150:127
Decision Support Systems
Course Syllabus

Power, D. J. Decision Support Systems: Concepts and Resources for Managers, Quorum Books, 2002.

Parsons, J., D. Oja, R. Ageloff and P. Carey, New Perspectives on Microsoft Excel 2000 - Comprehensive Enhanced, Course Technology, 2001.

You can use the group class user name and password to access the DSSResources.COM subscriber zone. The subscriber zone has many course support materials that you will find necessary and useful.

Catalog Description:

Study of decision systems and applications. Topics include: decision making, modeling and support; DSS development tools with particular emphasis on integrated fourth generation and expert systems tools; and organizational and social implications of decision systems and expert systems. Prerequisites: 150:032; 150:034 or 810:034; 150:080; 150:112; 150:120; 150:153; junior standing.

Course Overview:

Decision Support Systems is a specialized course in information systems and information technology (IS/IT) for undergraduate MIS majors. The course is targeted to senior MIS students who want more expertise in developing, managing and using Decision Support Systems. This course will examine the design, development and implementation of information technology based systems that support managerial and professional work, including Communications-Driven and Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS), Data-Driven DSS, Model-Driven DSS, Document-Driven DSS, and Knowledge-Driven DSS.

In general, Decision Support Systems are used by people who are skilled in their jobs and who need to be supported rather than replaced by a computer system. The broadest definition states that Decision Support Systems are interactive computer based systems and subsystems that help decision makers utilize data, models and/or communications to solve problems and make decisions. Data-Driven DSS emphasize using data and include Executive Information Systems (EIS); Model-Driven DSS emphasize using models to support decision making. A Communications-Driven or Group decision support system (GDSS) is an interactive computer-based system intended to facilitate the solution of problems by decision makers working together as a group and includes groupware. Knowledge-Driven DSS attempt to capture the knowledge of a human expert in a computer system. This computer system can then be used by less expert users. Document-Driven DSS access and display text and multimedia information to support decision making.

Managers and IS professionals must share responsibility for the effectiveness of information systems and for dealing with the problems and opportunities presented by rapidly changing information technologies. Managers must consider both information systems and information technology issues when they design jobs, supervise subordinates, work with customers and suppliers, formulate strategy, develop goals and plans and implement management controls.

Some of you may become DSS analysts or decision support specialists. A Decision Support analyst is a staff specialist who uses DSS and prepares special studies for decision makers and a DSS analyst is a technical analyst who serves as a liaison with actual and potential users of a DSS and may help build a specific DSS with technical experts and IS/IT "toolsmiths". A DSS Analyst is usually the intermediary or liaison between users and DSS developers. He/she may work as a member of a DSS application support team. A DSS analyst often works gathering requirements, analyzing solutions, writing specifications, maintaining product information as well as assisting in training and documentation support. A Decision Support System Analyst often works with users to define and document system requirements for Decision Support Systems. A DSS Analyst may help redesign business processes to better use a computerized Decision Support System. Some DSS Analysts manage a specific DSS or ensure data integrity in a focused data mart like a customer data mart.

The primary focus of this course is developing intellectual capabilities related to the use, design and development of decision support systems and Web-based information systems. We will also explore the role of information systems in supporting organization goals and the impact of information systems on organizations.

The perspective is both managerial and technical. My overriding concern is helping you become a person who can use and manage information systems and technologies to improve you own productivity, the productivity of subordinates and co-workers and the productivity of the organization as a whole. The skills instruction will focus on end user development of small scale DSS built using MS Excel.

Discussions will emphasize both skills and knowledge that managers need to effectively use IS/IT resources. My approach will be oriented toward an analysis of what is possible. We will examine both theories and descriptive case examples. Hands-on sessions will emphasize advanced skills related to MS Excel that can be applied to Decision Support and Management problems.

Another purpose of this course is to help you learn to use the World-Wide Web and a password protected Intranet for a variety of tasks, including reading articles, submitting information and conducting research. More importantly, we will learn about the Internet and the Web in the hope that you will find novel business decision support uses for this relatively new information technology.

