data derived from internal information systems, as well as external sources

Decision Support System

These systems can be comprised of smaller computer-based systems and subsystems that are intended to help decision-makers important tasks, such as usage of communication technologies, collation and organization of data and docukents, and the processing of data using tools and models

Dominant Technological Component

Five (5) generic categories can be proposed

Target Users

Can target internal or external stakeholders

System Goals and Applications

Can have specific or very generalized objectives. This is usually based on specific application the system will be dealing with

Deployment Technology

Can be deployed on either a mainframe computer, a client/server LAN network, a web-based system architecture

User Interface

Most commonly seen component, it contains the various way for a user to interact with the system. It may contain menus, submenus, buttons and icons that will allow the system user to access the various resources available to the system

Database

This component holds all digitized data and information essential for the system’s tasks. It can have specialized components apart from their usual purpose of holding data

Models and Analytical Tools

These are the technical components that will allow the system to accomplish its scope and tasks; each system may use different components depending on their purpose

Architecture and Network

These refer to how the system hardware is organized, how software and data is distributed, and how other components of the system are integrated and connected. Organizations can opt for a networked or a web-based architecture, depending on the system applications

Hybrid Type

It can be considered this type by having more than one framework factor

Data-Driven DSS

This type of DSS can take a very large amount of data available from other information systems and derive useful information for decision-making. This system doesn’t follow a specific theory or model, but can “free-flow” the data whenever needed.

Model-Driven DSS

This type of DSS emphasizes access to and manipulation of a data model in order to help decision-making for possible and probable situations.

Knowledge-Driven DSS

This type of DSS focuses on knowledge as its primary framework factor. It can suggest or recommend actions to managers by providing expert knowledge on a particular domain as well as solving any problems inherent in that domain. Data mining can be correlated to this system.

Document-Driven DSS

This type of DSS, also known as the Knowledge Management System, is a currently evolving system capable of helping managers work on unstructured digital documents and web pages. The system integrates a variety of storage and processing technologies to provide retrieval and analysis of documents and other types of media, such as web pages, images, audio, and video.

Communication-Driven DSS

This type of DSS, previously known as the Group Decision Support System or Groupware, includes communication, collaboration, and decision support technologies that do not fit with other DSS types

Inter-Organizational/Intra-Organizational DSS

These types of DSS put external and internal as its primary key factor. It is made possible by emerging technologies and the rapid growth and popularity of the internet as a business tool

Function-Specific/General Purpose DSS

These types of DSS are designed to support more specific functions for specific types pf industries or businesses. The purpose of this type of system is mostly to solve problems involving broad, routing or recurring decision tasks.

Group Decision Support System

A type of decision support system that helps organization managers and executives reach a consensus during events that require their collective opinions and proposals

Group Problem Mitigation

• Reduces pressures of conformity that may result in “groupthink”

• Streamlines coordination, representation and planning of collaboration meetings

• Optimizes group dynamics by allotting appropriate responsibilities to each collaborator

• Reduces the probability of the group making decisions of poor quality or high risk

Maximization of Group Effectiveness and Efficiency

• Allows group to better understand problems and eliminate errors

• Allows members to utilize information and/or knowledge based on their areas of expertise

• Collaborators have accountability for decisions, which in turn instills responsibility in their vote

Support of Multiple Collaboration Processes

• Provides access to rules that will aid in arriving to decisions

• Utilizes tools and subsystems to generate useful ideas and alternatives

• Reduces costs for decision-making collaborations for groups

Pre-Planning

This element addresses the agendas of a decision-making meeting. This element handles the topics of the agenda, the end goal of collaboration and possible future agendas

Collaboration Facilitation

This element ensures that ideas and communications are free-flowing, without interruptions or hindrances

Evaluation Objectivity

This element provides equal opportunity for collaborators by eliminating “office politics”, the practice of dismissing ideas based on the person who presented them

Documentation

This element takes care of logging information from the collaboration, such as meeting minutes and resulting decisions made by the group. This in turn allows geographically challenged members to know what took place

Digitized Input is Required

Unlike traditional meetings, where ideas, comments and criticisms can be conveyed by oral discussion, a GDSS may require different types of digitized input, graphic presentations, or digital spreadsheets.

Moderation is Limitied

A GDSS’s capabilities become liabilities when multiple discussions about a decision take place. Since the system requires digitized input, people capable of using the GDSS effectively may have the upper hand in any collaboration or dicussion

Maintenance Costs may be High

Despite the system reducing costs, the cost of maintaining a high-end facility that can utilize the GDSS for group collaboration may erase such benefits, implementations may have to be justified by having the facility and the system be regularly used, though an option of leaving such a facility to academic institutions and other companies may also generate minor revenue in this regard

The GDSS may Require a Facilitator

A facilitator who can lead collaborations, help users and control the system within the network may be needed. This opens up a few complications, such as whether to train such a person from the existing employee pool, or hire someone on a project-based basis, which may not be favorable