This document provides an overview of decision support systems (DSS), including their history, evolution, definitions, components, users, and categories. It discusses how DSS have developed from early computers used for calculations during World War II to today's data-driven systems. A DSS is defined as an information system that provides knowledge workers with information to make informed decisions. Key components of a DSS include a database, model base, knowledge base, and user interface. DSS support but do not replace human decision makers such as executives and managers. Common categories of DSS are data-driven versus model-driven and individual versus group-oriented systems.

2. Chapter
1
History &
Evolution
Definition
Data & Model
Management
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS

3. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
1950s
- computers are used for
commercial purpose
- EDP  ADP  DP  TPS  IRS
World War
- calculate effective range of depth charges
- calculate optimal trajectories for artillery shell
Early computers
- Used to automate repetitive calculation
- Processed numerical data
Chapter
1
Definition
Data & Model
Management
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution

4. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
History &
Evolution
1960s:
The MIS era
1970s:
DSS
1980s:
DSS with easier end-
user data access
1990s:
DSS 
Datawarehouse

5. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Definition
Chapter
1
Data & Model
Management
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution
‘ Computer based information system
whose primary purpose is to provide knowledge workers
with information on which to based informed decisions’
(Mallach, 2000, p.12)

6. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Definition
SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Definition
All DSS
are…
Information Systems
Used by knowledge
workers
Used in decision
making
Support BUT do not
replace people
Not all
DSS
are…
Used in semi-
structured decision
Incorporate
models
Incorporate
Database

7. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Improve personal efficiency
Improve problem solving
Facilitate communication
Promote learning or training
Increase organizational control

8. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making

9. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Data & Model
Management
Definition
Chapter
1
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution
Data represents unorganized and unprocessed facts.
Usually data is static in nature.
It can represent a set of discrete facts about
events.
Data is a prerequisite to information.
An organization sometimes has to decide on the
nature and volume of data that is required for
creating the necessary information.
Information
Information can be considered as an
aggregation of data (processed data) which
makes decision making easier.
Information has usually got some meaning and
purpose.
Knowledge
By knowledge we mean human understanding of a
subject matter that has been acquired through
proper study and experience.
Usually based on learning, thinking, and proper
understanding of the problem area.
We can view it as an understanding of information
based on its perceived importance or relevance to a
problem area.
It can be considered as the integration of human
perceptive processes that helps them to draw
meaningful conclusion

10. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Data & Model
Management
Definition
Chapter
1
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution
The Database The Model Base
Internal data
External Data
Private data
Statistical, financial,
mathematical & other
quantitative models
The DBMS
The MBMS
Data definition
Data manipulation
Data Integrity
Access Control
Concurrency control
Transaction Recovery
Modelling language
Model library
Model manipulation
User Interface

11. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Knowledge
Base of DSS
Data & Model
Management
Definition
Chapter
1
User of DSS
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution
Experts
reasoning
Knowledge Base
Knowledge:
Facts + Hypothesis
Knowledge Engineer
Interview
Protocolanalysis
Modeling
Inference EngineUser

12. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
User of DSS Knowledge
Base of DSS
Data & Model
Management
Definition
Chapter
1
Category &
Classes of DSS
History &
Evolution
Top
Executives
Middle
Managers
Individual
Contributors
EIS
DSS
TPS

13. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
Data & Model
Management
Definition
Chapter
1
Knowledge
Base of DSS
User of DSS
History &
Evolution
Data-centric
&
Model-centric
Institutional
vs
Ad-Hoc
Directed/Individual
vs
Non-directed /Group
Procedural
vs
Non-procedural
Language Systems
Custom-
vs
Ready-made
Category &
Classes of DSS

14. SQIT 3023 - Information System in Decision Making
1. Download and read notes for Chapter 2.
2. Within your group:
Identify a problem that require a decision to be made. The problem can be
based on your personal experience or any real organizational problems. Prepare
a slide presentation on:
a. What is the problem?
b. What are the alternative solutions to the problem?
c. What are the information needed to make a decision on the particular
problem?
d. What is the process involve in making the decision?
3. Do a revision on techniques of decision making that you have learn before.