Concept of Decision Support (DS)

Concept of Decision Support (DS) Decision Support (DS) is a term that is frequently applied in a number of contexts which are associated with decision making. For instance, it is usually mentioned in relation to Data Warehouses as well as On-Line Analytical Processing (Watson, 1998).Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Concept of Decision Support (DS) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has also been established that Data support is closely associated with Data Mining. Data mining entails analysis of data obtained from different perspectives then the same is summarized to obtain useful information which the businesses can use in cost cutting or increasing their revenue. Decision Support appears to be both simple and spontaneous in nature. In fact it is always loosely defined. It should be noted that to different people, the term implies to different things and also in diverse contexts. In the recent times, the term is mainly linked to Data Warehous es as well as On Line Analytical Processing. However, ten years ago, the term was linked to Decision Support Systems (DSS). Before then, it was closely connected to Decision Analysis (DA) as well as Operations Research (OR). This has brought about a lot of misunderstanding and confusion, thereby bringing about the need for clarification. Decision support system (DSS) may be defined as an information system which supports decision making within organizations and businesses. It should be noted that for a system to qualify to be called a Decision support system, it has to be computer based. This kind of system has been proved to be of great benefits to the various departments of organizations including the planning department as well as the operations departments since it helps in coming up with rapidly changing decisions (Eta, 2007). It should be noted that DS also incorporate knowledge based system. A Decision Support System which is properly designed will aid decision makers to gath er vital information from numerous documents, raw data, personal knowledge, as well as business models so as to not only identify but also to provide solution to problems and also to come up with decisions.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A number of information may be gathered by decision support. These include records of information resources, relative sales information between two or more periods, as well as the anticipated revenue figures (Sprague and Watson, 1993). The term Knowledge worker is used to refer to the workers who are involved in decision making as well as analysis of information within the organization or business. In a number of instances, it is applied in the broader perspective of knowledge management (Yoram and Adi, 2005). Decision support system (DSS) supports decision making within organizations and businesses. Therefore, Decision Suppo rt System is of great use to the knowledge workers as it will help facilitate the decision making process. In addition, Decision support is also of great benefit to knowledge workers as it encourages the exploration as well as the discovery of new ideas. It also promotes learning as well as training; exposes new techniques of thinking about problems and also helps knowledge workers in generating evidence when supporting a given decision (Mallach, 1994). In sum, it makes work easier for knowledge Workers. To me, the most valuable information system tool that can be applied for decision support in my organization is the clinical support decision system (CSDS). Clinical decision support system (CDSS) is specifically designed to help physicians as well as other professional health workers who are charged with decision making roles like determining diagnosis of the data of the patients. CDSS link the observations made by the health workers with the exact health knowledge so as to influen ce the decisions made by the health workers for better health care (Silver, 1991). Information storage and data management in the clinical set up is very important in the management of any health facility. This is because it helps in tracking the trends of the epidemic and for planning purposes. This system if employed within the clinical systems, record keeping and tracking of trends can be made very easy, hence increasing the efficiency.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Concept of Decision Support (DS) specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Clinical Decision Support System uses the patient data so as to come up with an advice that is case-specific. It should be noted that it majorly uses knowledge management so as to provide clinical advice based on the information provided by the patients. Clinicians use CDSS in analysis as well as diagnosis of the information provided by the patients. They help clinicians in decis ion making. Previously, the clinician would just input the information provided by the patient and just rely on the output provided by the CDSS. The clinician would just use the output in decision making. However, clinicians now have to use the output of CDSS together with their knowledge so as to come up with improved analysis as well as conclusion (Sauter, 1997). When applied in a health facility, CDSS will be of great benefit to the facility as it will result into improvements. Indeed it is beneficial as it also provide recommendations rather than just assessment. It also eliminates much paper work. I strongly feel that it is the most relevant for my organization. With the reduced paper work, it implies that more patients will be treated within the shortage time possible. References Eta, S.B. (2007). Clinical Decision Support Systems. New York, NY: Springer. Mallach, E.G. (1994). Understanding Decision Support and Expert Systems. Burr Ridge, IL: Irwin. Sauter, V. L. (1997). Decis ion support systems: an applied managerial approach. New York, John Wiley.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Silver, M. (1991). Systems that support decision makers: description and analysis.  Chichester ; New York, Wiley. Sprague, R. H. and H. J. Watson (1993). Decision support systems: putting theory into  Practice. Englewood Clifts, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Watson, H.J. (1998). Decision Support in the Data Warehouse. N.J.: Prentice- Hall. Yoram, R and Adi, K. (2005). Decision Support Systems. Vol. 41 Issue 1, p1-19, 19p.