Decision Support Systems

Question 1

Differentiate between structured, semi-structured and unstructured situations.

Answer 1

Structured - Decisions are automated, DSS not required.

Semi-Structured - Method to follow, requirements clear cut but there is nuance.

Unstructured - No method, judgement and insight to the problem is required.

Question 2

What are systems which are used in DSS?

Answer 2

• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Expert Systems
• Neural Networks
• Data Warehouses
• Group Decision Support Systems
• Geo Info Sys
• Mang Info Sys

Question 3

Define forward and backwards chaining.

Answer 3

Forward chaining is an inference strategy in which the user supplies all the data before the question is asked or the inference is made.

Backward chaining starts with one or more possible solutions and searches back through the system to determine the questions to be asked.

Question 4

Compare and contrast processing methods used by databases, neural networks and expert systems.

Answer 4

Use of:
- Knowledge Base
- Database of Facts
- Inference
- Explanation Mechanism

Question 5

What does Spreadsheet analysis entail?

Answer 5

– what-if models
– statistical analysis
– charts

Question 6

Describe the process of data mining to search large databases for hidden patterns and relationships and use these to predict future behaviour.

Answer 6

Data mining is a process that finds relationships and patterns in the data stored in a database. It sorts through the data and turns up interesting and often useful connections.

Question 7

Reasons for decision support
systems.

Answer 7

– preserving an expert’s knowledge
– improving performance and consistency in decision-making
– rapid decisions
– ability to analyse unstructured situations

Question 8

Responsibilities of those performing data mining.

Answer 8

– erroneous inferences
– privacy