Introducing Decision Support SystemsThe advent of powerful yet user-friendly computer packages based on mathematical and logical models has enabled management tools (Decision Support Systems) to be made available more widely than ever before. These systems are defined as 'any computer-based system that helps managers to be better at tackling problems'. Paul Finlay's book, now in its second edition, first establishes a framework for the use of decision support systems by providing a review of the nature of managerial work and of business problems, with particular emphasis on planning and control. Few assumptions are made about the reader's prior knowledge. Separate chapters on the tools, techniques and methodologies associated with each type of decision support system. The software packages that support these systems are also discussed. |
Contents
The Nature of Managerial Work and of Business Problems | 1 |
Models and Systems | 13 |
Towards a Definition of Decision Support Systems | 29 |
Copyright | |
24 other sections not shown
Common terms and phrases
activity analysis approach appropriate beta Cognitive Mapping concept concerned considered context contribution costs data model Data Retrieval Systems database decision maker Decision Support Systems decision tree defined definition dimensions discussed drill effectiveness example Executive Information Systems expected monetary value Expert Systems Extrapolatory Systems facilitator forecasting group decision Group DSS human-computer human-computer interface identified implementation individual input interaction interface involved judgement later sell later levels of measurement linear programming logic model mainframe Management Information System Management Intelligence Systems Management Science manager's mathematical measures of success million packs MINTS operating options organisation output packages participants Preference Determination Systems problem tackling queue relations Scenario Development Systems selecting sell later sell sell now sell shown in Figure simulation specific spreadsheet stage strategic structure Systems Design systems development cycle Table techniques term tonnes types of DSS uncertainty validation values variables Whilst