 | Management Information Systems 4/e - James A. O'Brien | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Learning Center |  | |||||
Chapter 11: Information Systems for Managerial Decision Support
|
Analytical Modelling
Interactive use of computer-based mathematical models to explore decision alternatives using what-if analysis sensitivity analysis goal-seeking analysis and optimization analysis. Goal Seeking Analysis Making repeated changes to selected variables until a chosen variable reaches a target value. Optimization Analysis Finding an optimum value for selected variables in a mathematical model given certain constraints. Sensitivity Analysis Observing how repeated changes to a single variable affects other variables in a mathematical model. What-if Analysis Observing how changes to selected variables affect other variables in a mathematical model. Artificial Intelligence A science and technology whose goal is to develop computers that can think as well as see hear walk talk and feel. AI Application Areas Major areas of AI research and development include cognitive science computer science robotics and natural interface applications. AI Objectives A major thrust is the development of computer functions normally associated with human intelligence for example reasoning inference learning and problem-solving. Decision Structure Information systems can support a variety of management levels and decisions. These include the three levels of management activity (strategic tactical and operational) and three types of decision structures (structured semistructured and unstructured). Decision Support versus Management Reporting Information reporting systems focuses on providing managers with prespecified information products that report on the performance of the organization. Decision support systems focuses on providing information interactively to support specific types of decisions by individual managers. Decision Support System An information system that utilizes decision models a database and a decision maker's own insights in an ad hoc interactive analytical modelling process to reach a specific decision by a specific decision maker. DSS Software Software resources include software packages such as a DSS generators and spreadsheet packages that support database management model database management and dialogue generation and management. Executive Information System An information system that provides strategic information tailored to the needs of top management. Expert System A computer-based information system that uses its knowledge about a specific complex application area to act as an expert consultant to users. Expert System: Applications Includes applications such as diagnosis design prediction interpretation and repair. Expert System: Benefits & Limitations Benefits include the preservation and replication of expertise. They have limited applicability in many problem situations. Expert System: Components The system consists of a knowledge base and software modules that perform inferences on the knowledge and communicates answers to a user's questions. Expert System: Development Expert systems can be purchased or developed if a problem situation exists that is suitable for solution by expert systems rather than by conventional experts and information processing. Expert System Shell An expert system without its knowledge base. Fuzzy Logic A computer-based system that can process data that are incomplete or only partially correct i.e. fuzzy data. Such systems can solve unstructured problems with incomplete knowledge as humans do. Genetic Algorithms Genetic algorithms uses sets of mathematical processes rules (algorithms) that specify how combinations of process components or steps are to be formed. Geographic Information Systems An information system that integrates computer graphics geographic databases and DSS capabilities. Inference Engine The software component of an expert system which processes the rules and facts related to a specific problem and makes associations and inferences resulting in recommended sources of action. Intelligent Agent An knowledge base software surrogates for a user or process in the accomplishment of selected tasks. Knowledge Base A computer-accessible collection of knowledge about a subject in a variety of forms such as facts and rules of inference frames and objects. Knowledge Engineer A specialist who works with experts to capture the knowledge they possess in order to develop a knowledge base for expert systems and other knowledge-based systems. Hybrid AI Systems Hybrid systems are systems which integrate several AI technologies into a single system. This frequently includes two popular AI technologies: expert systems and neural nets. Level of Management Decision Making Information systems can support a variety of management levels and decisions. These include the three levels of management activity (strategic tactical and operational) and three types of decision structures (structured semistructured and unstructured). Management Information System A management support system that produces prespecified reports displays and responses on a periodic exception or demand basis. Management Support System An information system that provides information to support managerial decision making. More specifically an information-reporting system executive information system or decision support system. Model Base An organized collection of conceptual mathematical and logical models that express business relationships computational routines or analytical techniques. Such models are stored in the form of programs and program subroutines command files and spreadsheets. Neural Network Massively parallel neurocomputer systems whose architecture is based on the human brain?s mesh-like neuron structure. Such networks can process many pieces of information simultaneously and can learn to recognize pattern and programs themselves to solve related problems on their own. Online Analytical Processing Management decision support and executive information systems can be enhanced with an online analytical processing capability. Through OLAP managers are able to analyse complex relationships in order to discover patterns trends and exception conditions in an online realtime process that supports their business analysis and decision making. Reporting Alternatives Three major reporting alternatives include periodic scheduled reports exception reports and demand reports and responses. Robotics The technology of building machines (robots) with computer intelligence and human like physical capabilities. Virtual Reality The use of multi sensory human/computer interfaces that enables human users to experience computer-simulated objects entities spaces and "worlds" as if they actually existed. |
MHHE Home | About MHHE | Help Desk | Legal Policies and Info | Order Info | What's New | Get Involved
McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
For further information about this site contact mhhe_webmaster@mcgraw-hill.com.
