Module 12 - Learning Objectives...................................................................................................2
12-1. Types of Decisions in an Organization.................................................................................4
12-1a. Phases of the Decision-Making Process.......................................................................4
12-2. Decision Support Systems...................................................................................................5
12-2a. Components of a Decision Support System..................................................................6
12-2b. DSS Capabilities........................................................................................................... 7
12-2c. Roles in the DSS Environment......................................................................................8
12-2d. Costs and Benefits of Decision Support Systems..........................................................8
12-3. Executive Information Systems............................................................................................9
12-3a. Reasons for Using EISs..............................................................................................10
12-3b. Avoiding Failure in Design and Use of EISs................................................................11
12-4. Geographic Information Systems.......................................................................................11
12-4a. GIS Applications.......................................................................................................... 12
12-5. Collaboration Systems.......................................................................................................13
12-5a. Types of Collaboration Software..................................................................................14
12-5b. Which Collaboration Software Is Right for You?..........................................................16
12-6. Guidelines for Designing a Management Support System.................................................16
,Module 12 - Learning Objectives
12-1
Examine the three types of decisions made in each phase of the decision-making process.
Structured decisions, or programmable tasks, can be automated because a well-defined standard
operating procedure exists for these types of decisions. Semistructured decisions are not quite as
well defined by standard operating procedures, but they include a structured aspect that benefits
from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology. Unstructured
decisions are typically one-time decisions, with no standard operating procedure pertaining to them.
Executive information systems offer some support for these types of decisions.
12-2
Describe a decision support system (DSS).
A DSS is an interactive information system consisting of hardware, software, data, and models
(mathematical and statistical) designed to assist decision makers in an organization. Its three major
components are a database, a model base, and a user interface.
12-3
Explain an executive information system’s importance in decision making.
Executive information systems (EISs), which are branches of DSSs, are interactive information
systems that give executives easy access to internal and external data. They typically include “drill-
down” features and a digital dashboard for examining and analyzing information.
12-4
Summarize the uses for a geographic information system (GIS).
A GIS captures, stores, processes, and displays geographic information or information in a
geographic context. For example, a GIS can show the locations of all city streetlights on a map.
12-5
Describe collaboration systems or collaboration software, including their types and the criteria for
their selection.
A collaboration system assists teams in communicating, collaborating, and coordinating their
activities. The system is a collection of applications that supports decision makers by providing
access to a shared environment and information. The three types of collaboration systems are
communication software, task management software, and document and content management
software.
12-6
Apply the eight guidelines for designing a management support system. They include
● support from the top,
● clearly defined objectives and benefits,
● identifying executives’ information needs,
, ● keeping lines of communication open,
● keeping the system’s complexity hidden and the interface simple,
● keeping the “look and feel” consistent,
● designing a flexible system, and
● making sure response time is fast.
12-1. Types of Decisions in an Organization.................................................................................4
12-1a. Phases of the Decision-Making Process.......................................................................4
12-2. Decision Support Systems...................................................................................................5
12-2a. Components of a Decision Support System..................................................................6
12-2b. DSS Capabilities........................................................................................................... 7
12-2c. Roles in the DSS Environment......................................................................................8
12-2d. Costs and Benefits of Decision Support Systems..........................................................8
12-3. Executive Information Systems............................................................................................9
12-3a. Reasons for Using EISs..............................................................................................10
12-3b. Avoiding Failure in Design and Use of EISs................................................................11
12-4. Geographic Information Systems.......................................................................................11
12-4a. GIS Applications.......................................................................................................... 12
12-5. Collaboration Systems.......................................................................................................13
12-5a. Types of Collaboration Software..................................................................................14
12-5b. Which Collaboration Software Is Right for You?..........................................................16
12-6. Guidelines for Designing a Management Support System.................................................16
,Module 12 - Learning Objectives
12-1
Examine the three types of decisions made in each phase of the decision-making process.
Structured decisions, or programmable tasks, can be automated because a well-defined standard
operating procedure exists for these types of decisions. Semistructured decisions are not quite as
well defined by standard operating procedures, but they include a structured aspect that benefits
from information retrieval, analytical models, and information systems technology. Unstructured
decisions are typically one-time decisions, with no standard operating procedure pertaining to them.
Executive information systems offer some support for these types of decisions.
12-2
Describe a decision support system (DSS).
A DSS is an interactive information system consisting of hardware, software, data, and models
(mathematical and statistical) designed to assist decision makers in an organization. Its three major
components are a database, a model base, and a user interface.
12-3
Explain an executive information system’s importance in decision making.
Executive information systems (EISs), which are branches of DSSs, are interactive information
systems that give executives easy access to internal and external data. They typically include “drill-
down” features and a digital dashboard for examining and analyzing information.
12-4
Summarize the uses for a geographic information system (GIS).
A GIS captures, stores, processes, and displays geographic information or information in a
geographic context. For example, a GIS can show the locations of all city streetlights on a map.
12-5
Describe collaboration systems or collaboration software, including their types and the criteria for
their selection.
A collaboration system assists teams in communicating, collaborating, and coordinating their
activities. The system is a collection of applications that supports decision makers by providing
access to a shared environment and information. The three types of collaboration systems are
communication software, task management software, and document and content management
software.
12-6
Apply the eight guidelines for designing a management support system. They include
● support from the top,
● clearly defined objectives and benefits,
● identifying executives’ information needs,
, ● keeping lines of communication open,
● keeping the system’s complexity hidden and the interface simple,
● keeping the “look and feel” consistent,
● designing a flexible system, and
● making sure response time is fast.
