SpreadsheetBased Decision Support Systems Chapter 1 Introduction Prof

Spreadsheet-Based Decision Support Systems Chapter 1: Introduction Prof. Name Position University Name name@email. com (123) 456 -7890 1

Overview v v v 1. 1 Introduction to DSS 1. 2 Defining DSS 1. 3 DSS Applications 1. 4 Textbook Overview 1. 5 Summary 2

Introduction to DSS v A decision support system (DSS) gives its users access to a variety of data sources, modeling techniques, and stored domain knowledge via an easy to use GUI. v For example: – – v Using data residing in spreadsheets or databases Preparing mathematical models using this data Solving or analyzing these models using problem-specific methodologies Assisting the user in the decision-making process through a graphical user interface Learning DSS development skills, which combine OR/business skills with information technology (IT) skills, will make students highly sought after in the modern workplace. 3

Defining a DSS v A decision support system (DSS) is a model-based or knowledge-based system intended to support managerial decision making in semistructured or unstructured situations (Turban and Aronson, 2001). v A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her decision making capabilities. v Characteristics of a DSS include: – – – Combining human judgment with computerized information Designed to be user-friendly Uses models for analyzing decision-making situations Improves the effectiveness of making a decision Provides managerial support 4

Defining a DSS (cont’d) v A DSS application contains five components: – – – Database Model base Knowledge base GUI User Decision Support System Database Model Base Knowledge Base GUI User 5

Components of a DSS Information System Data Graphical User Interface Modeling and Optimization Presentation of Results Simulation Data Analysis 6 Decision Support System

DSS Applications v Car production v Railroad Car Management v Portfolio Management and Optimization v Facility Layout 7

Textbook Overview v Overview of Excel v Overview of VBA for Excel v Overview of Case Studies v Overview of Appendices 8

Overview of Excel v Excel Basic Functionality – – – v Chapter 2: Excel Basics and Formatting Chapter 3: Referencing and Names Chapter 4: Functions and Formulas Chapter 5: Charts Chapter 6: Pivot tables Excel Extended Functionality – – Chapter 7: Statistical Analysis Chapter 8: Solver and mathematical programming Chapter 9: Simulation Chapter 10: Working with Large Data 9

Overview of VBA for Excel v Introduction to VBA – Chapter 11: Visual Basic Environment – Chapter 12: Recording Macros v Coding in VBA – – – v Chapter 13: Objects, Properties, and Methods Chapter 14: Variables Chapter 15: Sub Procedures and Function Procedures Chapter 16: Programming structures Chapter 17: Arrays Creating a User Interface – Chapter 18: User Interface v Re-visiting Excel Extended Functionality Using VBA – Chapter 19: Solver – Chapter 20: Simulation – Chapter 21: Working with Large Data 10

Overview of Case Studies v Chapter 22: The DSS Development Process Chapter 23: GUI Design Chapter 24: Programming Principles v Case Studies in IE/OR and Business v v – – – – – v Case Study 1: Birthday Simulation Case Study 2: Eight Queens Case Study 3: Inventory Management Case Study 4: Warehouse Layout Case Study 5: Forecasting Methods Case Study 6: Facility Layout Case Study 7: Portfolio Management and Optimization Case Study 8: Reliability Analysis Case Study 9: Retirement Planning Case Study 10: Queuing Simulation: Single Server and Multi Server We have developed 25 case studies. 10 case studies are included in the book. The remaining case studies are available at the website: www. dynamicideas. com. 11

Overview of Appendices v Appendix A: Excel Add-Ins – – – v Appendix B: Debugging and Error Checking – – – v Data Analysis Toolpack The Solver and Premium Solver @RISK Crystal Ball Stat. Tools Types of Errors The Debug Toolbar The Debug Windows Debugging tips Error Checking Appendix C: Advanced Programming Topics – Object Oriented Programming in VBA for Excel – Opening Other Applications From VBA 12

Summary v Decision support systems are model-based or knowledge-based systems which support managerial decision making. v A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her decision making capabilities. v There are five components to a DSS: database, model base, knowledge base, GUI, and user. v Spreadsheet-Based DSS applications combine Excel and VBA features to create a complete DSS which integrates data, models, methodologies, and user interfaces. 13

Additional Links v (place links here) – Example DSS applications – Course website and/or syllabus 14