Decision support systems: Scope and potential

doi:10.1016/0167-9236(94)90044-2

Decision Support Systems

Volume 12, Issues 4–5, November 1994, Pages 257-265

https://doi.org/10.1016/0167-9236(94)90044-2 Get rights and content

Abstract

The paper addresses the scope of decision support systems starting from the three words, decision, support, and system, that make up the term. Based on a decision-theory point of view, the notion of decision and related cognitive concepts are discussed, particularly in connection with the idea of supporting human decision makers in making decisions. The aspect of systems brings in automatic devices that assist the decision maker on various levels of cognitive sophistication. This aspect includes a connection to artificial intelligence whenever a high degree of sophistication is required. With a view to these connections with AI, the paper takes a model-oriented approach, aiming at an integration of the modelling necessities from decision theory, from human-machine interfaces, from application domains, and from system Eigen models as the core of every advanced architecture in this field.

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¹: Franz Josef Radermacher is the scientific director of the FAW (Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) Ulm and also has a faculty position for Data Bases/Artificial Intelligence at the University of Ulm which recently built up a new Computer Science curriculum. Before, he was Professor of Computer Science and Operations Research at the University of Passau and took part in building-up a new Computer Science Curriculum in this place. In 1980/81 he stayed at the University of California/Berkeley as a visiting researcher. Prof. Radermacher holds Doctoral degrees in Mathematics from the Technical University in Aachen and in Economics from the University (TH) in Karlsruhe; his habilitation in mathematics was effected at the TH Aachen. Since 1990, he is a member of the Scientific Advisory Council of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

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Decision support systems: Scope and potential

Abstract