Question

Unstructured decision

(i) Provide an example of an unstructured decision regarding inventory management or its supply chain that Target might need to make; (1 mark)

(ii) State what type of software could be used to help finalize or implement the decision and explain why that software is suitable for the decision that you have described; (1 mark)

(iii) Provide an example of how the software that you have described could be used to help with the decision example that you have provided. (1 mark)

Answer 1

An Unstructured decision involves a lot of unknowns. Many times, unstructured decisions are the decisions being made for the first time. An information system can support this decision by providing the decision makers with information gathering tools and collaborative capabilities.

Unstructured decisions are more complex.They rely on knowledge and expertise

An example of an Unstructured decision might be dealing with a labor issue or setting policy for a new technology.

A Group Decision Support System (GDSS) is an interactive computer based system that facilitates a number of decision makers in finding solutions to problems that are unstructured in nature.

GDSS includes various software tools and techniques, such as electronic questionnaires, electronic brainstorming tools, idea organizers, tools for setting priority, policy formation tools etc.

The use of these software tools in a group meeting helps the group decision makers to plan, organize ideas, gather information, establish priorities, take decisions and document the meeting proceedings.

While dealing with labor issue, decision makers would come up with questions that involves the problems faced by labor, current wages, labor demands, Organisation resources to meet the demands are discussed and finally decision would be arrived.