Course Objectives

As a result of our work together in this course, you should:

1. understand fundamental concepts associated with DSS, MIS and IS/IT.
2. develop a a more sophisticated understanding of how IS/IT can help a firm meet its objectives, including gaining a competitive advantage, increasing revenues and profits, decreasing expenses, providing better customer service, and improving decision making.
3. become a better informed consumer and developer of Decision Support Systems and information technology resources. We will especially emphasize development of DSS applications.
4. develop contemporary skills that can help you use, develop and manage information technology resources.
5. learn about the Internet, the World-Wide Web and its potential decision support uses and impacts.
6. become more aware of the organizational and social impact of information and decision support systems on organizations.

Approximately one-half of our class sessions are oriented to lectures and company examples and discussion of reading material. The other half of the class sessions are hands-on computer labs.

Your final grade is a function of the following:
 

Students receiving at least 92% of the points will receive an A; at least 82%, a B; at least 72%, a C. Plus and minus grades will be awarded. The curve may be adjusted downward at the discretion of the instructor.

Exams

I am planning to give 3 Unit exams in the class over the DSS text, lectures, reading assignments and MS Excel concepts. The Unit exams will be a mix of questions, possibilities include short answer, short essay, mini-case analysis, and multiple choice questions. The actual format of the exam will be discussed in class prior to each exam.

Assignments/Exercises

You will be expected to complete a number of in-class and out-of-class assignments and exercises (100 points). If you have problems that prevent you from following the class schedule, please let me know in advance and we will discuss how we might accomodate your situation. In class labs are open book and open notes. If the lab is submitted at the end of the lab session, then the student can receive 100% of the points. Lab exercises submitted within 24 hours of the end of a lab session can receive a maximum of 80% of the total points for the lab.

Spreadsheet-based DSS Project

The Spreadsheet-based DSS Project (100 points) is an opportunity for students to work together on a team with 2-3 other students to apply their DSS design and development skills using Excel on a small-scale DSS. During the semester students will work on a voluntary team to develop a model-driven, spreadsheet-based DSS to assist in project cost estimating and bidding. Teams can pick one of two industry minicase situations and then research, plan and develop a specific DSS for that situation. Both situations involve developing a DSS for forecasting the cost of a project and preparing a competitive bid to submit to the person requesting the project proposal. The specific DSS will support a person working as a cost estimator or bid specialist or similar job title. In general, cost estimators "develop the cost information that business owners or managers need to make a bid for a contract or to determine if a proposed new product will be profitable." The first mini-case involves construction cost estimating. The second mini-case involves software project cost estimating. In both industry situations "estimators compile and analyze data on all the factors that can influence costs—such as materials, labor, location, and special requirements, including computer hardware and software." The specific model-driven DSS that is developed should help an estimator input data, apply a detailed quantitative estimating model, conduct sensitivity and "what if" analyses, and prepare a formal bid proposal.

Attendance and Class Participation:

You are expected to participate in all class sessions. Active, consistent participation in class is an essential part of the learning experience. You need to read the materials and prepare for the discussions. I may assign graded review questions for students to complete and submit.

Meaningful participation in discussions is valued and needed. Meaningful participation means making a contribution to our discussion, not merely talking or submitting messages, and it does not mean simply agreeing with what others have said.

I reserve the right to lower your grade for limited participation in course activities.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / DISABILITY POLICY

"The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protectionfrom illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accommodations due to disabilities must arrange for such accommodation through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS is located at: 213 Student Services Center, and the phone number is: 273-2676."

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION POLICY ON REPEATING COURSES

The following policy has been adopted by the College of Business Administration:

Students enrolled in a College of Business Administration course at the beginning of the second week of the Spring 2003 semester will not be allowed to register again for the same course until the end of advance registration for Fall 2003.  Students who wish to re-register for a course may place their name on a waiting list.  Registration accommodation will depend on course openings after the completion of Fall 2003 advance registration.

UPDATES

Course materials, syllabus and assignments may be updated, revised or altered during the course. Changes will be announced in class or by email with at least 2 weeks notice.Also, check the course web page.