Chapter 12

Structure decisions

(Programmable tasks) can be automated because a well-defined standard operating procedure exists for these types of decisions

Semistructured decisions

Include a structured aspect that benefits from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology

Unstructured decisions

Are typically one-time decisions, with no standard operating procedure pertaining to them

Management support systems (MSSs)

Are the different types of information systems that have been developed to support certain aspects and types of decisions. Each type of MSS is designed with unique goals and objectives

Intelligence Phase

A decision maker examines the organizations environment for conditions that need decisions. Data is collected from a variety of sources (internal and external) and processed. From this information, the decision maker can discover ways to approach the problem

Design Phase

The objective is to defin criteria for the decision, generate alternatives for meeting the criteria, and define associations between the criteria and the alternatives

Choice Phase

The best and most effective course of action is chosen

Implementation Phase

The organization devises a plan for carrying out the alternative selected in the choice phase and obtains the resources to implement the plan

Decision Support System (DSS)

An interactive information system consisting of hardware, software, data, and models (mathematical and statistical) designed to assist decision makers in an organization. Its three major components are a database, a model base, and a user interface

Model Base

Includes mathematical and statistical models that, along with the database, enable a DSS to analyze information

Managerial Designer

Defines the management issues in designing and using a DSS. These issues do not involve the technological aspects of the system; they are related to management’s goals and needs

Technical Designer

Focuses on how the DSS is implemented and usually addresses questions about data storage, file structure, user access, response time, and security measures

Model Builder

The liaison between users and designers. He or she is responsible for supplying information on what the model does, what data inputs it accepts, how the model’s output should be interpreted, and what assumptions go into creating and using the model

Executive Information Systems (EISs)

Branches of DSSs, are interactive information systems that give executives easy access to internal and external data and typically include “drill-down” features and a digital dashboard for examining and analyzing information

Digital Dashboard

Integrates information from multiple sources and presents it in a unified, understandable format, often as charts and graphs. It offers up-to-the minute snapshots of information and assists decision makers in identifying trends and potential problems

Line Charts (time-series charts)

Show data changes over time

Pie Charts

Used to show the proportions of different data items

Bar Charts

Emphasize the differences among data items

XY (scatter) charts

Show relationships between two sets of data

Column Charts

Useful for showing data changes over a period of time or for illustrating comparisons among items

Geographic information system (GIS)

Captures, stores, processes, and displays geographic information or information in a geographic context, such as showing the location of all city streetlights on a map

Collaboration system or software

Assists teams in communicating, collaborating and coordinating their activities

Communication software

Also includes audio and video conferencing, provides chat, messaging, or video features that enable real-time communication

Task management software

Enables team members to prioritize and track tasks, which helps to keep track of deadlines

Document and content management software

Enables team members to store, share, and work together on different files