Decision Support System (DSS)

Table of Contents

Introduction/Definition of Decision Support System (DSS)

 Decision Support System Components

Types of Decision Support System

Examples of Decision Support System

Characteristics of Decision Support System

Benefits of Decision Support System

Advantages and disadvantages of Decision Support System

Conclusion

Reference

Introduction;

A decision support system gathers and analyzes data, synthesizing it to produce comprehensive information reports. In this way, as an informational application, a DSS differs from an ordinary operations application, whose function is just to collect data.The DSS can either be completely computerized or powered by humans. In some cases, it may combine both. The ideal systems analyze information and actually make decisions for the user. At the very least, they allow human users to make more informed decisions at a quicker pace

What is a decision support system (DSS)?

• A decision support system (DSS) is a computer program application used to improve a company's decision-making capabilities. It analyzes large amounts of data and presents an organization with the best possible options available.

• Decision Support Systems (DSS) are a class of computerized information system that support decision-making activities. DSS are interactive computer-based systems and subsystems intended to help decision makers use communications technologies, data, documents, knowledge and/or models to complete decision process tasks.

• A decision support system (DSS) is a computerized program used to support determinations, judgments, and courses of action in an organization or a business. A DSS sifts through and analyzes massive amounts of data, compiling comprehensive information that can be used to solve problems and in decision-making.

Decision support systems bring together data and knowledge from different areas and sources to provide users with information beyond the usual reports and summaries. This is intended to help people make informed decisions.

Typical information a decision support application might gather and present include the following:

comparative sales figures between one week and the next;

projected revenue figures based on new product sales assumptions; and

the consequences of different decisions.

A decision support system is an informational application as opposed to an operational application. Informational applications provide users with relevant information based on a variety of data sources to support better-informed decision-making. Operational applications, by contrast, record the details of business transactions, including the data required for the decision-support needs of a business.

Decision Support System Components

A typical DSS consists of three different parts: 

- knowledge database

-software 

- user interface.

Knowledge base. 

A knowledge base is an integral part of a decision support system database, containing information from both internal and external sources. It is a library of information related to particular subjects and is the part of a DSS that stores information used by the system's reasoning engine to determine a course of action.

Software System

. The software system is composed of model management systems. A model is a simulation of a real-world system with the goal of understanding how the system works and how it can be improved. Organizations use models to predict how outcomes will change with different adjustments to the system.

For example, models can be helpful for understanding systems that are too complicated, too expensive or too dangerous to fully explore in real life. That's the idea behind computer simulations used for scientific research, engineering tests, weather forecasting and many other applications.

Models can also be used to represent and explore systems that don't yet exist, like a proposed new technology, a planned factory or a business's supply chain. Businesses also use models to predict the outcomes of different changes to a system -- such as policies, risks and regulations -- to help make business decisions.

User Interface

The user interface enables easy system navigation. The primary goal of the decision support system's user interface is to make it easy for the user to manipulate the data that is stored on it. Businesses can use the interface to evaluate the effectiveness of DSS transactions for the end users. DSS interfaces include simple windows, complex menu-driven interfaces and command-line interfaces.

Decisions

Based on user requirements, results are generated by the Decision Support System.

Types of Decision Support Systems

Decision support systems can be broken down into categories, each based on their primary sources of information.

Data-driven DSS

A data-driven DSS is a computer program that makes decisions based on data from internal databases or external databases. Typically, a data-driven DSS uses data mining techniques to discern trends and patterns, enabling it to predict future events. Businesses often use data-driven DSSes to help make decisions about inventory, sales and other business processes. Some are used to help make decisions in the public sector, such as predicting the likelihood of future criminal behavior.

Model-driven DSS

Built on an underlying decision model, model-driven decision support systems are customized according to a predefined set of user requirements to help analyze different scenarios that meet these requirements. For example, a model-driven DSS may assist with scheduling or developing financial statements.

Communication-driven and group DSS

A communication-driven and group decision support system uses a variety of communication tools -- such as email, instant messaging or voice chat -- to allow more than one person to work on the same task. The goal behind this type of DSS is to increase collaboration between the users and the system and to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

Knowledge-driven DSS

In this type of decision support system, the data that drives the system resides in a knowledge base that is continuously updated and maintained by a knowledge management system. A knowledge-driven DSS provides information to users that is consistent with a company's business processes and knowledge.

Document-driven DSS

A document-driven DSS is a type of information management system that uses documents to retrieve data. Document-driven DSSes enable users to search webpages or databases, or find specific search terms. Examples of documents accessed by a document-driven DSS include policies and procedures, meeting minutes and corporate records.

Decision Support System Examples

Organizations use decision support systems in several different contexts, including the following:

GPS routing.

 GPS route planning is an example of a typical DSS. It compares different routes, taking into account factors such as distance, driving time and cost. The GPS navigating system also enables users to choose alternative routes, displaying them on a map and providing step-by-step instructions.

