How much support can we expect from decision support systems?

Abstract

Decision making is one of the primary abilities of human beings. In a way, decisions can be seen as an expression of human life - where there is human life, decisions and choices abound. However, contemporary human beings are confronted with so many complex choices that they are increasingly becoming dependent on non-sentient decision support systems. In our times, information and knowledge are more and more relegated to computer databases, whereas the not so easily digitisable human sagacity tends to be neglected. Yet, as inevitable as this process seems to be, is the support provided by computerised support systems sufficient? Are the resulting decisions beneficial for human beings? In this paper, we will address a number of the various needs modern decision support systems must attend to in order to be effective. To provide a perspective for the current and future development of DSS, we will present a short overview of the historical developments of decision support systems (DSS). Further, we will illustrate through practical examples from industrial and governmental settings that the role of the less measurable aspects of decision making is not negligible and deserves full attention of DSS designers. Finally, we will briefly discuss a number of future directions related to decision support systems based on the so-called third order cybernetic theory, as well as the upcoming and intriguing relationships between DSS and Embedded Systems (ES), which could gain importance in the very near future.