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Management Information Systems

Notes
Figure 10.6: Group System Tools

10.4.2 Features of GDSS

Most versions of GDSS use special meeting rooms where each participant is seated at a networked
computer. A facilitator operates the network and keeps the discussion moving in the right
direction. Before the meeting, the primary decision maker meets with the facilitator to establish
the objective of the meeting. They setup sample questions and design the overall strategy.
Typical meetings begin with a brainstorming session, where participants are asked to think of
ideas, problems and potential solutions. They type each of these into categories on their
computers. The basic ideas and suggestions are stored in a database and shared with the group
through the networked computers.
In terms of discussions and comments, the facilitator can choose individual items and project
them on the screen for the entire group to analyze. Participants can write comments or criticisms
of any idea at any time. This system is particularly helpful if many participants come up with
many ideas and comments at the same time. The computer enables everyone to enter comments
at the same time, which is faster than waiting for each person to finish speaking.

Another feature of using the computer for the entry of ideas and comments is that they can be
anonymous. Although each comment is numbered, they are not traced back to the original
author, so people are free to criticize their supervisor’s ideas. Anonymity reduces embarrassment
and encourages people to submit riskier ideas.

At various points, the facilitator can call for participants to vote on some of the ideas and
concepts. Depending on the software package, there can be several ways to vote. In addition to
traditional one-vote methods, there are several schemes where you place weights on your
choices. The votes are done on the computer and results appear immediately. Because it is so
easy to vote, the GDSS encourages the group to take several votes. This approach makes it easier
to drop undesirable alternatives early in the discussion.
One useful feature of conducting the meeting over a computer network is that all of the comments,
criticisms, and votes are recorded. They can all be pointed at the end of the session. Managers can
review all of the comments and add them to their reports.
In theory, a meeting could be conducted entirely on a computer network, saving costs and travel
time if the participants are located in different cities. Also, if it is designed properly, a GDSS can

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