Types of Decision Support Systems

1
TYPES of DSS
2
Objectives

• Describe seven basic types of DSS.
• Discuss different categories of DSS.
• Based on support
• Based on nature of decision situation
• Based on number of users
• Understand where different types of DSS fit into
  Simons model of decision making.

3
The DSS Hierarchy

• Suggestion systems
• Optimization systems
• Representational models
• Accounting models
• Analysis information systems
• Data analysis systems
• File drawer systems

4
File Drawer Systems

• They are the simplest type of DSS
• Can provide access to data items
• Data is used to make a decision
• ATM Machine
• Use the balance to make transfer of funds
  decisions

5
Data Analysis Systems

• Provide access to data
• Allows data manipulation capabilities
• Airline Reservation system
• No more seats available
• Provide alternative flights you can use
• Use the info to make flight plans

6
Analysis Information Systems

• Information from several files are combined
• Some of these files may be external
• We have a true data base
• The information from one file, table, can be
  combined with information from other files to
  answer a specific query.

7
Accounting Models

• Use internal accounting data
• Provide accounting modeling capabilities
• Can not handle uncertainty
• Use Bill of Material
• Calculate production cost
• Make pricing decisions

8
Representational Model

• Can incorporate uncertainty
• Uses models to solve decision problem using
  forecasts
• Can be used to augment the capabilities of
  Accounting models
• Use the demand data to forecast next years demand
• Use the results to make inventory decisions.

9
Optimization Systems

• Used to estimate the effects of different
  decision alternative
• Based on optimization models
• Can incorporate uncertainty
• Assign sales force to territory
• Provide the best assignment schedule

10
Suggestion Systems

• A descriptive model used to suggest to the
  decision maker the best action
• A prescriptive model used to suggest to the
  decision maker the best action
• May incorporate an Expert System
• Use the system to recommend a decision
• Ex Applicant applies for personal loan

11
DSS Categories

• Support-based categories (Alter 1980)
• Data-based DSS
• Model-based DSS
• Nature of the decision situation (Donovan
  Madnick 1977)
• Institutional
• Ad hoc
• User-based categories (Keen 1980)
• Individual
• Multi-individual
• Group

12
DSS Categories

• Support based DSS
• Data-based DSS
• Model-based DSS

Structured Semi-structure Unstructured
Model-based DSS
Data-based DSS
13
DSS Categories

• Based on the nature of the decision situation
• Institutional
• Culture of the organization
• Regularly used
• Used by more than one persons
• Ad hoc
• One of kind
• One-time use
• Used by single individual

14
DSS Categories

• Based on number of users
• Individual
• Multi-individual
• Group

15
Simons Model
External
Internal
AI, EIS
Intelligence
Problem Identification
Qualitative Analysis
Quantitative Analysis
DbDSS, MbDSS
DSS
ES
Design
GDSS
Decision
ES
Choice
16
Usage Modes

• Subscription Mode
• Terminal Mode
• Clerk Mode
• Intermediary Mode

17
Subscription Model

• Decision maker receives outputs from the DSS on
  regular basis

18
Terminal Mode

• Direct use of the DSS by the decision maker
• Access is through individual terminals
• May be user specific requirements

19
Clerk Mode

• Decision maker fills out a form requesting output
  from DSS
• A clerk accesses the DSS
• Sends the output to the decision maker

20
Intermediary Mode

• Decision maker uses the DSS with the help of a
  professional, knowledgeable assistant
• The assistant can be either a
• Staff Assistant
• Technical Support Staff
• Business Analyst