WHAT IS DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM?

DSS (Decision Support System) An information and planning system that provides the ability to interrogate computers on an ad hoc basis, analyze information and predict the impact of decisions before they are made. DBMSs let you select data and derive information for reporting and analysis. Spreadsheets and modeling programs provide both analysis and "what if?" planning. However, any single application that supports decision making is not a DSS. A DSS is a cohesive and integrated set of programs that share data and information. A DSS might also retrieve industry data from external sources that can be compared and used for historical and statistical purposes. An integrated DSS directly impacts management's decision-making process and can be a very cost-beneficial computer application. See EIS and OLAP.

Decision support system is a type of computer information system that supports decision making activities. The concept of a decision support system (DSS) is extremely broad and its definitions vary depending upon the author's point of view (Druzdzel and Flynn 1999). A DSS can take many different forms and the term can be used in many different ways (Alter 1980). On the one hand, Finlay (1994) and others define a DSS broadly as "a computer-based system that aids the process of decision making." In a more precise way, Turban (1995) defines it as "an interactive, flexible, and adaptable computer-based information system, especially developed for supporting the solution of a non-structured management problem for improved decision making. It utilizes data, provides an easy-to-use interface, and allows for the decision maker's own insights." Other definitions fill the gap between these two extremes. For Keen and Scott Morton (1978), DSS couple the intellectual resources of individuals with the capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of decisions ("DSS are computer-based support for management decision makers who are dealing with semi-structured problems"). For Sprague and Carlson (1982), DSS are "interactive computer-based systems that help decision makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured problems." On the other hand, Keen (1980) claims that it is impossible to give a precise definition including all the facets of the DSS ("there can be no definition of decision support systems, only of decision support"). Nevertheless, according to Power (1997), the term decision support system remains a useful and inclusive term for many types of information systems that support decision making. He humorously adds that every time a computerized system is not an on-line transaction processing system (OLTP), someone will be tempted to call it a DSS. As you can see, there is no universally accepted definition of DSS. Additionally, the specifics of it is what makes it less generalized and more detailed. In addition, a DSS also is a specific Software application that helps to analyze data contained with a customer database. This approach to customers is used when deciding on target markets as well as customer habits. As you can see in this specific example, it is obvious that DSS can be used for more than just organization. Recommended reading: Druzdzel and Flynn (1999), Power (2000), Sprague and Watson (1993), the first chapter of Power (2002), the first chapter of Makaras (1999), the first chapter of Silver (1991), the first two chapters of Sauter (1997), and Holsaple and Whinston (1996).

Decision support system is a type of computer information system that supports decision making activities. The concept of a decision support system (DSS) is extremely broad and its definitions vary depending upon the author's point of view (Druzdzel and Flynn 1999). A DSS can take many different forms and the term can be used in many different ways (Alter 1980). On the one hand, Finlay (1994) and others define a DSS broadly as "a computer-based system that aids the process of decision making." In a more precise way, Turban (1995) defines it as "an interactive, flexible, and adaptable computer-based information system, especially developed for supporting the solution of a non-structured management problem for improved decision making. It utilizes data, provides an easy-to-use interface, and allows for the decision maker's own insights." Other definitions fill the gap between these two extremes. For Keen and Scott Morton (1978), DSS couple the intellectual resources of individuals with the capabilities of the computer to improve the quality of decisions ("DSS are computer-based support for management decision makers who are dealing with semi-structured problems"). For Sprague and Carlson (1982), DSS are "interactive computer-based systems that help decision makers utilize data and models to solve unstructured problems." On the other hand, Keen (1980) claims that it is impossible to give a precise definition including all the facets of the DSS ("there can be no definition of decision support systems, only of decision support"). Nevertheless, according to Power (1997), the term decision support system remains a useful and inclusive term for many types of information systems that support decision making. He humorously adds that every time a computerized system is not an on-line transaction processing system (OLTP), someone will be tempted to call it a DSS. As you can see, there is no universally accepted definition of DSS. Additionally, the specifics of it is what makes it less generalized and more detailed. In addition, a DSS also is a specific Software application that helps to analyze data contained with a customer database. This approach to customers is used when deciding on target markets as well as customer habits. As you can see in this specific example, it is obvious that DSS can be used for more than just organization. Recommended reading: Druzdzel and Flynn (1999), Power (2000), Sprague and Watson (1993), the first chapter of Power (2002), the first chapter of Makaras (1999), the first chapter of Silver (1991), the first two chapters of Sauter (1997), and Holsaple and Whinston (1996).