Delivering complex decision rules to top level managers through decision support systems: a case study in army housing management

Abstract

There is a particular allocation problem which is faced by a variety of organizations. Depending on the problem’s specific form, a solution can be achieved through mathematical or heuristic programming. Frequently, however, decision makers are unaware of, and have difficulty in, applying these methodologies, and have difficulty in interpreting and utilizing the results for management. Delivering the required methdologies and algorithms to the affected decision maker in an easy to use decision support system (DSS) can generate considerable economic and management benefits. This paper introduces the general allocation problem and discusses how the problem applies to Army housing management. The article next presents a decision support system that was developed to help officials solve the Army’s housing allocation problem. Finally, the paper describes the value obtained from using the DSS and discusses the implications for operations research theory and management practice. Mathematical or heuristic programming can be used to solve a particular allocation problem, but management may be unaware of, and have difficulty in, applying these methodologies. Decision support systems can alleviate such implementation difficulties by delivering the required methodologies to management in an effective and beneficial manner. A case in point involves the U.S. Department of the Army. This paper introduces the general allocation problem, possible solution methodologies, a general decision support system for delivering the methodologies, and potential benefits from system use. Then, the general theory is applied to Army housing management. After presenting the resulting economic and management benefits, the paper draws some conclusions for operations research theory and management practice.