The document discusses key concepts related to decision support systems (DSS) from a systems perspective. It defines what a system is, the differences between open and closed systems, and the concept of functional decomposition. It also summarizes general DSS architecture considerations, including data flows, system boundaries, information quality factors, and the role of the internet in DSS development and use.

1. The Systems Perspective of a DSS Slides modified from Marakas A DSS is really not complete without considering one ……….. Chapter 13 in Marakas Today’s philosophical thought from Aristotle ……….. “ The whole is more than the sum of its parts, the part is more than a fraction of the whole”

3. Comparison of Open and Closed Systems

5. E.g. functional decomposition of a house This is not dissimilar to our thinking with Juniper in terms of processes and sub-processes – and the same for decisions

7. Context Diagrams of Two Design Approaches Decision Maker Outside Boundary Decision Maker Inside Boundary

8. Processes and Data Flows Within the Generalized DSS

12. Factors In Determining Information Quality

18. A generic DSS Architecture Networking and telecommunications facilities Hardware and Operating System Platforms DSS User interface End User Tools DBMS Model development Model Management Database Model Base External data End Users Programmers