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A visual, graphic representation of an object, word, or concept.

Independent Variables

Variables in a model that are controlled by the environment and that influence the results of a decision (also called Input Variables, parameters, givens).

Industry-Specific DSS

A computer-based system that helps a manager accomplish a specific task in a specific industry environment like banking or hospitals.

Inference

Inference is the process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence. It means to reach a decision by reasoning.

Inference Engine

That part of an expert system that actually performs the reasoning function.

Information

Data that has been processed to add or create meaning and hopefully knowledge for the person who receives it. Information is the output of information systems.

Information Economics

This term refers to an approach to evaluating DSS/IS projects using a scoring approach to cost/benefit analysis that assesses technical and company tangible and intangible benefits and costs (see Parker, Trainor and Benson, Information Strategy and Economics, 1989.

Information Systems Architecture

A formal definition of the business processes and rules, systems structure, technical framework, and product technologies for business information systems. An information systems architecture consists of four layers: business process architecture, systems architecture, technical architecture, and product delivery architecture.

Interdependent Decisions

A series of decisions that are interrelated. A sequential set of decisions are usually interdependent.

Internet

The Internet (capitalized) refers specifically to the DARPA Internet and the TCP/IP protocols it uses. The Internet is a collection of packet-switching networks and routers that uses the TCP/IP protocol suit and functions as a single, cooperative virtual network. A global web connecting more than one million computers. Visit URL http://www.w3.org/, The World Wide Web Consortium, and http://www.wdvl.com/Internet/About.html, The Web Developers Virtual Library, for more information about the Internet.

Inter-Organizational DSS

A DSS that serves a company's stakeholders including customers or suppliers. An Inter-Organizational DSS provides stakeholders with access to a company's intranet and authority or privileges to use specific DSS capabilities. Companies can make a Data-Driven DSS available to suppliers or a Model-Driven DSS available to customers to design a product or choose a product.

Intranet

An internal organizational network using TCP/IP with at least one web server that is only accessible by an organization's members or others who have specific authorization. A firewall and password protection limit access to the network. The intranet is used to share corporate information, including DSS capabilities. See web based DSS at http://dssresources.com/dss/online.html and check the Intranet FAQ at http://www.intrack.com/intranet/ifaq.shtml.