The emerging role of DSS: From passive to active

摘要

Existing decision support systems (DSS) are passive in their operation; their sole aim is to help maintain the current position of the firm. Conversely, Information Technology has recently adopted a more active role in the corporate strategy. This suggests that DSS could also undertake a far more active stance by identifying gaps in existing operations and suggesting ways to strengthen the standing of the firm. We renamed DSS containing this characteristics as Active Decision Support Systems (or ADSS) to emphasize their new orientation. Managers draw on their knowledge to suggest ways of alleviating problems or exploiting opportunities, and to evaluate each alternative in relation to the corporate objectives. Patterns and alternatives must be identified and incorporated into the ADSS. They should then be compared with the current position of the firm in order to determine whether any such problems/opportunities exist. This paper proposes an approach for designing ADSS; it introduces a knowledge-based component within the DSS framework and applies the concept of triggers to control the invocation of rule sets. A logical structure for ADSS is provided and the system use is illustrated through an example of strategic management. Issues for future research are highlighted.