Abstract
Interest in aiding and supporting decision-making through the use of computers has been stimulated by technological developments in areas such as personal computers, computer networks, large data bases, colour graphics and computer-based models. These uses are known as Decision Support Systems (DSS) and imply computer systems designed to extend managers' capabilities, and at the same time to integrate these uses into existing managerial activities and needs. During the past few years there have been rapid international developments in the DSS field. In South Africa this trend is also noticeable, although on a smaller scale. The object of this article is to give a survey of Decision Support Systems by defining the concept and by showing how it relates to other fields, and to present a framework of the typical functions and components of such a system. Some practical applications are discussed for illustrative purposes.
Highlights
The phenomenal and rapid technological developments in the computer industry have stimulated the use of computers to support decision-making at all levels of management
They refer to the information-processing system that is embedded within a decision-making system as a Decision Support Systems (DSS)
This stage is highlighted by the fact that the four most important steps in the system-development process - analysis, design, construction, and implementation - are combined into one step and are repeated iteratively
Summary
The phenomenal and rapid technological developments in the computer industry have stimulated the use of computers to support decision-making at all levels of management. (i) A DSS incorporates models into the information systems software; (ii) a DSS provides useful information to management to support comparatively unstructured decision activities; and (iii) a DSS provides a simple-to-use language for problem solving They refer to the information-processing system that is embedded within a decision-making system as a DSS. From the above one can extract and state the key components and characteristics of a typical DSS as follows: (i) It is computer based; (ii) it aids decision-makers in solving semi-structured and unstructured problems; (iii) it plays a supportive role in the decision-making process and does not automate or replace this process; (iv) it generates ir,formation via models in support of decisions; (v) it is highly adaptable and flexible in a dynamic environment; (vi) it is easy to use and operates in an interactive mode. It cannot be proved that it is the DSS which brings about improvements in decision-making: The system may provide the support and stimulus to the manager in achieving these improvements
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