ERP dashboards.

 ERP (enterprise resource planning) dashboards can use a decision support system to visualize changes in production and business processes, monitor current business performance against set goals and identify areas for improvement. ERP dashboards let business owners see a snapshot of their company's most important numbers and metrics.

Clinical decision support system. 

A clinical decision support system (CDSS) is a software program that uses advanced decision-making algorithms to help physicians make the best medical decisions. Healthcare professionals often use these to interpret patient records and test results, and to calculate the best treatment plan. CDSS in healthcare can help providers identify abnormalities during specific tests, as well as monitor patients after certain procedures to determine if they are having any adverse reactions.

Characteristics of a DSS

The primary purpose of using a DSS is to present information to the customer in an easy-to-understand way. A DSS system is beneficial because it can be programmed to generate many types of reports, all based on user specifications. For example, the DSS can generate information and output its information graphically, as in a bar chart that represents projected revenue or as a written report.

As technology continues to advance, data analysis is no longer limited to large, bulky mainframe computers. Since a DSS is essentially an application, it can be loaded on most computer systems, whether on desktops or laptops. Certain DSS applications are also available through mobile devices.

The flexibility of the DSS is extremely beneficial for users who travel frequently. This gives them the opportunity to be well-informed at all times, providing them the ability to make the best decisions for their company and customers on the go or even on the spot.

Benefits of a Decision Support System?

Broadly speaking, decision support systems help in making more informed decisions. Often used by upper and mid-level management, decision support systems are used to make actionable decisions, or produce multiple possible outcomes based on current and historical company data. At the same time, decision support systems can be used to produce reports for customers that are easily digestible and can be adjusted based on user specifications. 

Advantages of a Decision Support System

- It Saves Time by speeding up the process of decision making.

- It Improves communication between people through meetings, brainstorming sessions, etc.

- Reports generated by the Decision Support System can be used as evidence.

- It helps to automate processes.

- Reduction of cost

Disadvantages of a Decision Support System

- Overload Information

- Reduction of status

- Unanticipated effects

- Cost in Monetary

- Too much DSS dependency

Computer File System

  

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

•Definition of Computer file System

•Types of Computer file system 

•Advantages and disadvantages of •computer file system

•Elements of Computer Files System

•Classification of Computer files System 

•Uses of Computer file System

•Conclusion

•Reference

Introduction;

If we talk about what a file system is from the perspective of the computer, there are a lot of details that don’t really matter to the average user, which confuses the whole topic.

If we break it down from the point of view of the average user, all of a sudden, the file system is easy to understand, and it’s useful to know about. It can actually help you in your day-to-day computer use.

A file system allows you to organize and store files on your computer hard drive. They are organized in a system of folders that create a tree-type structure. The main folder or root folder is represented as your hard drive. All of the other folders in the root folder are considered subfolders.

That being said, they’re usually just called folders. Any folder in the file system can hold files and subfolders of its own. This is a great system for searching and sorting files and folders. Without the file system, all of the data on your computer would just be lumped together on the hard drive without a way to reference it or look it up easily.

Definition;

A computer file system is used to organize files & data in your computer’s non-volatile memory or hard drive in a hierarchy of nested folders. It’s typically organized in a tree data structure, with one parent folder being the hard drive & other folders existing in subfolders below that. 

A computer file system  is a method and data structure that the operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved. The structure and logic rules used to manage the groups of data and their names is called a "file system.

A file system is the way in which files are named and where they are placed logically for storage and retrieval.

What is a file in a file system?

A file in a file system is a digital representation or marker created to hold information about the data it’s for. The file marker holds the name of the file, the size of the file, and the location of the file on the hard drive. Other details like when it was created are also available.

An interesting property is that it allows you to control access to the file through the read/write/execute permissions, as discussed above. You can copy files, paste files, or create shortcuts to them.

How do I set up a file system on a computer?

The file extension tells the user and the computer what type of file it is. Documents, images, and videos are common file types.

Some file systems are already installed when you buy your computer, such as program files and system files. But you can arrange your own folder hierarchy for basic file types however you like, typically by dragging and dropping documents and images into folders you create yourself.

A folder hierarchy is a visual representation of how folders and subfolders are organized. You can include multiple file extensions in one folder; for example, you can include XLS, DOC, PPT, WMV, PDF, and JPG in one folder.

Can I transfer a file to another computer?

Yes, but you may not be able to open, read, or modify the file if the new computer doesn’t have the proper hardware installed.

There are multiple ways to transfer files. For example, you can transfer files using an external hard drive or through the web. But you’ll need to have the executable program file installed before you can open, read, and modify (and save) the file.

There are several different files systems, but seven are worth covering for the average computer user.

