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Chapter 1: Introduction

Spreadsheet-Based Decision Support Systems

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Overview 1.1 Introduction to DSS 1.2 Defining DSS 1.3 DSS Applications 1.4 Textbook Overview 1.5 Summary

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Introduction to DSS

A decision support system (DSS) gives its users access to a variety of data sources, modeling techniques, and stored domain knowledge via an easy to use GUI.

For example:– Using data residing in spreadsheets or databases – Preparing mathematical models using this data– Solving or analyzing these models using problem-specific methodologies– Assisting the user in the decision-making process through a graphical user

interface

Learning DSS development skills, which combine OR/business skills with information technology (IT) skills, will make students highly sought after in the modern workplace.

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Defining a DSS

A decision support system (DSS) is a model-based or knowledge-based system intended to support managerial decision making in semi-structured or unstructured situations (Turban and Aronson, 2001).

A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her decision making capabilities.

Characteristics of a DSS include:– Combining human judgment with computerized information– Designed to be user-friendly– Uses models for analyzing decision-making situations– Improves the effectiveness of making a decision– Provides managerial support

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Defining a DSS (cont’d)

A DSS application contains five components: – Database – Model base – Knowledge base – GUI– User

Model Base Knowledge Base

Database

GUI

User

Decision Support System

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Components of a DSS

Data Analysis

Data

Modeling and

Optimization

SimulationPresentation of Results

Graphical User

Interface

Information System

Decision Support System

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DSS Applications

Car production

Railroad Car Management

Portfolio Management and Optimization

Facility Layout

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Textbook Overview

Overview of Excel

Overview of VBA for Excel

Overview of Case Studies

Overview of Appendices

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Overview of Excel

Excel Basic Functionality– Chapter 2: Excel Basics and Formatting– Chapter 3: Referencing and Names– Chapter 4: Functions and Formulas– Chapter 5: Charts– Chapter 6: Pivot tables

Excel Extended Functionality – Chapter 7: Statistical Analysis– Chapter 8: Solver and mathematical programming– Chapter 9: Simulation– Chapter 10: Working with Large Data

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Overview of VBA for Excel Introduction to VBA

– Chapter 11: Visual Basic Environment– Chapter 12: Recording Macros

Coding in VBA– Chapter 13: Objects, Properties, and Methods– Chapter 14: Variables– Chapter 15: Sub Procedures and Function Procedures– Chapter 16: Programming structures– Chapter 17: Arrays

Creating a User Interface– Chapter 18: User Interface

Re-visiting Excel Extended Functionality Using VBA– Chapter 19: Solver– Chapter 20: Simulation– Chapter 21: Working with Large Data

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Overview of Case Studies Chapter 22: The DSS Development Process Chapter 23: GUI Design Chapter 24: Programming Principles

Case Studies in IE/OR and Business– Case Study 1: Birthday Simulation– Case Study 2: Eight Queens – Case Study 3: Inventory Management– Case Study 4: Warehouse Layout– Case Study 5: Forecasting Methods– Case Study 6: Facility Layout– Case Study 7: Portfolio Management and Optimization – Case Study 8: Reliability Analysis– Case Study 9: Retirement Planning– Case Study 10: Queuing Simulation: Single Server and Multi Server

We have developed 25 case studies. 10 case studies are included in the book. The remaining case studies are available at the website: www.dynamic-ideas.com.

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Overview of Appendices Appendix A: Excel Add-Ins

– Data Analysis Toolpack– The Solver and Premium Solver– @RISK– Crystal Ball– StatTools

Appendix B: Debugging and Error Checking– Types of Errors– The Debug Toolbar– The Debug Windows– Debugging tips– Error Checking

Appendix C: Advanced Programming Topics– Object Oriented Programming in VBA for Excel– Opening Other Applications From VBA

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Summary

Decision support systems are model-based or knowledge-based systems which support managerial decision making.

A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her decision making capabilities.

There are five components to a DSS: database, model base, knowledge base, GUI, and user.

Spreadsheet-Based DSS applications combine Excel and VBA features to create a complete DSS which integrates data, models, methodologies, and user interfaces.

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Additional Links

(place links here)

– Example DSS applications

– Course website and/or syllabus