An environment theory of decision support
Abstract
Two important ways of increasing organization effectiveness are through improved organization design and enhanced individual productivity. Decision support research can impact both approaches. In the first case, advances in computerized support of distributed decision making may lead to new organization designs or better implementations of well-known organization designs. In the second case, which is the focus of this research, advances in basic decision support system (DSS) theory can contribute significantly to surmounting current limitations in the use of computers to solve problems in the course of an individual's decision making processes. This research intends to advance an environment theory of decision support as the basis for a new, more potent generation of decision support software and as a broad unifying platform for future research in the DSS field. The proposed theory is descriptive with respect to current decision support systems which can be regarded as limited examples of what is envisioned and it is normative in the sense of furnishing a body of principles for guiding conception and thinking regarding a new kind of decision support software which lies at the heart of the decision support environment. The theory serves as a unifying medium for communication among researchers and as a source of stimulation for their investigations. The research results in the specification of the theory's major tenets in terms of a computable language.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Whinston, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Management
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