Decision support system DSS "Information system that provides interactive ad hoc support for the decision-making process of managers" (See PDF)
Characteristics of a DSS
- Decisions in semi-structured or unstructured context Supports decision-makers without trying to replace them Supports all stages of the decision-making process Aims towards effectiveness rather than efficiency Is under the control of the decision-maker Uses basic models and data Is interactive and User-friendly It is based on an iterative process Provides support at all administrative levels Supports individual and group decisions
Uses of a DSS
- “WHAT IF” analysis Sensitivity analysis Goal seeking analysis Optimization analysis
Group decision support system:
"Interactive computer-based information system, which facilitates the solution of unstructured problems by a set of decision makers working together as a group"
DSS ➔ GDSS
- Communication capacity Improvement of the model base Increased reliability in the system Improvement of physical facilities: Room Design
How does a GDSS improve decision making?
- Improve prior planning Increase participation Create an open and collaborative atmosphere Allow the generation of ideas free of criticism Incorporate objectivity in the evaluation Allow the organization and evaluation of ideas Establish priorities Documentation of meetings Access to external information Presentation of an “institutional memory”
Applications
- Establishment of the mission of the company Formulation of strategies Evaluation of administrators Information systems planning Support in negotiations
Groupware: Technology for group work
"Collaborative computational software specifically designed to support workgroup activities"
Improvement in the way of working and making decisions
Communication - Communication - Coordination
- Physical meetingsElectronic boardsElectronic decision roomsVirtual meetingsTeleconferencingAudioconferencingVideoconferencingShared screenDiscussion forums
Electronic communication and coordination tools
- Voicemail Email Fax Web Publications Workflow Systems Electronic Agendas
Groupware Applications:
- Lotus Notes - Collabra - Novell Groupwise - Oracle Office - Microsoft Exchange - Netscape Communicator
Platform: Internet, Intranets, Extranets and other networks
Information system for executives
“Information system adapted to the strategic information needs of senior management.
Characteristics of an SIE - EIS
Need: Information from many sources: internal and external
Objective: To provide senior management with immediate and easy access to targeted information on key business success factors
Requirements: Flexibility, Ease of operation and understanding, Little or no training required
Guidance: Monitoring and follow-up of FCE - CSF Support for administrative decisions of senior executives
They use: Graphical, tabulated presentations and / or text formats Personalization
Functions: Select, extract, filter information
Users of executive information systems (EIS)
- Manage the entire organization or autonomous units Business-oriented thinking Act on a broad space of control Vision towards future strategic horizons Responsibility in setting policies Represent the organization in its interaction with the external environment Their actions can have considerable financial, social and business consequences
