Framework for DSS Development

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Figure 34 illustrates Sprague’s Framework for DSS:

The top level in the diagram represents specific DSS applications. For example: such systems could deal with production planning, inventory control, marketing and distribution.

The middle level depicts DSS Generators: these are specialised software packages that facilitate the building of specific DSS applications. Examples are Spreadsheets Software such as Microsoft Excel for building financial models, simulation packages like SIMSCRIPT for building simulation models and SPSS for constructing statistical models. There are many others.

The bottom level of the diagram represents DSS tools, which are the component parts of DSS Generators. For example: SIMSCRIPT includes a random number generator and special graphic facilities for animated simulation. Notice that in the diagram there are some direct links between DSS tools and specific DSS applications. This shows that in building a specific DSS application, you need not necessarily use specialised software.

The manager is the user who requires the DSS. The manager may not actually operate the system personally, delegating this to an 'intermediary' who passes on the results.

The DSS builder is probably a systems analyst, who is familiar with the DSS generator and  will build the DSS according to the manager's requirements. Even systems analysts however, do require technical support on some occasions and this will probably be provided by technical personnel in the company producing the DSS generator.

Companies that produce DSS generators are forever trying to update their products and this work will be carried out by DSS Toolsmiths. These five roles are not necessarily carried out by five different persons and several may be carried out by one individual.

The manager's criteria will focus on the ability of the DSS to help in finding the solution to business problems, particularly those which are semi-structured and unstructured. It should assist in group decision-making as well as individual decision-making at all managerial levels in the organisation. The manager will also require a DSS that is easy to use and that supports all stages in the decision-making process.

The DSS Builder's criteria will relate to the DSS Generator and its ability to create a specific DSS quickly, easily and which meets the specification. This covers all components of the DSS, namely the database, DBMS, model-base, MBMS and the user interface. Clearly in any DSS, these components must be well-integrated and the ability of the DSS Generator to assist in this is important. Unfortunately, most are less than perfect in this integrating function.

The DSS Toolsmith, similar to the DSS Builder, is interested in the technical side of DSS's. The concern here is more scientific, but still focused on the three basic components of a DSS. Again, the technical challenge is the provision of adequate integrating tools, particularly with respect to the MBMS.

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Reference(s)
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Reference (or cite) Article
	Kahlon, R. S. (2013) Framework for DSS Development [Online]. dkode: United Kingdom, England, London. [Published on: 2013-01-29]. [Article ID: RSK666-0000094]. [Available on: dkode | Ravi - https://ravi.dkode.co/2013/01/frameworks-for-development-of-dss.html].

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