Q. Explain the components and benefits of Decision Support System.

Ans. Components of DSS

Three fundamental components of DSS architecture are

1. The database (or knowledge base),

2. The model (i.e., the decision context and user criteria),

3. The user interface.

The users tehmselves are also important components of the architecture. DSS components may be classified as:

1. Inputs: Factors, numbers, and characteristics to analyze.

2. User Knowledge and Expertise: Inputs requiring manual analysis by the user.

3. Outputs: Transformed data from which DSS "decisions" are generated. 4. Decisions: Results generated by the DSS based on user criteria.

1. Improves personal efficiency. 2. Speed up the process of decision making.

3. Increases organizational control.

4. Encourages explorating and discovery on the part of the decision maker.

5. Speeds up problem solving in an organization.

6. Facilitates interpersonal communication.

7. Promotes learning or training.

8. Generates new evidence in support of a decision.

9. Creates a competitive advantage over competition.

10. Reveals new approaches to thinking about the problem space. 11. Helps automate managerial processes.