Decision Support Technologies and Issues

Scope	This lesson focuses on shortcomings in the decision-making processes of individuals and organizations. It surfaces fallacies and biases in the acquisition, assimilation, analysis and synthesis of information for making decisions. It sets the framework for the use of decision support tools for overcoming these problems and for resolving issues facing the IT Manager. Exercises in computer aided decision analysis are an integral part of the session.
Objectives	1. Describe the issues associated with unaided human centered complex decision making 2. Enumerate the advantages of utilizing decision aiding tools 3. Package an evaluation of enterprise information technology in terms of performance benefits, costs-of ownership, technical issues, and implementation strategies
Readings	Required Saunders, John H. “Methods for Aiding Decision Makers” http:// www.johnsaunders.com/papers/Dec_anal.htm Saunders, John H. “A Manager's Guide to Group Decision Support Systems" http:// www.johnsaunders.com/papers/gdss.htm Refer to http://www.botknowledge.com/ and read about the following search engines. Google; Copernic; Lycos/CYC; Web Ferret
In-class Material	Viewgraphs Emerging Technology Search Agents Individual Decision Support for the IT Manager Group Decision Support for the IT Manager Exercise Handouts Portal Selection Exercise: http:// www.johnsaunders.com/papers/portsele.htm Software (On CD) Expert Choice Software Demo Version from Expert Choice, Inc, Pittsburgh, PA http://www.expertchoice.com/
Schedule	AM 08:30 – 09:30 Course Introduction and Review  09:30 – 10:00 Information Gathering: Search Engines 10:00 – 10:15 Break  10:15 – 11:30 Making Better Decisions – Individual Decision Support  11:30 – 12:30 Lunch  PM  12:30 – 01:15 Making Better Decisions – Group Decision Support  01:15 – 01:30 Break 01:30 – 03:00 Portal Selection Exercise 03:00 – 03:15 Break 03:15 – 04:30