MIS ASSIGNMENT
SUBMITTED BY-
GAYATRI PANJWANI
BBA III
28
DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (DSS)
Decision support systems (DSS) are interactive software-based systems intended to help
managers in decision-making by accessing large volumes of information generated from
various related information systems involved in organizational business processes, such as
office automation system, transaction processing system, etc.
DSS uses the summary information, exceptions, patterns, and trends using the analytical
models. A decision support system helps in decision-making but does not necessarily give
a decision itself. The decision makers compile useful information from raw data,
documents, personal knowledge, and/or business models to identify and solve problems
and make decisions.
CHARACTERSTICS OF DSS
Support for decision-makers in semi-structured and unstructured problems.
Support for managers at various managerial levels, ranging from top executive to line
managers.
Support for individuals and groups. Less structured problems often requires the
involvement of several individuals from different departments and organization level.
Support for interdependent or sequential decisions.
Support for intelligence, design, choice, and implementation.
Support for variety of decision processes and styles.
DSSs are adaptive over time.
BENEFITS OF DSS
Improves efficiency and speed of decision-making activities.
Increases the control, competitiveness and capability of futuristic decision-making of the
organization.
Facilitates interpersonal communication.
Encourages learning or training.
Since it is mostly used in non-programmed decisions, it reveals new approaches and sets
up new evidences for an unusual decision.
Helps automate managerial processes.
COMPONENTS OF DSS
Database Management System (DBMS) − To solve a problem the necessary data may
come from internal or external database. In an organization, internal data are generated by
a system such as TPS and MIS. External data come from a variety of sources such as
newspapers, online data services, databases (financial, marketing, human resources).
Model Management System − It stores and accesses models that managers use to make
decisions. Such models are used for designing manufacturing facility, analyzing the
financial health of an organization, forecasting demand of a product or service, etc.
Support Tools − Support tools like online help; pulls down menus, user interfaces,
graphical analysis, error correction mechanism, facilitates the user interactions with the
system.
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Systems development is the process of defining, designing, testing, and implementing a new
software application or program. It could include the internal development of customized
systems, the creation of database systems, or the acquisition of third party developed
software. Written standards and procedures must guide all information systems processing
functions. The organization’s management must define and implement standards and adopt an
appropriate system development life cycle methodology governing the process of developing,
acquiring, implementing, and maintaining computerized information systems and related
technology.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
1. Planning
This is the first phase in the systems development process. It identifies whether or not
there is the need for a new system to achieve a business's strategic objectives. This is a
preliminary plan (or a feasibility study) for a company's business initiative to acquire the
resources to build on an infrastructure to modify or improve a service. The company
might be trying to meet or exceed expectations for their employees, customers and
stakeholders too. The purpose of this step is to find out the scope of the problem and
determine solutions. Resources, costs, time, benefits and other items should be considered
at this stage.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
2. Systems Analysis and Requirements
The second phase is where businesses will work on the source of their problem or the need for a change. In
the event of a problem, possible solutions are submitted and analyzed to identify the best fit for the ultimate
goal(s) of the project. This is where teams consider the functional requirements of the project or solution. It
is also where system analysis takes place—or analyzing the needs of the end users to ensure the new system
can meet their expectations. Systems analysis is vital in determining what a business's needs are, as well as
how they can be met, who will be responsible for individual pieces of the project, and what sort of timeline
should be expected.
There are several tools businesses can use that are specific to the second phase. They include:
CASE (Computer Aided Systems/Software Engineering)
Requirements gathering
Structured analysis
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
3. Systems Design
The third phase describes, in detail, the necessary specifications, features and operations
that will satisfy the functional requirements of the proposed system which will be in
place. This is the step for end users to discuss and determine their specific business
information needs for the proposed system. It's during this phase that they will consider
the essential components (hardware and/or software) structure (networking capabilities),
processing and procedures for the system to accomplish its objectives.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
4. Development
The fourth phase is when the real work begins—in particular, when a programmer,
network engineer and/or database developer are brought on to do the major work on the
project. This work includes using a flow chart to ensure that the process of the system is
properly organized. The development phase marks the end of the initial section of the
process. Additionally, this phase signifies the start of production. The development stage
is also characterized by instillation and change. Focusing on training can be a huge
benefit during this phase.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
5. Integration and Testing
The fifth phase involves systems integration and system testing (of programs and
procedures)—normally carried out by a Quality Assurance (QA) professional—to
determine if the proposed design meets the initial set of business goals. Testing may be
repeated, specifically to check for errors, bugs and interoperability. This testing will be
performed until the end user finds it acceptable. Another part of this phase is verification
and validation, both of which will help ensure the program's successful completion.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
6. Implementation
The sixth phase is when the majority of the code for the program is written. Additionally,
this phase involves the actual installation of the newly-developed system. This step puts
the project into production by moving the data and components from the old system and
placing them in the new system via a direct cutover. While this can be a risky (and
complicated) move, the cutover typically happens during off-peak hours, thus minimizing
the risk. Both system analysts and end-users should now see the realization of the project
that has implemented changes.
STAGES IN SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
7. Operations and Maintenance
The seventh and final phase involves maintenance and regular required updates. This step
is when end users can fine-tune the system, if they wish, to boost performance, add new
capabilities or meet additional user requirements.
