Vicki L. Sauter

Intuitive decision-making

T his does not mean we should abandon models or the use of decision support systems (DSS) to support decisions. Rather, DSS should blend analytical tools with intuitive heuristics to improve managers’ insights about factors too complex to build into models. In particular, DSS must facilitate the modification of results of analytical tools when they contradict intuition [2]. This is consistent with the basic goals of model use as noted by Jones [5], “developing insight into model behavior is ultimately a process of discovery, of finding trends, surprising behaviors, and comparing the behavior of the model to what is expected or observed in the real system.” Alternatively, analytical tools can test and verify intuition before applying it to the decision-making process.

Competitive intelligence systems: qualitative DSS for strategic decision making

Technologies such as decision support systems (DSS) are helpful in solving many kinds of problems, especially those that are based on quantitative data and/or are tactical in scope. For strategic decisions, however, decision makers can benefit greatly from a tool that tracks and organizes qualitative and other nebulous information. Such a tool would help cultivate and leverage an organizations intellectual assets to help users address decision making in a more informed fashion. While DSS technologies have not commonly been used in such situations, they can be adapted to do so. This paper addresses the development of a qualitative DSS in a health care setting that allowed hospital administrators to exploit the qualitative information obtained by its network of field representatives for strategic benefit. This type of system, and its corresponding benefits, can be extended to other business situations.

Approaches to the Study of Information Utilization in Public Agencies Problems and Pitfalls

Unfortunately, although increasing in quantity, research concerning the use of analytically-based information (ABI) in public sector organizations has not greatly enriched our knowledge of the use of ABI. In this article, we consider some prominent methodological problems involved in such studies that we believe have greatly inhibited progress in developing powerful knowledge concerning the use of ABI. In addition, some suggestions for avoiding these methodological problems or reducing their effects are offered.

An empirical investigation of the effectiveness of systems modeling and verification tools

One reason system failure rates are not deterred by the latest best practices and tools may lie in how needs are (mis)interpreted by designers and users.

The opportunities and constraints affecting an informatics policy: the India experience

Abstract We present an analysis of the issues that have influenced the development of informatics policy of India. Factors such as impact on employment, trade, and foreign exchange have acted as constraints in the adoption of information technology (IT). At the same time, IT presented a significant opportunity for accelerating progress towards meeting Indias goals of self reliance and faster economic development. IT was also viewed as necessary for Indias strategy of development, which is based upon centralized planning and management of the economy. We also discuss the role of potential demand for computer systems, the existing industrial base, R&D infrastructure, availability of technical manpower, and regulations for import, foreign investment, and licensing in determining the policies for indigenous manufacture of computer systems. We conclude with a discussion of Indias informatics policies and experience in implementing them.

Evolutionary development of decision support systems: important issues for early phases of design

Abstract:It has long been recognized that decision support systems (dss) should be developed using an evolutionary approach by which users are provided with prototypical systems so that they can respond to specific design characteristics. While this approach generally works well in practice, there remains the problem of where to begin, especially if the designer does not have much experience. Based on limited field studies, we find that preferences for information, both in terms of the content and the format of the data, vary with decision focus (tactical vs. strategic), environmental stability, and, in some cases, experience. These results suggest that, if it is possible to determine the context and decision-maker attributes, it is possible to have a clearer notion of what information to include in the decision support system.

Predicting computer programming skill

Abstract Most people who teach programming believe that an aptitude for programming is closely related to an aptitude for mathematics. As a result, we have developed a structure for our curricula which uses mathematics almost exclusively as a base. Recently, however, individuals have begun to claim that programming skill is associated with language aptitude. This, in turn, has caused some to reflect on the relative merits of the two philosophies. In that spirit, this study was undertaken to assess the relative roles of mathematical aptitude and language aptitude in the development and enhancement of programming skill. It was found that both types of aptitudes are associated with programming skill: mathematical aptitude was associated with an ability to learn rules of logic and language aptitude was associated with an ability to team syntatic rules. Implications for the teaching of programming are discussed.

Information Technology Adoption by Groups Across Time

Today’s technologies can support joint, but physically disparate work efforts. Some groups of professionals that could benefit from using these technologies do not adopt them, while others use the technologies frequently. This study provides an in-depth examination of how and when one organization accepted technology in their decision-making efforts. The research examines actual usage of the technology rather than the less strong, but more common measure, intention to use technology. As a result, the paper has helped bridge the gap between what people intend to do and what they actually do, thereby providing both a stronger theoretical basis for the TAM model and some insights into the evolution of the TAM model. It examines an emerging extension to the TAM and provides evidence of the behavior of users when they must act as a group.

Transferring Decision Support Concepts to Evaluation.

Abstract A substantial body of empirical evidence indicates that decision support systems (DSS) are effective tools for increasing the utilization of management science models and accounting information. Our basic argument is that applying the conceptual foundations of DSS to evaluation and other forms of applied social research (ASR) is a potentially effective means of increasing the utilization of the results of these analyses in policy making. The two bases for this basic argument are: (a) analytical uncertainty is inevitably present in evaluation and other forms of ASR, and (b) the conceptual foundations of DSS provide a better means of coping with analytical uncertainty than are otherwise available.

Competitive Intelligence Systems

Competitive intelligence systems help decision makers identify opportunities to improve the company or organization’s strategic position among competitors, customers, and suppliers. Such systems rely upon heavily qualitative information and the intuition of decision makers. This chapter discusses some strategies for adapting conventional DSS technology and web technologies to provide that support. A specific example developed for a tertiary hospital is used to illustrate the process.