A software architecture and framework for Web-based distributed Decision Support Systems

This paper presents an integrated method to help design and implement a Web-based Decision Support Systems (DSS) in a distributed environment. First, a layered software architecture is presented to assist in the design of a Web-based DSS. The layered software architecture can provide a formal and hierarchical view of the Web-based DSS at the design stage. Next, a component-based framework is presented to implement the Web-based DSS in a distributed environment. Finally, an instance of the layered software architecture and 3CoFramework applied to the Web-based National Agricultural Decision Support System (NADSS) is presented.     

Group decision support systems

Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) has been a rapidly emerging field of the 1980's. Whereas conventional Decision Support Systems (DSS) help individual decision makers, GDSS are designed to help groups of senior management and professional groups reach concensus. The paper focuses on one type of GDSS, a decision room in which computers and communications are used by participants during their deliberations. The paper introduces the concepts of private work, public screen, and chauffeur. It then discusses how software and hardware are used in current GDSS. Practical experience has mostly been in laboratory setting. The paper describes existing facilities and reports on the experimental evidence thus far. Special attention is given to the potentials of using gaming and the opportunity for research replication. Although it is not yet possible to prove that GDSS will be viable in the long-term, some potential directions of change can be anticipated if GDSS proves successful.     

Decision Support Systems: A summary,problems, and future trends

This paper critically examines issues confronting Decision Support Systems (DSS) in the business/management area. Due to the lack of acceptable definition of DSS, the characteristics and components of DSS are discussed in detail. It is pointed out that work activities that require decision making form a spectrum of problems ranging from structured problem to unstructured problem. It is further pointed out that personality and cognitive style can influence individuals' decision styles, and thus different decision aids will be sought. DSS development and applications are briefly described. Finally, the major problems facing current DSSs are outlined, and the future trends of DSS are described.     

An investigation on the nature of decision support system software

Decision Support Systems (DSS) software is investigated and a conceptual model presented in this paper. The purpose of this model is to facilitate a better understanding of the nature of DSS software. The model is composed of six problem transformational processes linking up seven problem phases. The six transformational processes are: problem transforming system, problem mapping system, problem solving system, procedural program generation system, programming language compiling system, and code generation system, by identifying the seven problem phases this hierarchical provides a conceptual foundation for developing DSS software. Spun-off from this model is a framework for implementing knowledge-based DSS with automatic modeling capabilities. The structure of future DSS software to run on fifth generation computers is also addressed.     

A GIS generation gap: MAGI and KNRIS

Geographic Information Systems for natural resource applications have been evolving since the first generation appeared in the last 1960's. A second generation dependent upon a mainframe computer and including a comprehensive data base, followed in the mid 1970's. The Maryland Geographic Information (MAGI) System is a prime example. The current generation uses a stand-alone minicomputer with more user interaction: The Kentucky Natural Resource Information System (KNRIS) is an example. This paper clarifies the differences between these two generations by describing MAGI and KNRIS and comparing their data bases, hardware, software and applications.     

Developing knowledge‐based decision support systems in public sector administration: A case study in the treasury department,ministry of finance,Malaysia

Since its introduction in the early 1970s the Decision Support System (DSS) concept has attracted a lot of attention from academics as well as users from business organizations. The literature abounds with accounts of systems that are claimed to have used the concept. The common characteristics of most of these systems are that they rely heavily on the use of quantitative models. In ill‐structured and higher level decision making quantitative models are used in conjunction with the qualitative models; in these cases a different approach and method in DSS development needs to be adopted. The objectives of this paper are twofold: to give a brief overview of the concept of DSS and Knowledge‐Based Systems and to describe the approach adopted and experience gained in conceptual analysis and modelling of the decision making process in an attempt to develop a Knowledge‐Based Decision Support System for Public Sector Management.     

复杂适应系统与分布式卫星系统自主运行

以复杂适应系统理论为指导,探讨了基于Agent技术实现分布式卫星系统（DSS）自主运行的研究方法和主要步骤。目前国内外关于DSS自主运行技术的研究尚处于起步阶段,缺乏系统的理论指导。该文试图运用复杂适应系统（CAS）理论的思想和方法来指导DSS自主运行技术的研究,并以此扩展CAS理论的应用领域。首先介绍CAS理论的基本概念和核心思想,然后分析自主运行DSS的控制需求和特征,指出CAS理论用于指导DSS自主运行的必要性和可行性,并给出基于Agent实现DSS自主运行的整体框架。     

Local Area Management and Planning (LAMP) in India

To assist decentralised planning, the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has taken the initiative to develop a computer-based spatial information system for planning and management of the natural resources at the district and sub-district level. At present ten district level database centres called Natural Resources Data Management System (NRDMS) have been functioning in different geo-environments in India.
The present paper discusses the experience of the Centre for Applied Systems Analysis in Development (CASAD). CASAD is involved in managing the NRDMS database centre at Bankura district and was associated with the development of DSS models in Kheda district. Finally, a few case studies on the use of Decision Support Systems (DSS) for decentralised decision making at the district level are discussed.     

Progress in Web-based decision support technologies

World Wide Web technologies have transformed the design, development, implementation and deployment of decision support systems. This article reviews and summarizes recent technology developments, current usage of Web-based DSS, and trends in the deployment of such systems. Many firms use the Web as a medium to convey information about DSS products or to distribute DSS software. The use of Web-based computation to provide product demonstrations or to deploy DSS applications for remote access remains less common. The academic literature on Web-based DSS is largely focused on applications and implementations, and only a few articles examine architectural issues or provide design guidelines based on empirical evidence.     

基于网格的开放式决策支持系统模型

网格技术的出现和飞跃对决策支持系统(DSS)的发展将产生巨大影响。本文分析了当前DSS所存在的不足，介绍了网格的基本概念及网格技术对DSS的影响。最后提出了一个基本的开放DSS模型及其实现。     

Geographical information systems applied in the field of renewable energy sources

This article presents a synthetic vision of geographical information systems (GIS) applications that are state of the art in the renewable energy field. The objective is to analyze the main qualities and problems of these applications, focusing on specific samples, and to carry out a methodological proposal in this genre.From this point of view, the study synthesizes the analyzed applications in three big groups: Decisions Support Systems (DSS) based on GIS; renewable energy and distributed generation of electricity; and decentralized generation for the rural electrification. In addition, a synthetic table and bibliographical references is provided for each group.Finally, several conclusions and a methodological outline are contributed for GIS application in the rural electrification with renewable energy.     

Decision Support Systems for implementing the European Water Framework Directive: The MULINO approach

The EU Water Framework Directive, WFD (Dir. 2000/60/EC) introduces an innovative, integrated and holistic approach to the protection and management of water resources. New methodologies and tools are required to support implementation of the new policy. To fulfil these requirements, tools such as Decision Support Systems (DSSs) that integrate environmental, social and economic concerns and that facilitate the involvement of interested parties in the formulation of strategies may be useful. The MULINO project has developed a methodology and a DSS tool to tackle such problems. Focus is on connecting environmental tools and decision support methods by combining the DPSIR (Driving force, Pressure, State, Impact and Response) approach with multi-criteria analysis methods in a Decision Support System called mDSS. The proposed approach can be applied in decision processes in which a group of people (i.e. decision makers and stakeholders), share a common conceptual framework and procedure, to structure the problem, discuss the decision and communicate the proposed solution. In this paper, the MULINO approach is presented, focusing on its potential for the current implementation process of the WFD, according to the recently released guidance documents and the experience gained in several case studies carried out during the research project. The evaluation of the potential of the tool for applications in real-world management problems is carried out by taking into account the feedback from project partners and from end users, within and outside the research consortium.     

A new approach to water quality modelling and environmental decision support systems

The concepts and technology of environmental decision support systems (EDSS) have developed considerably over recent decades, although core concepts such as flexibility and adaptability within a changing decision environment remain paramount. Much recent EDSS theory has focussed on model integration and re-use in decision support system (DSS) tools and for design and construction of ‘DSS generators’. Many current specific DSS have architectures, tools, models and operational characteristics that are either fixed or difficult to change in the face of changing management needs. This paper reports on development and deployment of an EDSS that encompasses a new approach to DSS tools, generators and specific DSS applications. The system, named E2, is built upon a conceptualisation of terrestrial and aquatic environmental systems that has resulted in a robust and flexible system architecture. The architecture provides a set of base classes to represent fundamental concepts, and which can be instantiated and combined to form DSS generators of varying complexity. A DSS generator is described within which system users are able to select and link models, data, analysis tools and reporting tools to create specific DSS for particular problems, and for which new models and tools can be created and, through software reflection (introspection), discovered to provide expanded capability where required. This system offers a new approach within which environmental systems can be described in the form of specific DSS at a scale and level of complexity suited to the problems and needs of decision makers.     

Fundamentals of integrated dictionary/ directory systems

One of the most potent tools available to support achievement of control over an organization's information resource is the Integrated Dictionary/Directory (D/D) System. Use of a D/D System can assist in data inventory management, cost control and improving resiliency to changing requirements. A D/D System is composed of a database (describing the information resource), retrieval and analysis capabilities, interfaces (enabling other software to access the D/D) and data management tools. Some D/D Systems are independent from other software packages; some either are dependent on or are actually embedded in other data management systems. D/D Systems provide functions to assist in interfacing the D/D to other software and loading the D/D with meta-data from other software. Use of a D/D System is a first step toward achieving control of the data resource.     

An approach for an integrated DSS for strategic planning

Although Decision Support Systems (DSS) have become widespread in recent years for operational control their use in strategic decision-making has only rarely been seen. This study investigates how DSS technology can be applied in the process of strategic planning. The requirements of Strategic Decision Support Systems (SDSS) are discussed and a conceptual frame for the construction of SDSS is developed. The authors emphasize the integration of both the planning instruments and the corresponding data flows. They present the StratConsult system - a PC-based prototype for supporting strategic sessions. Benefits and drawbacks of SDSS are explored and relevant trends for integrated computer-aided strategic DSS are outlined.     

Audit trails of System Replacement (SR) and user satisfaction: An empirical study of Micro,Mini and Mainframe computers using a telecommunication Decision Support System (DSS) network

This study analyzes the influence of System Replacement (SR) on overall computer user satisfaction. The following are found to be the most significant variables effecting overall satisfaction: System Replacement and User Responses. The Average Life in Months has the least significant effect in the user satisfaction model. An interactive Decision Support System (DSS) for SR is designed, developed and demonstrated in this study. The application of such a DSS is explained along with the use of telecommunication networks. The implications for improvements in SR by updates to a DSS data base are discussed and analyzed.     

一种基于Intranet和多Agent系统的决策支持系统框架

基于Intranet的决策支持系统的研究不仅具有重大的理论价值,而且具有很高的应用价值。该文通过对多A-gent系统与传统决策支持系统的比较和结合,把Agent方法引入到基于Intranet的决策支持系统的研究中,提出了一种新型的决策支持系统实现框架。该框架充分利用了Agent自主运行、主动性、持续性和问题求解能力以及多Agent系统的分布式和合作性等特点,对基于Intranet决策支持系统结构的研究产生了深刻的影响。该文给出了一个基于该框架的原型系统实现,通过仿真可以看出该实现框架非常适合于企业Intranet分布式开放环境。     

气田生产调度多重广义算子模型

本文针对数字气田项目中的气量调度的问题,结合大系统控制论,提出了基于多重广义算子的生产调度模型。该模型具有较好的扩展性、灵活性和准确性,比较适合复杂决策问题的解决。     

The emerging role of DSS: From passive to active

Existing decision support systems (DSS) are passive in their operation; their sole aim is to help maintain the current position of the firm. Conversely, Information Technology has recently adopted a more active role in the corporate strategy. This suggests that DSS could also undertake a far more active stance by identifying gaps in existing operations and suggesting ways to strengthen the standing of the firm. We renamed DSS containing this characteristics as Active Decision Support Systems (or ADSS) to emphasize their new orientation. Managers draw on their knowledge to suggest ways of alleviating problems or exploiting opportunities, and to evaluate each alternative in relation to the corporate objectives. Patterns and alternatives must be identified and incorporated into the ADSS. They should then be compared with the current position of the firm in order to determine whether any such problems/opportunities exist. This paper proposes an approach for designing ADSS; it introduces a knowledge-based component within the DSS framework and applies the concept of triggers to control the invocation of rule sets. A logical structure for ADSS is provided and the system use is illustrated through an example of strategic management. Issues for future research are highlighted.