Bayard E. Wynne

Spatial decision support systems: an overview of technology and a test of efficacy

Abstract A laboratory experiment was used to investigate the effects on decision-maker performance of using geographic information system (GIS) technology as a spatial decision support system (SDSS). GIS are increasingly being used for decision-making, yet research about their contributions to the performance of decision-makers has been lacking. This study makes a contribution to that apparent void. Volunteer subjects completed a site location task that required decisions to be made based upon spatially referenced information. Performance was operationalized as elapsed time and accuracy. The task environment was manipulated in two dimensions. In one dimension, task complexity was varied on two levels. In the other dimension, some subjects were provided a geographic information system as a decision aid; the rest were not. Significant differences were found between task solutions developed by SDSS users and those developed by non-SDSS users. SDSS users experienced shorter solution times and fewer errors for both levels of task complexity. The study builds upon and extends image theory as a basis for explaining efficiency differences resulting from different graphical displays of spatial information.

A longitudinal study of the impact of group decision support systems on group development

Abstract:This paper reports on a study aimed at integrating an important but neglected behavioral issue-group development-into group decision support systems (gdss) research. Group development is based on the fact that most groups have a past and a future, and this affects group outcomes. However, most gdss studies have investigated only a single group session. This study examined the behavior of groups using a gdss over multiple sessions.The study reported in this paper specifically examined the following two questions: (1) does computer support affect the development of decision-making groups? and (2) do the patterns of development differ over time between computer-supported and manual groups? These two questions were studied using a two-factorial repeated measures research design. Results showed significant differences in development patterns between computer-supported groups and manual groups in terms of conflict management and degree of cohesiveness. Mter adapting to gdss, computer-supported groups d...

The Implications of Group Development and History for Group Support System Theory and Practice

The psychology, sociology, and management literature is rich with theory on the topic of group development. Three general categories of developmental models have been proposed: progressive models, cyclical models, and nonsequential models. These models predict that group performance, member behavior, and task focus change as the group matures and develops. Groups are integral components of organizations. Group support systems (GSSs) have been created to assist groups in performing their tasks and activities. Numerous research studies have been conducted to identify key variables that influence group performance in GSS environments. Many of these studies have produced mixed and, in some cases, conflicting results. This may be due partially to a lack of attention to the issue of group development. Few studies have looked at the influence that group development and group history have on group behavior and performance. Only two GSS studies have been conducted on the effects of group development and group history on group process, performance, and efficiency. To facilitate additional research into this area, a research framework that incorporates a mechanism for representing this development process is proposed In addition, a number of propositions implied by the relationships represented in this framework are presented and discussed

Group development and history in GSS research: a new research perspective

The psychology, speech communications, and management literature is rich with theory on the topic of group history and development. Three general categories of developmental models have been proposed: progressive, cyclical, and non-sequential. These models suggest that group performance, member behavior, and task focus change as the group matures and develops. Group support systems (GSS) have been created to assist groups in performing their tasks and activities. Several studies of key variables that influence group performance have produced mixed, and in some cases conflicting, results. This may be partially due to a lack of attention to the issue of group history and development. Only two known GSS studies address the effects of group development on group process, performance, and efficiency. To facilitate additional research into this area, a research framework that represents this development process is proposed along with several propositions implied by this framework.<<ETX>>

An empirical investigation of the impact of computer support on group development

The authors report on a study aimed at integrating group development into group decision support systems (GDSS) research. Emphasis is placed on the following two questions: (1) Does computer support affect the development of decision making groups and (2) Do the patterns of development differ over time between computer-supported and manual groups? These two questions were studied using a two-factorial repeated measures research design. Results showed significant differences in development patterns between computer-supported groups and manual groups in terms of conflict management and degree of cohesiveness. After adapting to GDSS, computer-supported groups displayed more productive conflict management and higher group cohesiveness.<<ETX>>

Lean management, group support systems, and hypermedia: a combination whose time has come

The TeamGlobal team support system (TSS) is implemented in a multimedia product, HyperNet, for users with workstations linked world-wide over INTERNET. The use of object-oriented technology coupled with the HyperNet communications environment enables these TSSs to span varied platforms without apparent restraint upon the users. The interactive richness of the resulting class of TSS opens many opportunities for extending applied research and selected actual applications in useful ways. The present study demonstrates that information technology can now support an organization which chooses to move into the practices of lean management, and that this support is practical for selected organizations regardless of how distributed their human resources may be and what assortment of computing platforms may be involved.<<ETX>>

Information intensity; let's make it more than an intuitive concept

Information intensity is a concept referred to by academics in theorizing, by businessmen in decision making, and by governments in reporting and regulating. The authors discuss some possibilities for developing the concept of information intensity into a communication tool for all three parties. The concept applies to all three levels of information-technology application: for efficiency in automation, for effectiveness in productivity, and for innovation in strategic management. The authors agree that it is necessary to mount a program of applied research which (1) generates and enables a better understanding of the issues; (2) develops a usable set of metrics for results-oriented measurement of information intensity; and (3) raises the degree to which economies benefit from the continuing innovations stemming from information technology.<<ETX>>

Electronically supported communities: reflections and speculations

A selective overview is presented of applied research in electronically supported communities and a meta-view of the types of systems that are currently in place or being developed is provided. Man-machine interaction is also considered, and computer-supported collaboration capabilities and benefits are discussed.<<ETX>>

Grounding collaborative work support system research in theory: the case for procedural justice theory

Collaborative work support systems (CWSS) usage and research have proliferated. While many researchers have reported positive effects of CWSS use, findings have been inconsistent. Field studies have generally reported more positive findings than laboratory studies. Laboratory findings have been less positive and more inconsistent. Procedural justice theory concerns itself with how individuals form perceptions of the fairness of the process by which group outcomes are determined. The theory may provide a theoretical basis for the explanation of conflicting research findings, a theory based explanation for the benefits associated with CWSS use, and may serve as the basis of a framework for a systematic program of research designed to assess how CWSS may best be designed and utilized by organizations.<<ETX>>

Reflections about IS doctoral programs: a status report on Indiana University and doctoral education in general

A review is given of the history and status of the MIS area, with emphasis on the IS doctoral program, at Indiana University. The discussion includes the graduate curriculum and teaching mission, philosophy of doctoral education at IU and culture of IS doctoral program, research paradigms practiced, placement of doctoral graduates, strengths and weaknesses of the program, and faculty interests, among other characteristics. The authors also use their experience and analysis of IS doctoral education to raise issues of interest to all doctoral/research schools.<<ETX>>