Decision support systems (DSS) are computer-based systems that analyze data and help decision-makers make better judgments. A DSS has three main components: a database, a model, and a user interface. DSS can classify data inputs, user expertise, outputs, and generated decisions. They are used in various fields like healthcare, business, and transportation to improve efficiency, speed up decision-making, and gain a competitive advantage. Key benefits of DSS include faster problem solving, increased organizational control, and promoting learning.

1. DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM
Noreeha atique. (1062)
Ummae farwa. (1007)
Submited to Inam-ul-haq.
University of education Renala campus
BS(HONS)IT Morning

2. contents
Define DSS
components
classification
Application
Benefits
DSS characteristics and capabilities
References

3. DSS:
DSS are a specific class of computerized information system that supports
Business and organizational decision-making activities. A properly designed DSS is an
Interactive software-based system intended to help decision makes compiler useful
information from raw data, documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models
to identify and solve problems and make decision.
Sprague (1980) defines DSS by its characteristics:
DSS tends to be aimed at the less well structured, underspecified problem that
Upper level managers typically face;
DSS attempts to combine the use of models or analytic techniques traditional
Data access and retrieval functions;
DSS specifically focuses on features which make them easy to use by
noncomputer people in an interactive mode; And
DSS emphasizes and flexibility and adaptability to accommodate changes in the
Environment and decision making approach of the user;

5. COMPONENTS:-
Three fundamental components of DSS architecture are:
1) The data base (or knowledge base);
2) The model .i.e., (the decision context and the user criteria); and
3) The user interface.
• The user themselves also are also important components of architecture.

7. There are several way to classify DSS applications. Not every DSS fits neatly
Into one of the categories, but may be a mix of two or more architectures;
DSS components may be classified as:
1. Inputs: factors, numbers, and characteristics to analyze.
2. User knowledge and expertise: inputs requiring manual analysis by the user.
3. Outputs: Transformed data from which DSS “decisions” are generated.
4. Decisions: Results generated by the DSS based on the user criteria.
DSSs which perform selected cognitive decision-making functions and are based
On artificial intelligence or intelligent agents technologies are called intelligent
Decision support system.
Classification:

8. Applications
One is the clinical decision support system for medical diagnoses. Other examples
Includes bank loan officer verifying the credit of a loan applicant or an engineering
Firm that has bids on an several projects and wants to know if they can be
Competitive with their costs.
DSS is extensively used in business and management. Executive dashboard and other
business performance software allow faster decision making, identification of negative
trends, and better allocation of business resources. Due to the DSS all information from
any organization is represented in the from of chart , graphs which helps the
Management to take strategic decision.
DSS are also prevalent in forest management where the long planning time frame
demands specific requirements. All aspects of forest management , from log
transportation , harvest scheduling to sustainability and ecosystem protection have been
addressed by modern DSSs.

9.  A specific example concern the canadian national railway system, which tests its
equipment on a regular basis using a decision support system. A problem faced
by an rail road is worn-out or defective rails, which can result in hundreds of
derailments per year. Under a DSS, CN managed to decrease the incidence of
Derailments at the same time other companies were experiencing an increase.
BENEFITs
Improves personal efficiency.
Speed up the process of decision making.
Increases organizational control.
Encourages exploration and discovery on the part of the decision maker.
Speeds up problem solving in an organization.
Facilitates interpersonal communication.
Promotes learning or training.
Generates new evidence in support of the decision.
Creates a competitive advantage over competition.
Reveals new approaches to thinking about the problem space.
Helps automate managerial processes.
Create innovative ideas to speed up the performance.

10. DSS characteristics and capabilities
Solve semi-structured and unstructured problems.
Support manager at all levels.
Support individuals and groups.
Interdependence and sequence of decisions.
Support intelligence, choice, design.
Adaptable and flexible.
Interactive and ease of use.
Interactive and efficiency.
Human control of the process.
Ease of development by end user.
Modeling and analysis.
Data access.
Standalone and web-based integration.
Support varieties of decision processes.
Support varieties of decision trees.
Quick response.

11. REFRENCES
Decision support system./wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.htm
http://www.openspace-online.com/openspace-online_ebook_en.pdf
Sprague , R.H. And E.D.Carlson(1982). Building effective decision support systems.
Englewood cliffs, N.J., Prentice-hall.
What is a DSS?The on-line Executive Journal for data-intensive Decision support.