Differences between building a traditional DSS and an ODSS: lessons from the Air Force's Enlisted Force Management System

Abstract

It is shown that, although many aspects of a traditional decision support system (TDSS) and an organizational decision support system (ODSS) are similar, there are important differences that must be understood if the ODSS is to be successful. Differences in purposes lead to differences in design, differences in managing the development effort, differences in implementation, and differences in maintenance. In fact, some aspects of building an ODSS are more similar to building a traditional information system than to building a TDSS. The suggested approach to building an ODSS combines principles and good practice for building both types of systems. The points made are illustrated with examples from the ODSS that are currently being implemented by the US Air Force. The system, called the Enlisted Force Management System, is being used to help members of the Air Staff in the Pentagon make decisions related to their enlisted personnel. >