A Knowledge Capture Distributed DSS Architecture to Support Planning and Policy Decision Making

Abstract

In this paper we propose a Web portal architecture that supports collaborative planning and policy decision making efforts through remote, joint experimentation with a distributed simulation model of the planning and policy process. The architecture also contains a knowledge management component that enables knowledge capture and representation. Thus the architecture facilitates the planning process by providing a transparent experimentation environment in which planners can work together to assess the impact of different sets of planning policies and model parameters on important organizational performance measures. The knowledge generated from collaborative experimentation with the planning model is captured and can be shared to improve subsequent planning and policy decisions. We illustrate the proposed architecture with a U.S. Navy manpower planning application, but highlight its applicability to planning and policy formulation processes in general, such as planning for new product development or disaster recovery.