Problem solving is a technique that is valued by all businesses and companies worldwide. To be a successful problem solver involves informed decision making. But in a world where time is money and new information is uploaded to the web faster than it can be digested, those who need to make decisions need the best help they can get. Decision Support Systems (DSS) are collections or people, procedures, software, databases and devices used to help make decisions that solve problems . Decision Support Systems have a myriad of characteristics in the decision making process that make such systems attractive to businesses.
One of the most attractive attributes of a DSS is its adaptability to a company’s specific needs. This feature can be “standard mode for starter users or advanced mode for experienced users”. (1) Such adaptability of a system can accommodate not only senior executives but also new interns, thus allowing for more flexibility in the work area. “Typical decision support systems are designed for easy use by end users who may or may not be comfortable with using computer technology as part of the decision making process” . (2) The beauty of DSSs is it can “be utilized in making an informed decision regarding just about any action or set of circumstances” (3).
DSS can be oriented in two forms, scenario and goal seeking. The two forms are “the What-if mode - Developing scenarios for solution with the assistance of information systems (usually decision support systems) and the Goal-seeking mode - Establishing the input factors necessary to achieve specified goals (usually with a decision support system)”. (4)
The variability and flexibility of the DSS is a valuable asset is important decision making moments within the life of a company. DSSs can be used by supervisors to monitor the development of employees. “By identifying strengths and weaknesses among employees in their charge, which can take a lot of the guesswork out of performing period employee evaluations”. (3) This frees up more time for supervisors to mentor employees and get necessary work done in time that would otherwise have been wasted doing extensive evaluations.
Ultimately, the most important feature that DSS provides is the information is provides to managers that help facilitate decision making for an entire company. DSS “give managers the opportunity to gain a better understanding of their business” (4). With the ability to easily monitor the advancements of the employees, and the ability to generate what-if scenarios, a manager can make informed business decisions that benefit the whole company. The decision of a manager can either be a very costly one or a very profitable one, the information provided to a manger from the DSS can help make the difference between a million dollars gained or a million dollars lost.
1. Decision Support System http://dsssystem.blogspot.com/2010/01/guideline-for-creating-successful.html
2. Healthcare Decision Support Systems http://www.wisegeek.com/topics/healthcare-decision-support-systems.htm
3. Business Decision Support Systems http://www.wisegeek.com/topics/business-decision-support-systems.htm
4. Decision Support and Executive Information http://www.umsl.edu/~joshik/msis480/chapt10.htm
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