The help of computer systems to a group process methodology that has given rise to a Group Decision Support System (SSDG) is described. The objective of the system is to facilitate group decision making. Experimental research has shown the effectiveness of SSDGs in enhancing the performance of group decisions. SSDGs are most productive when you have some method of group structuring that is properly supported by computer technology.
Introduction
The most complex decisions made within organizations are made by a group of people. As the complexity of decision making increases, the need for meetings and teamwork increases. Preparing for and conducting each meeting can be a complex process. That is why electronic systems can be the solution; the so-called Group Decision Support Systems (SSDG).
Currently there are well structured group process methodologies such as brainstorming, the Nominal Group Technique (TGN) and the Delphi method, which serve to support group work, however these methods can be time consuming and costly.
What is an SSDG?
An SSDG can be defined in different ways. According to Huber (1984) an SSDG consists of a set of software, hardware, linguistic components and procedures that help a group of committed people to make a decision. On the other hand, DeSanctis and Gallupe (1987) define it as an interactive computer-based system that facilitates the solution of unstructured problems by a group of decision makers. The components of an SSDG include hardware, software, people, and procedures. All of these components are arranged in such a way to aid in the decision-making process.
It is useful according to the context (locations, activities and tasks), which varies enormously from one decision to another. It is practical to think of an SSDG in terms of common group activities that can potentially be aided by computer systems. In these there is the retrieved information that includes a selection of data from an existing database such as data retrieval from other members of the group. The shared information, which is displayed to the entire group through a screen or is sent to a selected group of workstations. And the use of information that involves the application of software technology (such as modeling packages or specific application programs), procedures, group problem solving techniques to reach a group decision (Bidgoli, 1996)
Characteristics of an SSDG
- The SSDG is a specially designed information system and not just a configuration of existing system components. An SSDG is designed with the aim of helping group decision making at work. For this reason, the SSDG should improve the decision-making process or the result of the group. An SSDG is easy to learn to use, since it should be used by people with different levels of knowledge. The SSDG is designed for one type of problem or for a variety of organizational decisions at different levels. The SSDG is designed to encourage activities such as idea generation, conflict resolution, and freedom of expression. The SSDG contains built-in mechanisms that discourage the development of negative group behaviors such as destructive conflict, poor communication, and group thoughts.
Goals and technology levels
The goal of an SSDG is to improve the productivity and effectiveness of group decision-making, either by speeding up the process itself or by improving the quality of the decision results.
An SSDG seeks to increase the benefits of group work and reduce its dysfunctions as shown in the following figure:
DeSanctis and Gallupe (1987) divided SSDG technologies into three levels:
Experimental investigations
Many researchers have noted the enormous performance in groups using SSDG. Traditional computer-aided group processing methods make the process simpler and easier to use (Lexis, 1987). Electronic handling of group decisions is more efficient and produces fewer errors than manual handling (VanGund, 1987). Vogel and Nunamaker (1990) found that for larger groups, the effectiveness of automating becomes an enormous help in organizing many concepts associated with complex questions. Without a structured automated system, they tend to fail efficiently and effectively.
Gallupe and MacKeen (1990) found that SSDG highlights individual participation. An SSDG provides different communication channels for members. SSDGs provide a richer way to participate remotely and more democratically. Paradoxically, an SSDG is used for both fuzzy and complex problems.
Significant improvements have been found in experiments conducted at the University of Arizona. For example, one study reported a savings of hours per person of more than 50% and a reduction of 92% in the total time required to complete the project using the “fourth Arizona SSDG”. Several hundred companies have used it and report dramatic results (DeSanctis and Gallupe, 1987 and Nunamaker and others, 1993).
conclusion
The many advantages of SSDGs are centered on performance, effectiveness in large groups, and improved individual participation. These benefits represent gains in the process output by reducing losses in the process and allow for a better result through the use of group decision support technology. These initial findings indicate that the effectiveness of the current process increases when traditional methods are aided by technology.
Bibliography
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ADELMAN, Leonard. Evaluating decision support and expert systems. Wiley, EU, 1st edition, p. 38-106.
Lewis, L. Floyd. A Decision Support System for Face-To-Face Groups. Journal of Information Science, 13, 211-219.
VanGundy, Arthur B. Idea Collection Methods: Blending Old and New Technology. Journal of Data Collection, 27, 14-19.
Vogel, Douglas R.; Nunamaker, Jay F. Jr. Group Decision Support system Impact: Multi-Methodological Exploration. Information and Management, 18, 15-28.
