DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS (DSS)

A general decision system

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=851021&show=html

• Decision-support systems ("DSS") are specifically designed to help management make decisions in situations where there is uncertainty about the possible outcomes of those decisions.

•  DSS comprise tools and techniques to help gather relevant information and analyse the options and alternatives.

• DSS include knowledge-based systems. 

• A properly designed DSS is an interactive software-based system intended to help decision makers compile useful information from a combination of raw data, documents, personal knowledge, or business models to identify and solve problems and make decisions.

• Typical information that a decision support application might gather and present are:

~inventories of information assets (including legacy and relational data sources, cubes, data warehouses, and data marts)

~comparative sales figures between one period and the next

~projected revenue figures based on product sales assumptions

TYPES OF DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM MODELS

• Decision Support Systems that just collect data and organize it effectively are usually called passive models. They do not suggest a specific decision, and they only reveal the data. An active decision support system actually processes data and explicitly shows solutions based upon that data. While there are many systems that can be active, many organizations would be hard pressed to put all their faith into a computer model without any human intervention.

• A cooperative Decision Support System is when data is collected, analyzed, and then given to a human who helps the system revise or refine it. Here, both a human and computer component work together to come up with the best solution.

• While the above DSS model considers the user’s relationship, another popular DSS model sees the mode of assistance as the underlying basis of the DSS model. This includes the Model Driven DSS, Communications Driven DSS, Data Driven DSS, Document Driven DSS, and Knowledge Driven DSS.

• 
  

  A Model Driven DSS is one in which decision makers use statistical simulations or financial models to come up with a solution or strategy. Though these decisions are based on models, they do not have to be overwhelmingly data intensive.

• 
  

  A Communications Driven DSS model is one in which many collaborate to come up with a series of decisions to set a solution or strategy in motion. This model can be in an office environment or on the web.

• A Data Driven DSS model puts its emphasis on collected data that is then manipulated to fit the decision maker’s needs. This data can be internal or external and in a variety of formats. It is important that data is collected and categorized sequentially, for example daily sales, operating budgets from one quarter to the next, inventory over the previous year, etc.

• A Document Driven DSS model uses a variety of documents such as text documents, spreadsheets, and database records to come up with decisions as well as further manipulate the information to refine strategies.

• A Knowledge Driven DSS model uses special rules stored in a computer or used by a human to determine whether a decision should be made. For instance, many day traders see a stop loss limit as a knowledge driven DSS model. These rules or facts are used in order to make a decision.

In my opinion, decision support system enables the managers to respond quickly and make a good decision in order to be remain competitive with others companies and also market changes in this uncertain world.

Reference:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decision_support_system

• http://www.tech-faq.com/decision-support-system.html

• http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=851021&show=html

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM (ESS)

                       What's an Executive Support System ??

http://www.mcrit.com/ASSEMBLING/assemb_central/WhatESS.htm

• Top-level executives.
• Contol of one of many decision-makers that assists in their activity od decision making by providingand organised set of tools.
• Sharing the same concepts of DSS or MIS, can present, summarize, & analyze data from organization's databases but EeeSS are more easier to use.
• ESS are more focuses in the end-user requirements.
• It can be understood as a friendly, full customised & interactive DSS to be mostly used by top executives & policy-makers.
• ESS focuses only on interactive & executive assessment tools.
• An ESS need a previous expert work filtering information & knowledge into meaningful indicators & tools.
• In the figure, the green circle represents the domain area of a Executive Support System.
• For more information, please refer to http://www.mcrit.com/ASSEMBLING/assemb_central/WhatESS.htm

The Role of ESS in the Organization

• faced information overload & able to make the right decision.
• if the informations are not detailed, it will affect to make the right decision.
• summarized information executives need & provide the opportunity to drill down to more detail if necessary.
ESS's allow firm's top executives to gain direct access to information about the company's performances.
ESS may be organized to retrieve information from databases outside the company.

