Finals Question #4

Finals Question #4
TOPIC: THE DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS (DSS)


1. Describe or define DSS.

DSS are a specific class of computerized information systems that supports business and organizational decision-making activities. A properly-designed DSS is an interactive software-based system intended to help decision makers compile useful information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.


2. Distinguish DSS from MIS.

DSS A system that supports technological and managerial decision making by assisting in the organization of knowledge about ill-structured, semistructured, or unstructured issues. A decision support system (DSS) is not intended to provide support to humans about structured issues since little cognitively based decision support is generally needed.While an 'MIS' is a planned system of the collecting, processing, storing and disseminating data in the form of information needed to carry out the functions of management.The terms MIS and information system are often confused. Information systems include systems that are not intended for decision making.


3. Illustrate (give examples) how DSS can improve company's competitive advantage and organizational performance.

A decision support system creates a competitive advantage if three criteria are met. First, once the DSS is implemented, it must be used and it must become a major or significant strength or capability of the organization. Second, the DSS must be unique and proprietary to the organization. Third, the advantage provided by the DSS must be sustainable until an adequate payback is received, usually at least three years. Managers who are searching for strategic investments in information technology need to keep these three criteria in mind. Just because a vendor says a product will create a competitive advantage doesn’t make the claim true. A competitive advantage means an organization does something important much better than its competitors.


Debbie Ann T. Templonuevo
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