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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 & Sparklines

– Chapter 6: Pivot tables

Excel Extended Functionality – Chapter 7: Statistical Analysis with Excel

– Chapter 8: Solving Mathematical Programs

– Chapter 9: Simulation

– Chapter 10: Working with Large Data

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Overview of VBA for Excel

VBA for Excel– Chapter 11: Introduction to the Visual Basic Environment– Chapter 12: Recording Macros– Chapter 13: More on Objects

Coding in VBA– 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– Chapter 19: Mathematical Programming Revisited– Chapter 20: Simulation Revisited– Chapter 21: Working with Large Data Using VBA

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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.dssbooks.com.

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Overview of Appendices

Appendix A: Excel Add-Ins– Data Analysis Toolpack– The Solver and Premium Solver– CPLEX– @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.

Excel is a spreadsheet application with functionality for storing and organizing data, performing various calculations, and using additional packages for more advanced problem solving and analysis.

VBA is a programming language that allows for further manipulation of the Excel functionalities and creation of dynamic applications which can receive user input for the model base component of the DSS.

The case studies are intended to show the reader how to develop DSS applications which integrate databases, models, methodologies, and user interfaces.

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Additional Links

(place links here)

– Example DSS applications

– Course website and/or syllabus