Preface

Major Features

• Integration of Theory and Practice

• Focus on the "Big Picture"

• Strong Common Sense Component

• Integration of Expert Systems

• International Issues Coverage

• Object-Oriented Concepts and Tools

• Web Support and Other Instructional Support Tools

Acknowledgments

Major Features

Integration of theory and practice: It is the integration of theory with practice, and abstract with concrete, that I think makes this book unique. It reflects a personal bias that it is impossible to understand these design concepts until you actually try to implement them. It also reflects a personal bias that unless we can relate the DSS concepts to the "real world" and the kinds of problems (opportunities) the students can expect to find there, the students will not understand the concepts fully.

Although the book contains many examples of many aspects of DSS, there is one example that is carried throughout the book: a DSS to facilitate car purchases. I have selected this example because most students can relate to it, and readers do not get bogged down with discussion of company politics and nuances. Furthermore, it allows a variety of issues to be compared in a meaningful fashion.

Focus on the "Big Picture": The representation throughout the book focuses on "generic" DSS which allows discussion of design issues without concern for whether it is a group system, an organizational system or an individual system. Furthermore, it allows illustration of how seemingly specialized forms of DSS, such as Geographic Information Systems or Purchasing Support Systems, actually follow the same principles as a "basic" DSS.

Although I show implementation of the concepts, I do not over-focus on the tools. There are example screens of many tools appearing in the book. Where I show development, I create my examples using Level 5 Object, a generator from Information Builders. However, if you elect to use another tool, these examples can be understood generally by students and adapted easily to the other tools.

Strong Common Sense Component: We MIS folks can get carried away with the newest and greatest toy, regardless of its applicability to a decision-maker. It is important to remember the practicalities of the situation when designing DSS. For example, if we know that a company has a commitment to maintaining particular hardware, it would not make sense to develop a system relying upon other hardware. These kinds of considerations and the associated implications for DSS design are highlighted in the book. This is not to say that some of these very interesting, but currently infeasible options are not discussed. Clearly, they are important for the future of MIS. Someday, these options will be feasible and will be practical, so they are discussed.

Integration of Expert Systems: Unlike many texts, this book does not address expert systems as a topic separate from decision support systems. The decision to integrate expert systems into the DSS coverage was a conscious one that reflects my perception of how expert systems are used today, and how they will be used into the future. Ten years ago, expert systems were primarily seen as stand alone systems; most of them were available as demonstration of nonessential systems. Over the years, however, expert systems have evolved into an integrated component of many decision support systems provided to support decisions makers, not replace them. To accomplish such a goal, the expert systems could not be stand alone, but rather needed to be integrated with the data and models used by these decision makers. In other words, expert systems (or intelligence) technology became a modeling support function, albeit an important one, for decision support systems. Hence, the coverage of the topic is integrated into the modeling component in this book. However, I do acknowledge there are some special topics needing attention to those who want to build the intelligence. These topics are covered in a supplement to Chapter 4, thereby allowing instructors to use discretion in how they integrate the topic into their classes.

International Issues Coverage: As more companies become truly multinational, there is a trend toward greater "local" (overseas) decision making, that must, of course be coordinated. These companies can afford to have some independent transaction processing systems, but will need to share decision support systems. If the DSS are truly to facilitate decision making across cultures, then they must be sensitive to differences across cultures. This sensitivity includes more than just changes in the language used or concern about the meaning of icons. Rather, it includes an understanding of the differences in preferences for models and model management systems, and for tradeoffs and mechanisms by which information is communicated and acted upon. Since future designers of DSS will need to understand the implications of these differences, they are highlighted in the book. Of course, as with any other topic, the international issues will be addressed both in "philosophical" terms and in specific technical, e.g.,coding, terms.

Object-Oriented Concepts and Tools: Another feature of the book that differentiates it from others is a use of object-oriented technology. Many books either present material without discussion of implementation, or use traditional programming tools. I have found that students have difficulty making the jump from these traditional programming tools to object-oriented tools. However, we know that a reliance upon object-oriented technology can lead to easier maintenance and transfer of systems. Since decision support systems must be updated to reflect new company concerns and trends, designers must be concerned about easier maintenance. So, while the focus of the book is not on object-oriented programming, the nuances of its programming will be discussed wherever it is practical. In addition, there is a chapter that focuses upon the topic that can be included in the curriculum.

Web Support and Other Instructional Support Tools:There is a complete set of Web links that provide instructional support for this book. Example syllabi, projects and other ideas can be viewed and downloaded from the Web. All figures and tables appear on the Web so you can use them directly in the class, or download them to your favorite demonstration package to use in class. In addition, there are lots of Web links to sites you can use to supplement the information in the book. Some of those links provide access to demo versions of decision support packages for download and use of some sample screens. These provide up-to-date examples of a variety of systems that students can experience or instructors can demonstrate to bring the practice into the classroom. Other links provide access to applications descriptions, war stories and advice from practitioners. Still others provide a link to a variety of instructors (both academic and non-academic) on the topic. I strived to provide support for the class from a variety of different perspectives. You can see the information at http://www.wiley.com/college/Sauter/. Further, there is information at the end of every chapter about the kinds of materials found in support of that chapter; directions for direct access to the chapter information is given in those chapters. More important, in the true spirit of the Web, I will update these links as more information becomes available. So, if you happen to see something that should be included, please email me at Vicki_Sauter@umsl.edu.

In addition to the DSS support, I have accumulated links regarding automobiles and their purchase and lease. This Web page would provide support for people who want to explore the car example in the book in more depth, or for students who want to use different information in the development of their own automobile DSS. You can link to this from the main page or go to it directly at http://www.umsl.edu/~sauter/DSS/automobile_information.html

For those who do not have access to the Web, or who prefer more traditional forms of instructional support, there are similar materials available in an instructor's manual that is available with the book.