The Role of Groupware and Group Decision Support Systems in Decision Making Essay Example
" In this Ask Dan! , I'll try to expand on my previous column.
In general, group decision support systems (GDSS) are interactive, computer-based systems that facilitate solution of semi-structured and unstructured problems by a designated set of decision-makers working together as a group. A GDSS can assist groups, especially groups of managers, in analyzing problem situations and in performing group decision-making tasks. GDSS include structured decision tools for tasks like brainstorming, commenting on ideas, and rating and ranking of alternatives (cf. , DeSanctis and Gallupe, 1987). Groupware is any software package designed to support more than one person working on a shared task.
Groupware is multiuser software that allows users to access the same data. Also, groupware usually provides a mechanism that helps users coordinate and keep track of on-going projects or decision processes. It helps people work t
...ogether through computer-supported communication, collaboration, and coordination. The best known "general purpose" groupware products include Lotus Notes, Microsoft Exchange 2000, Novell GroupWise 6, and Microsoft NetMeeting. Groupware is a much broader category of group support software and tools than the term GDSS. In general, GDSS products are groupware.
Not all groupware products are used however for decision support and not all groupware products are equally useful in developing decision support capabilities. For the past few years, I have encouraged and advocated the use of a new umbrella term Communications-Driven DSS. The free DSS Glossary at DSSResources. COM defines a Communications-Driven DSS as a decision support system that uses network and communication technologies to facilitate collaboration and group communication.
For a Communications-Driven DSS, communication technologies are central to supporting decision-making. Network
and communication technologies provide the dominant functionality used for decision support. GDSS are in some ways hybrid systems or integrated systems with multiple subsystems including an important model component that provides decision support functions and capabilities, yet GDSS can only provide support to the group because of the network and communication technologies. So based on an assessment of what technology provides the "dominant functionality" for decision support, GDSS and many decision support systems built using groupware products are Communications-Driven DSS. If the model component provides the dominant functionality for a GDSS, then it is a model-driven GDSS.
- Data collection essays
- Graphic Design essays
- Data Mining essays
- Cryptography essays
- Internet essays
- Network Security essays
- Android essays
- Computer Security essays
- World Wide Web essays
- Website essays
- Computer Network essays
- Application Software essays
- Computer Programming essays
- Computer Software essays
- Benchmark essays
- Information Systems essays
- Email essays
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol essays
- Marshall Mcluhan essays
- Virtual Learning Environment essays
- Web Search essays
- Etiquette essays
- Mainstream essays
- Vodafone essays
- Web Search Engine essays
- Networking essays
- Telecommunication essays
- Network Topology essays
- Telecommunications essays
- Programming Languages essays
- Object-Oriented Programming essays
- Java essays
- Incentive essays
- Cloud Computing essays
- Computer Science essays
- Consumer Electronics essays
- Data Analysis essays
- Electronics essays
- engineering essays
- Enterprise Technology essays
- Hardware essays
- Impact of Technology essays
- Information Age essays
- Information Technology essays
- Modern Technology essays
- Operating Systems essays
- people search essays
- Robot essays
- Accident essays
- Awareness essays
