Traditional project management and design methods used for data processing and MIS applications are ill-suited to decision support systems (DSS). The authors argue that effective management of DSS development requires: a) An explicit plan for the full development life cycle; b) Careful assignment of responsibility for DSS development; c) Appropriate user involvement and direction; and d) On-going user needs assessment and problem diagnosis. A 13-stage tactical plan for DSS development, called the DSS development life cycle, is described. Results are presented from an in-depth survey of users of 34 different DSS to show that the tasks performed most ineffectively in DSS development are planning, assessment of user needs, and system evaluation. Results from the survey are also presented that show the factors responsible for DSS project approval, and the factors responsible for DSS success.
Managers face a dilemma in assessing DSS proposals. The issue of qualitative benefits is central, but they must find some way of deciding if the cost is justified. A general weakness of the cost-benefit approach is that it requires knowledge, accuracy, and confidence about issues which for innovations are unknown, ill-defined, and uncertain. The benefit of a DSS is the incentive for going ahead. The complex calculations of cost-benefit analysis are replaced in value analysis by rather simple questions about its usefulness.
This article suggests a strategy for using Personal Computing to provide decision support to individuals within an organizational context. The growing phenomenon of personal computing is recognized as a valid technological base for providing decision support to individuals. However, the challenge is the exploitation of this capability within an organizational context. In particular, personal computing raises many management control issues. The article suggests a useful distinction between personal decision support and organizational decision support. This distinction is critical in formulating a strategy for personal support within the organizational context.