Decision support systems (DSS) were developed to assist decision makers due to the many considerations involved in complex decisions. DSS support semi-structured and unstructured problems at all management levels for individuals and groups. They also support sequential and interdependent decisions through intelligence design, choice, and implementation capabilities. Expert systems are a type of DSS that contain subject knowledge and the analytical skills of human experts to support decision making.

1. MIS Decision Support System

2. DSS Due to the large number of considerations involved in many decisions, computer-based decision support systems (DSS) have been developed to assist decision makers

3. DECISION MAKING Decision making is the developing concepts leading to the selection of a course of action among variations. Every decision making process produces a final choice It can be an action or an opinion. It begins when we need to do something but we do not know what e.g. Decision to raise a Purchase Order

4. Herbert Simon Herbert Simon was a scientist whose research ranged across the fields of computer science, public administration, economics, management, and philosophy of science and a professor, most notably, at Carnegie Mellon University He was one of the early scientists to develop software to take decisions by computer in playing chess. Thus starting the era of artificial intelligence

5. Decision making in business and management In general, business and management systems should be set up to allow decision making at the lowest possible level. Several decision making models or practices for business include: SWOT Analysis - Evaluation by the decision making individual or organization of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats with respect to desired end state or objective. Buyer decision processes - transaction before, during, and after a purchase Corporate finance: The investment decision The financing decision The dividend decision working capital management decisions Cost-benefit analysis - process of weighing the total expected costs vs. the total expected benefits

6. RDBMS A relational database management system ( RDBMS ) is computer software designed for the purpose of managing databases. Typical examples of DBMSs include Oracle, IBM DB2, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server 2005, Sybase, MySQL RDBMSs are typically used by Database administrators in the creation of Database systems

7. Characteristics and Capabilities of DSS 1. Support for decision makers in semi-structured and unstructured problems. 2. Support managers at all levels. 3. Support individuals and groups. 4. Support for interdependent or sequential decisions. 5. Support intelligence, design, choice, and implementation. 6. Support variety of decision processes and styles. 7. DSS should be adaptable and flexible.

8. Characteristics and Capabilities of DSS (CONTINUE….) 8. DSS should be interactive and provide ease of use. 9. Effectiveness balanced with efficiency (benefit must exceed cost). 10. Complete control by decision-makers. 11. Ease of development by (modification to suit needs and changing environment) end users. 12. Support modeling and analysis. 13. Data access. 14. Standalone, integration and Web-based.

9. EXPERT SYSTEM An expert system , also known as a knowledge based system, is a computer program that contains some of the subject-specific knowledge, and contains the knowledge and analytical skills of one or more human experts.

10. LIMITATION OF EXPERT SYSTEM The lack of human common sense needed in some decision makings The creative responses human experts can respond to in unusual circumstances Domain experts not always being able to explain their logic and reasoning The challenges of automating complex processes The lack of flexibility and ability to adapt to changing environments as questions are standard and cannot be changed Not being able to recognize when no answer is available

11. ADVANTAGES OF EXPERT SYSTEM Provide consistent answers for repetitive decisions, processes and tasks Hold and maintain significant levels of information Reduces creating entry barriers to competitors Review transactions that human experts may overlook