CHAPTER FIVE

DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

5.1 Group Decision Support Systems
 Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) are interactive,
computer-based systems that facilitate group decision-making.
 They help multiple individuals reach a consensus by providing
tools and techniques for communication, idea generation,
voting, and decision analysis.
 Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) are critical tools
that facilitate efficient, democratic, and high-quality decision-
making in group settings.
Key Features of GDSS
 A GDSS offers several important features that distinguish it from
individual decision support systems.
A. Parallel Communication
 Multiple members can communicate simultaneously, avoiding
the problem of one person dominating the discussion.
B. Automated Record Keeping

 GDSS automatically records discussions, votes, and decisions

made by the group.
 This not only saves time but also provides a transparent and
accurate record for future reference.
C. Structured Decision-Making Techniques
 Tools like brainstorming, voting, ranking, and prioritization
techniques are built into GDSS to streamline group decision-
making.
Types of GDSS
 There are two main types of GDSS:
1. Decision Room
 This is a physical environment where group members meet
and use GDSS tools for decision-making.
 It is equipped with computers, large screens, and other devices
to facilitate interaction.
Cont.……

2. Distributed GDSS
 In this type, participants may be geographically dispersed, and
the GDSS is used to conduct virtual meetings through online
collaboration tools.
 Distributed GDSS are increasingly popular due to the rise of
remote work and globalization.
Benefits of GDSS

1. Improved Decision Quality

 GDSS provides access to a wide range of data, encourages
diverse viewpoints, and leading to better decision outcomes.
2. Increased Efficiency
 By streamlining communication and automating certain
processes, GDSS helps groups make decisions more quickly
and with less confusion.
Cont.….
3. Enhanced Participation
 GDSS tools help ensure that all group members can contribute
equally, regardless of their personality, location, or position
within the organization.
4. Facilitation of Complex Decisions
 GDSS can support large groups working on complex problems
by organizing information and providing structured methods
for evaluation and decision-making.
5.2 Executive Information Systems

 An Executive Information System (EIS) is a specialized type

of decision support system designed to help senior executives
access important data for decision-making purposes.
 The main purpose of an EIS is to provide executives with timely
and relevant information to assist in strategic decision-making.
 Unlike traditional information systems, which might provide
detailed operational data, an EIS focuses on trends, and
summaries that are crucial for high-level planning and control.
Cont.……..
 They provide high-level, real-time access to relevant data to
support strategic decision-making.
 Executive Information Systems (EIS) are crucial tools for modern
organizations, providing senior management with the timely and
accurate information needed to make strategic decisions.
 EIS is focused primarily on information delivery.
 It presents data through charts, and reports, allowing executives to
monitor the company’s performance and key metrics.
Benefits of EIS

 An EIS provides several important advantages for senior

management.
1. Improved Decision-Making
 By delivering up-to-date, high-level information in an easy-to-
understand format, EIS allows executives to make quicker,
more informed decisions.
 The system helps detect issues early and spot opportunities for
improvement.
Cont.…….

2. Increased Efficiency
 EIS reduces the need for lengthy, manual reports. Instead,
executives can access critical information in real-time,
allowing them to focus on decision-making rather than
data gathering.
3. Strategic Focus
 With access to performance metrics and trends,
executives can focus on long-term planning and strategy
development rather than day-to-day operational details.
5.3 Executive Support Systems
 Supports high-level strategic management.
 Address non routine decisions requiring judgment, evaluation,
and insight.
5.4 Expert Systems and Knowledge Based Expert Systems

 An Expert System (ES) is a type of computer program

designed to simulate the decision-making ability of a human
expert in a specific field.
 Expert Systems (ES) are a category of Artificial Intelligence
(AI) designed to mimic the decision-making abilities of a
human expert.
 Components of Expert Systems

1. Knowledge Base: Contains the domain knowledge needed to

solve problems. This includes facts, heuristics (rules of thumb),
and experiences of human experts.
2. Inference Engine: The logic-based system that processes the
rules and facts in the knowledge base. It applies reasoning
strategies such as forward chaining (from facts to conclusions)
or backward chaining (from conclusions to facts).
Cont.……….

3. User Interface: This component facilitates interaction

between the user and the system, allowing users to input
queries and receive recommendations.
4. Explanation Module: Provides explanations of the
reasoning process used to arrive at a decision.
 This feature is important for user trust and understanding of
the system’s recommendations.
How Expert Systems Work ?

1. Input of Data: The user provides data or a problem for the

expert system to solve.
2. Processing: The system’s inference engine analyzes the input
using the knowledge base and follows the reasoning rules to
find a solution.
3. Output: The system delivers a conclusion, recommendation,
or solution to the user.
Cont.……..

Examples of Expert Systems:

 MYCIN: A medical expert system designed to help doctors
diagnose bacterial infections and recommend treatments.
 DENDRAL: An expert system used in chemistry for
determining molecular structures of compounds.
 In summary, an Expert System mimics the decision-making
capabilities of human experts to solve specialized problems,
offering consistency and efficiency in fields where expert
knowledge is essential.
Knowledge-Based Expert Systems (KBES)

 Knowledge-Based Expert Systems (KBES) are an

advanced form of expert systems that specifically emphasize
the use of structured knowledge in the decision-making
process.
 A Knowledge-Based Expert System (KBES) is an
advanced type of expert system that uses structured and
dynamic knowledge to solve complex problems.
5.5 Artificial Intelligence

 Artificial Intelligence can be broadly defined as the capability

of machines or computer programs to perform tasks that
normally require human intelligence.
 Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human
intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like
humans and mimic their actions.
Types of Artificial Intelligence
 There are three main types of AI based on its capabilities -
weak AI, strong AI, and super AI.
1. Narrow AI (Weak AI)
 This refers to AI systems designed to handle specific tasks.
 Focuses on one task and cannot perform beyond its limitations
2. General AI (Strong AI)
 General AI refers to systems that possess the ability to perform
any intellectual task that a human can.
 It involves understanding and learning from various
experiences and applying that knowledge across different tasks.
Cont.…….

3. Super AI
 Surpasses human intelligence and can perform any task better
than a human (still a concept)
 Super AI would have the ability to innovate, solve complex
global challenges, and improve itself autonomously.
Thanks