DSS Systems Analysis and Design: The Role of the Analyst as Change Agent

Abstract

We explore the critical role played by decision support system (DSS) developers (also called systems analysts or DSS designers) as they enact the role of the change agent. In DSS development, systems analysts actively strive to change the decision maker directly through the DSS application and its presentation. We suggest that the role of change advocate serves DSS development the best, chiefly because decision makers’ enhanced interest in emerging information technologies has made it possible for decision makers to accept new Web-based DSS technologies. We also briefly explore some of the issues in the development of decision support systems over time and the importance they will play in the future. We illustrate what a systems analyst should take into consideration in designing a DSS display today, using a dashboard as an example. We then describe new tools used for DSS development such as widgets, gadgets, and mashups that once again may change the way decision makers solve problems. We see a promising future for changing decision makers as they interact with the analyst as a change agent and can visualize decision makers evolving through their DSS interactions, thereby improving decision quality, and creating a strong, contributory role for analysts to play in DSS development.