Decision support systems technology
P O'Donnell
6 points * 4 hours per week * Second semester * Caulfield * Prerequisites: SYS4210
This unit will investigate the nature of ideal and real DSS technologies. The study will cover the following major topic areas. Hardware: consideration of the current and anticipated hardware for DSS; the relevance of mainframe, mini and PC/workstation technologies, and their combination for DSS and EIS development; the impact of interface technology on DSS and EIS practice. DSS software: study and evaluation of current DSS and EIS software; modelling, data storage and retrieval, graphics, interface and software development environments; six products - Excel, Visual BASIC, Hypercard, iThink (a dynamic simulation package), Holos (an EIS package) and Commander (an EIS package) - will feature in class discussion and assignment work. DSS tools: the tools (especially modelling) and `soft' techniques available to DSS and EIS developers; their nature, applicability and relevance to DSS. Current issues in managerial computing technology: investigation of the need and requirements for integration, OLAP, data warehousing; other issues that are noted by the class during the semester.
Assessment
Written (3000 words): 40% * Practical work: 60%