10 Questions
What is the purpose of a decision support system (DSS)?
A decision support system supports business or organizational decision-making activities at the management, operations and planning levels of an organization.
What types of decision problems do decision support systems (DSSs) help people make decisions about?
DSSs help people make decisions about unstructured and semi-structured decision problems, which may be rapidly changing and not easily specified in advance.
How can decision support systems be implemented?
Decision support systems can be either fully computerized, human-powered, or a combination of both.
How have academics perceived decision support systems (DSS) and how do DSS users view them?
Academics have perceived DSS as a tool to support decision-making processes, while DSS users see DSS as a tool to facilitate organizational processes.
According to Sprague (1980), how does he define a properly termed DSS?
Sprague (1980) defines a properly termed DSS as tending to be aimed at the less well-structured, underspecified problems that upper-level managers typically face.
Match the following levels of an organization with their typical use of Decision Support Systems (DSS):
Management level = Strategic decision-making Operations level = Tactical decision-making Planning level = Operational decision-making Combination of levels = Support decision-making activities at multiple levels
Match the following perceptions of DSS with their corresponding descriptions:
Academics' perception = Tool to support decision-making processes DSS users' perception = Tool to facilitate organizational processes Extended definition of DSS = Include any system that might support decision making DSS with decision-making software component = A properly termed DSS according to Sprague (1980)
Match the following decision problem types with their descriptions:
Well-structured problem = Clearly defined and easily specified in advance Underspecified problem = Lack of clarity and specificity in defining the problem Unstructured problem = Rapidly changing and not easily specified in advance Semi-structured problem = Partially defined and may have some specific aspects
Match the following DSS components with their characteristics:
Fully computerized DSS = Entirely automated decision support system Human-powered DSS = Relies on human input and decision-making Combination of both = Utilizes both automated and human decision support DSS with decision-making software component = Incorporates specific software for decision-making processes
Match the following DSS definitions with their corresponding authors:
Sprague (1980) = DSS tends to be aimed at the less well-structured, underspecified problem that upper level managers typically face General definition = Information system that supports business or organizational decision-making activities Extended definition = Includes any system that might support decision making Author not specified = Sees DSS as a tool to facilitate organizational processes
Study Notes
Decision Support System (DSS)
- A DSS is an information system that supports business or organizational decision-making activities.
- DSSs serve the management, operations, and planning levels of an organization, typically mid and higher management.
- DSSs help people make decisions about unstructured and semi-structured decision problems that may be rapidly changing and not easily specified in advance.
- DSSs can be either fully computerized, human-powered, or a combination of both.
- The purpose of DSS is to support decision-making processes, but users see it as a tool to facilitate organizational processes.
- The definition of DSS has been extended to include any system that might support decision making.
- Some DSS include a decision-making software component.
- A properly termed DSS is aimed at the less well-structured, underspecified problem that upper-level managers typically face.
Test your knowledge of Decision Support Systems (DSS) with this quiz! Explore the key components, functionalities, and benefits of DSS in supporting business decision-making. Challenge yourself with questions about DSS levels, types of decisions, and their role in addressing unstructured problems.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
