Page 51 - DCAP208_Management Support Systems

Management Support Systems

Notes This graph is a qualitative, structural explanation of how information flows from the independent
variables to the dependent variables of interest.
As models may become very large, it is convenient to structure them into sub-models, groups of
variables that form a subsystem of the modeled system. Such sub-models can be again shown
graphically with interactions among them, increasing simplicity and clarity of the interface.
Figure 4.2 shows a sub-model-level view of a model developed in our ESP project. Note that the
graph in Figure 4.1 is an expanded version of the Teaching Expenditures sub-model in Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2: A Sub-model-level View of a Decision Model

Source: http://www.pitt.edu/~druzdzel/psfiles/dss.pdf

Notes The user can navigate through the hierarchy of the entire model in her quest for
insight, opening and closing sub-models on demand.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:

1. The term “...............” in the context of user interface process refers to the flow of information
(a) from the user to the system and (b) from the system to the user.
2. The ............... processes user commands, issued in whatever action language it requires,
and passes them on to the data and model management subsystems.
3. ............... is the vehicle for both model construction (or model choice) and for investigating
the results.
4. A good user interface should include ............... for examining the model and identifying its
most sensitive parts, which can be subsequently elaborated on.
5. As models may become very large, it is convenient to structure them into..............., groups
of variables that form a subsystem of the modeled system.

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