Question

Question 2

2.1. Computers provide support in making structured decisions. This is achieved through the use of Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Intelligent Support Systems (ISS), explain this in detail.

2.2. Explain the four-stage planning model for Strategic Information Technology Planning.

Answer 1

2.1 Computer make decisions only in a structured manner and has a certain protocols in it. Support system helps in decision makers to compile useful information from a combination of raw data, documents to solve problems. This is achieve through the use of Decision Support Systems and Intelligent Support Systems.

Decision Support Systems is a interactive computer based information system like MIS which management information system. It process information for the managers in making decisions. Which mainly helps the middle managers to make decisions clearly. For example, in a bank the manager will analyse the changes in trends in deposit and loans to maintain the yearly target. This decision making systems mainly has three components. They are DSS database, DSS software system, DSS user interface.

DSS database mainly has a information on its own and some information are mined from the internet. The decision support system is very small and a stand alone system. So in order to avoid interference in the working of operational system, the DSS database contains a copy of a production database.

DSS software system contains mathematical and analytical models to analyze the complex data and providing the required information. It provides the output based on different inputs or different conditions or combination of different input and conditions to provide desired output.

This DSS software system has various models for performing each operations. They are Statistical models, Sensitivity analysis models, optimization analysis model, forecasting model, backward analysis sensitivity models.

DSS user interface is a interactive graphical interface which makes easy interaction between system and user. It displays the output in various forms like text, table, chart or graphics. The user can select appropriate option to display the output. For example the sales data can be displayed in a tabular form and architectural design can be displayed in a graphical format.

Artificial intelligence AI and Expert systems ES are called as the Intelligent Support Systems which require practical experience and practical knowledge. This Intelligent Support System should behave like a human consultant. The decision can be done by gathering and analysing the evidence, identifying and diagnosing problems, proposing possible course of action and evaluating actions. The main aim of Intelligent Support System is to perform these actions by a computer. While decisions have been made by the computer like a humans. Expert systems emerged as practical applications based on the research in the artificial intelligence. They combine knowledge of particular application domain with the interface capability to make system take decisions. These decisions are comparable to decisions of a human experts.  

2.2 Strategic planning is an organisational process of defining strategy and making decisions. For this some priorities have been set which mainly helps to perform mechanism for implementing some strategies. This Strategic planning information technology planning namely strategic planning, requirement analysis, resource allocation and project planning. This planning models mainly reduces the confusion about the selection of competing planning methodologies.

Strategic planning:

This model mainly matches the objectives, goals, strategies of an organisation and the Strategic planning information system. This techniques are mainly used for derivation of strategy from the organisational plan, strategic information system grid, strategic fit with organisational culture, strategy set transformation.

Requirement analysis:

This requirement analysis phase mainly collects the current and future requirements of the organisation. For taking this requirement phases these information are mainly collected. Organisational requirement, develop subsystem matrix, define and evaluate the requirements for the organisational subsystems.

Resource allocation:

In this resource allocation phase resource has to be allocated for the organisation based on the organisational requirement and needs.

Project planning:

The last stage of the Strategic planning information system is to plan the project with the overall framework for system development planning, scheduling and controlling. A wide variety of tools are available for the project planning. They are milestones, critical path method and Gantt charts.