Advantage & Disadvantage of Executive Support System

Advantage :

~ Filters data for management

~ Improves to tracking information

~ Offers efficiency to decision makers

Disadvantages:

~ Difficult to keep current data
~ May lead to less reliable and insecure data
~ Small companies may encounter excessive costs for implementation
~ Too detailed Oriented

Citation :

- Computing Essentials Complete 2010

- http://www.mcrit.com/ASSEMBLING/assemb_central/WhatESS.htm

-http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_executive_support_system

TYPES OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS

       

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Four-Level-Pyramid-model.png

The 'classic' view of Information systems found in the textbooks of the 1980s was of a pyramid of systems that reflected the hierarchy of the organization, usually Transaction processing systems at the bottom of the pyramid, followed by Management information systems, Decision support systems and ending with Executive information systems at the top. Although the pyramid model remains useful, since it was first formulated a number of new technologies have been developed and new categories of information systems have emerged, some of which no longer fit easily into the original pyramid model.

 Transaction Processing Systems (TPS)

• Is the bottom of the pyramid system of the hierarcy of the organization.
• Automate the handling of data about business activities or transactions, which can be thought of as simple, discrete events in the life of an organization.
• The analysis and design of TPS means focusing on the firm’s current procedures for processing transactions, whether those procedures are manual or automated.
• Focus on current procedures implies a careful tracking of data capture ,flow ,processing and output.
• The goal of TPS development is to improve transaction processing by speeding it up, using fewer people, improving efficiency and accuracy, integrating it with other organizational information systems .

                                         

                       http://www.subrahmanyam.com/articles/transactions/NutsAndBoltsOfTP.html

• The transaction is processed using either your POS or EFTPOS and is sent via electronic switches.

https://www.ecardsolutions.co.nz/technology.html

.

CHAPTER 11 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS  (MIS)

http://www.bestpricecomputers.co.uk/glossary/management-information-system.htm

•  Management Information Systems (MIS) is the term given to the discipline focused on the integration of computer systems with the aims and objectives on an organisation.   
• The development and management of information technology tools assists executives and the general workforce in performing any tasks related to the processing of information. 
• MIS and business systems are especially useful in the collation of business data and the production of reports to be used as tools for decision making. 
• An 'MIS' is a planned system of the collection, processing, storage and dissemination of data in the form of information needed to carry out the management functions. 
• The successful MIS must support a business's Five Year Plan or its equivalent. 
• MIS systems provide the tools necessary to gain a better understanding of the market as well as a better understanding of the enterprise itself.  
• There are several specific fields in which MIS has become invaluable. 

1. MIS systems can be used to transform data into information useful for decision making   

• Computers can provide financial statements and performance reports to assist in the planning, monitoring and implementation of strategy.  

      2.  MIS systems provide a valuable function

•  They can collate into coherent reports unmanageable volumes of data that would otherwise be broadly useless to decision makers.   
• Can identify patterns and trends that would have remained unseen if the raw data were consulted manually.  

     3.  MIS systems can also use these raw data to run simulations – hypothetical

     4. MIS systems can provide predictions about the effect on sales that an alteration in price would have on       
          a product  
      
    5.  MIS also provide a valuable time saving benefit to the workforce    

• Where in the past business information had to be manually processed for filing and analysis it can now be entered quickly and easily onto a computer by a data processor. 
• Allowing for faster decision making and quicker reflexes for the enterprise as a whole.  

ADVANTAGES OF MIS

1. MIS can deliver a great many benefits to enterprises in every industry.
2. The company is able to highlight their strength and weaknesses due to the presence of revenue reports, employee performance records.
3. The availability of the customer data and feedback can help the company to allign their business processes according to the needs of the customers.
4. Information is considered to be an important asset for any company in the modern competitive world. 

MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES  

• While MIS systems are extremely useful in generating statistical reports and data analysis they can also be of use as a Management by Objectives (MBO) tool.  
• MBO is a management process by which managers and subordinates agree upon a series of objectives for the subordinate to attempt to achieve within a set time frame. 
• Objectives are set using the SMART ratio: that is, objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Agreed, Realistic and Time-Specific.  
• The aim objectives is to provide a set of key performance indicators by enterprise can judge the performance of an employee or project.  
• In tracking this performance it can be extremely useful to make use of an MIS system.   

 http://www.indosoftsys.com/gaming.htm   

http://erlichmis.blogspot.com/  

CITATION : 

•   http://www.bestpricecomputers.co.uk/glossary/management-information-system.htm  
•   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_information_system  
•   http://www.answers.com/topic/management-information-system     

                             

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD)

One of the most reliable or famous company that produces CAD is AUTODESK !

