Page 32 - DCAP208_Management Support Systems

Unit 2: Decision Support

Selection of a Principle of Choice Notes

A principle of choice is a criteria principle of choice that describes the acceptability of a solution
approach. It involves how a person establishes decision making objectives and incorporates
them into the model. We must recognize the difference between a criterion and a constraint.

2.4.3 Choice Phase

In the choice phase the actual decision and the commitment to follow a certain course of action
is made. The choice phase includes the search for, evaluation of, and recommendation of an
appropriate solution to a model. A solution to a model is a specific set of values for the decision
variables in a selected alternative. A solution to the model yields a recommended solution to
the problem The problem is solved if the recommended solution is successfully implemented.
Solving a decision-making model involves searching for an appropriate course of action. Search
approaches include analytical techniques, algorithms, heuristics, and blind searches. Sensitivity
analysis is used to determine the robustness of any given alternative: slight changes in the
parameters lead to slight changes in the alternative chosen.

Did u know? Analysis is used to explore major changes in the parameters. Goal seeking
helps a manager determine values of the decision variables to meet a specific objective.

2.4.4 Implementation Phase

The implementation of a proposed solution to a problem is the initiation of a new order of
things or the introduction of change. The implementation phase involves putting a recommended
solution to work, not necessarily implementing a computer system. The primary requirement
of decision support for the intelligence phase is the ability to scan internal and external
information sources for opportunities and problems and to interpret what the scanning discovers.

Task Analyse the difference between design phase and choice phase.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
11. The ........................ phase involves scanning the environment – identifying problem
situations (opportunities), monitoring the results of implementation.
12. The ........................ phase involves finding or developing and analyzing possible courses of
action: understanding the problem and testing solution for feasibility.
13. In the ........................ phase the actual decision and the commitment to follow a certain
course of action is made.

14. The ........................ of a proposed solution to a problem is the initiation of a new order of
things or the introduction of change.
15. ........................ is the intelligence applied to the implementation, that is, a form of feed
back.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 25