Analyze Approaches to DSS Management Management Essay

Approaches to DSS Management
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Approaches to DSS Management
Developments over the recent past have seen the collaboration between information science, artificial intelligence and computer program to create systems that assist in the decision making. The efforts have seen the establishment of the decision support systems (DSSs). According to Druzdzel and Flynn “DSSs are interactive computer-based systems that aid users in judgment and choice activities” (Druzdzel & Flynn, 2002). DSSs are categorized into three fundamental components: Database management systems (DBMS), Model-based management systems (MBMS) and Dialog generation and management system (DGMS) (Druzdzel & Flynn, 2002). They provide data storage, modeling, and problem-solving, especially in complex decision situations.
Database management systems (DBMS)
Benefits
It is the component that majorly deals with data storage and contains large quantities of data with information about the problem under scrutiny. DBMS allows the users to interact through the provision of logical data structures and which are completely separate from the physical data structures. It informs the users of the available data and guides them on how to access and use the system. End users are also able to not only read, but also make changes and delete the data. However, the DBMS is also capable of controlling the data seen by the end users and therefore prevents the editing of crucial information (Anjard, 2010).
Summary of DBMS contents
There are five important parts of the DBMS. Data is the first component and includes facts and statistics that are to be used in the overall analysis and future problem solving and decision making. Secondly, there is the hardware, and it encompasses the computer machine with all the parts that will be involved in the data storage. These parts include the keyboard, hard disk, RAM, and ROM. Thirdly, there is the software which houses the program that will control the DBMS and the DSS. According to Anjard “the DBMS software is more like a wrapper around the physical database, which provides us with an easy to use interface to store, access and update data” (Anjard, 2010). It works closely with the database engine and schema to manage and control access into the DBMS and avoid any illegal manipulation of the system. Fourthly, some procedures govern and guide the conduct of the various parties in the DBMS. These procedures provide basic instructions such as the setup and installation of the DBMS, management of the database and the generation of reports. Lastly, there is the database access language which provides a platform for the users to write commands that will enable them to access, add, modify and delete the stored data.
Additionally, the access language allows the users to open new databases. Basing on the components above of the DBMS, there are therefore three parties who ensure the end to end running of the system. They include the end users, database administrators and the software developer (Anjard, 2010).
Characteristics of DBMS
DBMSs should be able to store all kinds of data. The system should also be accurate, complete, isolated and durable. The DBMSs should be capable of making sense out of complex data collected. There should also be backups and recovery measures to avoid big losses in cases when the system breaks or shuts down. Lastly, the DBMS should be capable of supporting multiple users accessing the same data concurrently.
Advantages of DBMS
DBMSs allow for the centralization of all the organizational data on one platform (Anjard, 2010). As a result, it fosters data security and promotes data abstraction and independence. The data management solution highlights the integrity of the organization's operations, and they also minimize data inconsistency. Quality DBMS tools promote end-user productivity and allow the management to make quick and rational decisions.
Disadvantages of DBMS
The set of the DBMS can be very costly as it requires the purchase of quality hardware and software. The systems also require frequent updates and upgrades which can have significant impacts on the data security.
Organizations that use DBMS
Universities and colleges have adopted the system, and they use it to manage the number of students doing their exams online through the effective recording of all the relevant details such as registration number, courses, and grades. The banking sector has also embraced DBMS and which has enabled most of the banks to provide online banking services. Railway stat...