The Autodesk company produces different types of product based on different industries, which include

Architecture, Engineering & Construction

Automotive & Transportation

Education

Government

Manufacturing

Media & Entertainment

Utilities & Telecommunications

For more information, you all can go to the links provided above~~~

Here, I want to touch about the education industry which is close to us ! ^^

Autodesk has unveiled few industry-oriented software suites to help students learn core design and engineering skills.

The suites contain the full range of Autodesk 2D and 3D design software tools used by professionals worldwide.

The bundled packages encourage a multidisciplinary educational approach, helping faculty teach key concepts that help prepare students for rewarding careers in architecture, engineering and the digital arts.

These suites, offered globally, are available in English and more than 10 other languages.

There are some example solutions for Postsecondary Academic Institutions, which given in the links below provided the products benefits, products included in the CAD, and also the teaching resourses. Hope everyone enjoy exploring it ! ^^

1. Autodesk Education Master Suite 2011





http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_Classroom/autodesk_education_master_suite_2011.html

  

2. Autodesk Education Suite for Architecture & Engineering 2011



http://www.jigsaw24.com/product-details/p389awa/autodesk-education-suite-for-architecture-and-engineering-2011-nlm-125-pack-perpetual-licence

3. Autodesk Education Suite for Civil & Structural Engineering 2011



http://www.synergis.com/software/education/autodesk-education-suite-for-civil-structural-engineering

4. Autodesk Education Suite for Entertainment Creation 2011

http://www.jigsaw24.com/product-details/p448awa/autodesk-education-suite-for-entertainment-creation-2011

5. Autodesk Education Suite for Industrial Design 2011



http://www.jigsaw24.com/product-details/p478awa/autodesk-education-suite-for-industrial-design-slm-10-pack-perpetual-



6.Autodesk Education Suite for Mechanical Engineering 2011

http://www.c-agency.cz/autodesk-education-suite-for-mechanical-engineering

The suites are supported by curricula that include professionally developed lecture notes, student workbooks, projects and other valuable tools to help instructors teach crucial skills.

Among the curricula included in the suites are Autodesk Sustainable Design Curriculum, a series of lessons that explore the methods and tools to better prepare students for the integrated practice of sustainable design.

Autodesk Conceptual Design Curriculum, which teaches conceptual design using exploration, iterative design and various modeling techniques.

Autodesk Civil Engineering Curriculum, to help deepen students’ understanding of engineering design and analysis.

Autodesk Inventor Education Curriculum, featuring 3D mechanical design concepts from sketching, modeling and documentation to analysis and visualization.

Autodesk Industry Careers Framework for Games and Animation, which approaches learning 3D through the core subjects taught in traditional creative studies, including modules on animation and interactive 3D space.

Just for share...

Inventor 2011 introduces radically superior ways to design in 3D !!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaJbFgJ_qU&playnext=1&list=PL96927061EE8637E2

Citation :

1.http://designative.info/2010/05/06/autodesk-announces-new-design-software-solutions-for-education-market-2/

2.http://www.blogger.com/goog_1202351257

Autodesk_Classroom/autodesk_education_master_

suite_2011.html

3.http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_

Classroom/autodesk_education_suite_for_

architecture_and_engineering_2011.html

4. http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_

Classroom/autodesk_education_suite_for_civil_and

_structural_%20engineering_2011.html

5. http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_

Classroom/autodesk_education_suite_for_

entertainment_creation_2011-1.html

6. http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_

Classroom/autodesk_education_suite_

for_industrial_design_2011.html

7. http://www.studica.com/us/en/Autodesk_

Classroom/autodesk_education_suite_for_

mechanical_engineering_2011.html

CHAPTER 11 INFORMATION SYSTEMS

What is Information Systems?

 

Reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJYFpwbvuDc