Decision support systems: An expert systems approach

This paper provides a conceptual framework for designing decision support systems (DSS) using an expert systems approach. Currently there is a significant trend towards the use of knowledge-based systems techniques in DSS design, but a comprehensive framework is yet to be proposed. Our paper addresses this problem and presents such a framework. Efforts are currently underway to design, implement and test a system based on this framework.     

'Soft' systems thinking and information systems: a framework for client-led design

Abstract. Since the mid-1980s there has been a growing interest in the application of soft systems methodology (SSM) to the information systems design process. This interest has resulted from attempts to overcome the recognized deficiencies of conventional computer systems analysis methods and techniques. A particular problem which has received attention over the past 5 years is the epistemological and operational differences between the investigative process of the pre-design stage and the technological specification. We suggest that this argument is somewhat unproductive and advocate a necessary rethinking about the nature of information systems and the use of technology to support their activities. A re-evaluation of the way that we set about designing computer-based information systems suggests that many of the problems of conventional systems analysis methods may be alleviated by an approach that allows the 'client', or 'user', to have a greater control over the identification, specification and development of their information system(s). The authors' belief in this course of action has led to the development of client-led design as an underpinning philosophy for user participation in the design of computer-based information systems. Client-led design draws upon and develops concepts and tools from 'interpretive', or 'soft', systems thinking and, in particular, can be seen as providing a framework for the type of subjective inquiry that Checkland & Scholes (1990) referred to as 'ideal-type' mode 2 SSM. This paper is related to the papers published in the Journal of Information Systems (Vol. 3, No. 3), which was a special edition to illustrate the influence of 'soft' systems thinking upon information systems design and development.     

RMS design methodology for automotive framing systems BIW

Today, markets increasingly require more customized products, with shorter life cycles. In response, manufacturing systems have evolved from mass production techniques, through flexible automation and mass customization, to produce at mass production costs. Manufacturing facilities must incorporate more flexibility and intelligence, evolving toward reconfigurable manufacturing systems (RMS). RMS are amid to posses such flexibility and responsiveness and said to be the next generation of world class systems. RMS are designed for rapid change in structure and for a quickly adjustable production capacity. This paper proposes a new methodology (high level process) of framework using flexible and reconfigurable manufacturing systems principles for automotive framing systems as well as to provide a guideline to support the structure of different stages of the design methodology. The proposed methodology is presented through a case study using data based on actual production systems of three different styles; (process and design data) which supports the hypothesis of the research.     

Cognitive biases and decision support systems development: a design science approach

Abstract.  This paper presents design science research that aims to improve decision support systems (DSS) development in organizations. Evolutionary development has been central to DSS theory and practice for decades, but a significant problem for DSS analysts remains how to conceptualize the improvement of a decision task during evolutionary DSS development. The objective of a DSS project is to improve the decision process and outcome for a manager making an important decision. The DSS analyst needs to have a clear idea of the nature of the target decision task and a clear strategy of how to support the decision process. Existing psychological research was examined for help with the conceptualization problem, and the theory of cognitive bias is proposed as a candidate for this assistance. A taxonomy of 37 cognitive biases that codifies a complex area of psychological research is developed. The core of the project involves the construction of a design artefact – an evolutionary DSS development methodology that uses cognitive bias theory as a focusing construct, especially in its analysis cycles. The methodology is the major contribution of the project. The feasibility and effectiveness of the development methodology are evaluated in a participatory case study of a strategic DSS project where a managing director is supported in a decision about whether to close a division of a company.     

卫星系统作战效能评估辅助DSS研究

卫星系统作战效能评估是开发、使用和优化卫星系统的基础。从系统的角度探讨了卫星系统效能评估的方法论，建立并讨论了包括效能度量维、系统建模维和效能评估方法维的系统效能评估三维结构,在此基础上，提出了卫星系统作战效能评估辅助DSS的概念和结构，构建了卫星系统作战效能评估辅助DSS的模型体系，为科学、有效地进行卫星系统作战效能评估提出了新的途径，最后指出了深化效能评估的几个关键问题。     

Complementary case-based reasoning and competitive fuzzy cognitive maps for advanced medical decisions

This paper presents a new hybrid modeling methodology suitable for complex decision making processes. It extends previous work on competitive fuzzy cognitive maps for medical decision support systems by complementing them with case based reasoning methods. The synergy of these methodologies is accomplished by a new proposed algorithm that leads to more dependable advanced medical decision support systems that are suitable to handle situations where the decisions are not clearly distinct. The methodology developed here is applied successfully to model and test two decision support systems, one a differential diagnosis problem from the speech pathology area for the diagnosis of language impairments and the other for decision making choices in external beam radiation therapy.     

Computer-Aided Systems Engineering Methodology Support and Its Effect on the Output of Structured Analysis

The information systems development literature indicates that there is no conclusive, empirical evidence that CASE improves the quality of system specifications or the resulting information systems. One role of a CASE tool is to serve as a methodology companion—to assist an analyst in the creation of documentation passed to succeeding phases of the life cycle, and to guide the analyst through a particular systems development methodology. A framework for comparing the level of methodology support provided by a CASE tool is proposed and applied to 27 structured analysis methodology rules. The framework contains seven levels of rule enforcement, ranging from real-time enforcement of a rule to the absence of enforcement for a rule. The methodology enforcement framework is then applied to two popular, commercial CASE tools. Each CASE tool was used by eight project teams over a two month period to construct a functional specification for a hotel information system. The goal of the study was to examine the influence on the functional specification of the level of methodology support provided by the CASE tool for each structured analysis methodology rule. Methodology errors in the system specification were noted for each structured analysis methodology rule. An analysis of the frequency of errors indicates that internal consistency rules are easily adhered to regardless of the level of methodology support provided by the CASE tool, while hierarchical consistency rules are adhered to more frequently in the presence of rigorous methodology support.     

Knowledge-support systems

The social role of information technology is analysed in order to provide a framework for reasonable requirements for knowledge support systems. The many different scientific and engineering communities targeted on the development of specific knowledge support technologies are noted, and the problems of integrating developments from different communities are highlighted. The architectures of current integrated knowledge support systems are analysed within the social framework and the strengths and weaknesses of current modules are evaluated. Major system developments in recent years are used to exemplify the analysis, and expected directions for future development are outlined. The framework, analyses and examples are used to define a structured requirements specification for future research and development related to knowledge support systems.     

A framework for applying ethics-by-design to decision support systems for emergency management

The development and utilisation of new information and communication technologies presents opportunities and risks, which bring ethical issues to the forefront. Any attempt to minimise the potential negative consequences to individuals, organisations and society resulting from the use of these technologies is challenging. In order to address these challenges, this paper presents an ethics-by-design approach that has been developed and implemented in the context of Decision Supports Systems for Emergency Management. Such systems help manage large and cross-border disasters by supporting decision makers to respond on emergencies in a reasonable way by taking follow-up actions into account. The approach taken in this paper specifically provides means to support the ethical dimensions of these decisions. Actions taken during disasters can have ramifications that persist long after a disaster has passed. The ethics-by-design approach presented here not only informs the design of systems, but also considers the role and training of the decision makers in the design process. The paper builds on the literature on ethics in information systems and makes a contribution to theory by providing a framework to ensure ethical considerations are embedded into the design of systems.     

Information support systems for problem solving

The occurrence in the literature of success stories dealing with (management) information systems is rare indeed. This paper addresses some of the possible factors that make it difficult to design and implement successful information (and decision support) systems. More specifically, we consider the role of problem formulation and specification, including goal setting, in the design of information systems.     

A Jini‐based software framework for developing distributed cooperative decision support systems

Many mission‐critical, decision‐making situations happen in dynamic, rapidly changing, and often unpredictable environments. Military, governmental, and medical contexts are examples of such situations, which can be characterized by highly decentralized, up‐to‐date data sets coming from various sources. Unlike other decision‐making tools, decision support systems (DSS) designed for such situations are challenged by the need to access this decentralized data at any time, from anywhere, under tight time constraints. This paper presents the design of a software framework for developing these kinds of distributed DSSs. The proposed Java‐based framework relies mostly on the Jini technology and its JavaSpaces service. The construction of the framework is presented with UML class diagrams, UML sequence diagrams, and additional explanations. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards an understanding of the role of business intelligence systems in organisational knowing

Recent advances in information technology (IT), such as the advent of business intelligence (BI) systems, have increased the ability of organisations to collect and analyse data to support decisions. There is little focus to date, however, on how BI systems might play a role in organisational knowledge creation – in organisational knowing. We develop a conceptual framework of organisational knowing based on a synthesis of the literature, and use this as a framework to investigate how BI systems facilitate knowing in a case organisation. We identify two practices triggered by BI systems that distinguish them from prior applications of IT: the ability to initiate problem articulation and dialogue, and that of data selection (e.g. to address information needs of organisational decision makers at different managerial levels). This study provides empirical evidence of the performative outcome of BI systems in relation to organisational knowing through the practices of articulation and data selection. It provides a practice perspective on BI and focuses on the role of BI systems in organisational knowing thereby opening up a new departure for BI research that considers the implications of BI systems in organisations with actual practice in mind.     

Management of information systems: Insights from accounting research

This paper advances our knowledge of information systems (IS) management by applying ideas and insights from accounting. An integrative cost–benefit framework is developed and applied to four areas of research: chargeback, outsourcing, decision support, and business process re-engineering and improvement. We show that the accounting literature contributes significantly to scholarship on the management of IS.     

Critical reflection in planning information systems: a contribution from critical systems thinking

This paper presents a methodological framework to support the process of information systems (IS) planning in organizations. It draws on the ideas of critical systems thinking (CST), a research perspective that encourages the analysis of stakeholders' understandings prior to the selection and implementation of planning methods. The framework emphasizes continuous identification of concerns from stakeholders, and facilitates critical reflection in the exploration of possibilities for improvement. Some of these possibilities might require the support of IS and communication technologies. To define the framework, two systems theories are used: boundary critique and autopoiesis. The first one enables critical reflection on values and assumptions about potential situations or marginalization. The second one fosters continuous dialogue, listening and mutual collaboration between participants. With these theories, the framework enables people to reflect on issues of inclusion, exclusion and marginalization, and to participate in the design of plans for improvement. Ultimately, the definition of this framework suggests the importance of critical reflection about ethics to improve the practice of IS planning.     

A domain-independent statistical methodology for dialog management in spoken dialog systems

This paper proposes a domain-independent statistical methodology to develop dialog managers for spoken dialog systems. Our methodology employs a data-driven classification procedure to generate abstract representations of system turns taking into account the previous history of the dialog. A statistical framework is also introduced for the development and evaluation of dialog systems created using the methodology, which is based on a dialog simulation technique. The benefits and flexibility of the proposed methodology have been validated by developing statistical dialog managers for four spoken dialog systems of different complexity, designed for different languages (English, Italian, and Spanish) and application domains (from transactional to problem-solving tasks). The evaluation results show that the proposed methodology allows rapid development of new dialog managers as well as to explore new dialog strategies, which permit developing new enhanced versions of already existing systems.     

Evolving information systems: meeting the ever-changing environment

Abstract. To meet the demands of organizations and their ever-changing environment, information systems are required which are able to evolve to the same extent as organizations do. Such a system has to support changes in all time-and application-dependent aspects. In this paper, requirements and a conceptual framework for evolving information systems are presented. This framework includes an architecture for such systems and a revision of the traditional notion of update. Based on this evolutionary notion of update (recording, correction and forgetting) a state transition-oriented model on three levels of abstraction (event level, recording level, correction level) is introduced. Examples are provided to illustrate the conceptual framework for evolving information systems.     

Case-based reasoning systems: from automation to decision-aidingand stimulation

Over the past decade, case-based reasoning (CBR) has emerged as a major research area within the artificial intelligence research field due to both its widespread usage by humans and its appeal as a methodology for building intelligent systems. Conventional CBR systems have been largely designed as automated problem-solvers for producing a solution to a given problem by adapting the solution to a similar, previously solved problem. Such systems have had limited success in real-world applications. More recently, there has been a search for new paradigms and directions for increasing the utility of CBR systems for decision support. The paper focuses on the synergism between the research areas of CBR and decision support systems (DSSs). A conceptual framework for DSSs is presented and used to develop a taxonomy of three different types of CBR systems: 1) conventional, 2) decision-aiding, and 3) stimulative. The major characteristics of each type of CBR system are explained with a particular focus on decision-aiding and stimulative CBR systems. The research implications of the evolution in the design of CBR systems from automation toward decision-aiding and stimulation are also explored     

Application of fuzzy set theory to industrial pollution prevention: production system modeling and life cycle assessment

 This research describes a framework and case study application that merges fuzzy set methods, pollution prevention, and sustainable production concepts. There is a direct linkage between industrial pollution prevention, sustainability, and the solution of large-scale environmental problems. This linkage stems from the inherent desire for economic production, while at the same time protecting the environment from further degradation. The methodology combines systems analysis under imprecise conditions with a life cycle assessment method that is able to accept imprecise data. Analysis of systems under imprecise conditions is accomplished through analysis of process flow diagrams using fuzzy set techniques. Introduction of imprecision into life cycle assessment is accomplished by integration of fuzzy set approaches into a decision support system utilizing multiple criteria decision making. The framework is described and a case study application of an industrial parts cleaning system using an open top vapor degreaser is presented. Results of applying the method show that: (1) It is well suited for analysis of complex systems in which input data is sparse and expensive to collect. (2) The proposed framework includes a decision support system that is able to consider life cycle assessment concepts, and is able to reconcile differing opinions on available options for modification of production systems, thereby leading to more sustainable solutions. The authors would like to acknowledge the USEPA Region VII Pollution Prevention Division, and the Pollution Prevention Incentives for States program, for their support of this research. In addition, the authors would like to recognize the support of the University of Nebraska Water Resources Center and Center for Infrastructure Research. The authors would also like to thank Dan Crist and Yuezhang Wang for their assistance with fuzzy systems modeling.     

Expert systems for decision support in EDP auditing

The complexities of computer auditing have created a need for decision support for the EDP auditor. Traditional statistical techniques have proven valuable; however, there are important qualitative components which must be incorporated in the analysis. More importantly, there is a need for decision aids which not only produce analysis and probability estimates-but are able to explain their analysis and conclusions. Recent developments in artificial intelligence have made possible the development of expert systems which provide these capabilities. In this paper we present the motivation, framework, and development strategy for a decision support system for EDP auditing.This project was funded by a grant from the Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Foundation through its Research Opportunities in Auditing program. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Peat, Marwick, Mitchell Foundation. The authors are indebted to the participants of the workshops at the University of Florida and the University of Wisconsin for their helpful comments. In particular, we would like to thank Rowland Ataise, Alan Friedberg, Steve Johnson, Andy Luzi, Stan Biggs, Lynn McKell, and Marshall Romney.