1. Disk file system

A Disk file system is the most common files system because it exists on hard drives and other long-term storage devices. It’s comprised of the typical tree-like structure and can hold multiple layers of folders and files.

2. Flash file system

A flash file system is optimized to leverage the strengths of a flash memory device like a USB stick or SD card. Their use is, of course, limited, especially since the disk file system often gets extended to removable media like thumb drives and memory cards.

3. Database file systems

Database file systems are organized using features of the various files rather than their location so that you can search the database by a certain feature set. A great application for this type of file system is in a company with many drawings or corporate documents that they want to search for a given system or author.

4. Transactional file system

The transactional file system exists within the microcosm of a single piece of software. It’s the file system that a piece of software sets up for itself when it gets installed. Thus, it gets set up in a single move and is used on a transactional basis as the software gets used. Naturally, therefore, it must get maintained during updates or the application of extensions.

5. Network file system

A network file system is a file system that is accessed across a network. It can be accessed by more than one machine, so priorities and resource sharing become an issue. Usually, this involves specialized technology leveraging something like FTP or NFS.

6. Shared disk file system

The shared disk file system is often realized with network shares or shared drives like you may see at work. Usually, these shared drives are accessed across a network, meaning shared access is an issue here. Often, they get added to your computer using a process called “Mounting.” You mount network drives. Once it has been mounted, you can access it like an additional hard drive.

7. Flat file system

The flat file system has all but gone extinct. It was more of a common system during the days of floppy drives. As it sounds, a flat file system is flat with only one folder with files in it.

Some of the advantages of computerized filing system include:

information takes up much less space than the manual filing.

It is much easier to update or modify information.

it offers faster access and retrieval of data.

It enhances data integrity and reduces duplication.

It enhances security of data if proper care is taken to secure it.

Disadvantages of Computer file system;

Data Inconsistency: Data inconsistency means that different files may contain different information of a particular object or person. Actually redundancy leads to inconsistency. When the same data is stored in multiple locations, the inconsistency may occur.

       Data Sharing: In computer file-based processing systems, each application program uses its own private data files. The computer file-based processing systems do not provide the facility to share data of a data file among multiple users on the network.

       Data Isolation: In computer file-based system, data is isolated in separate files. It is difficult to update and to access particular information from data files.

A computer file is made up of three elements:

Which are;

characters, fields and records.

Characters

A character is the smallest element in a computer file and refers to letter, number or symbol that can be entered, stored and output by a computer. A character is made up of seven or eight bits depending on the character coding scheme used.

Field

A field is a single character or collection of characters that represents a single piece of data. For example, the student’s admission number is an example of a field.

Records

A record is a collection of related fields that Represents a single entities, e.g. in a class score sheet, detail of each student in a row such as admission number, name, total marks and position make up a record.

Classification of Computer files;

Logical files;

A computer file is referred to as logical file if it is viewed in terms of what data item it contains and details of what processing operations may be performed on the data items. It does not have implementation specific information like field, data types, size and file type.

Physical files

As opposed to a logical file, a physical file is viewed in terms of how data is stored on a storage media and how the processing operations are made possible. Physical files have implementation specific details such as characters per field and data type for each field.

Uses of Computer file System

Directories;

File systems typically have directories (also called folders) which allow the user to group files into separate collections. This may be implemented by associating the file name with an index in a table of contents or an inode in a Unix-like file system.

Metadata 

A file system stores all the metadata associated with the file—including the file name, the length of the contents of a file, and the location of the file in the folder hierarchy—separate from the contents of the file.

Filenames

 filename (or file name) is used to identify a storage location in the file system. Most                                                         file systems have restrictions on the length of filenames.

Restricting and permitting access

There are several mechanisms used by file systems to control access to data. Usually the intent is to prevent reading or modifying files by a user or group of users. Another reason is to ensure data is modified in a controlled way so access may be restricted to a specific program. Examples include passwords stored in the metadata of the file or elsewhere and file permissions in the form of permission bits, access control lists, or capabilities.

Maintaining integrity

One significant responsibility of a file system is to ensure that the file system structures in secondary storage remain consistent, regardless of the actions by programs accessing the file system. This includes actions taken if a program modifying the file system terminates abnormally or neglects to inform the file system that it has completed its activities. This may include updating the metadata, the directory entry and handling any data that was buffered but not yet updated on the physical storage media.

User data

The most important purpose of a file system is to manage user data. This includes storing, retrieving and updating data.

Some file systems accept data for storage as a stream of bytes which are collected and stored in a manner efficient for the media.

Conclusion;

Computer file system is very important to the computer system itself and not just the computer but also to the individual,families,business organizations,companies,governments,scienti scientists,social science and arts inclusive. Because without the file system we can not operate the computer or even think of saving our files in the computer,the sectorial break down of the computer file systems enable us to save and search for various informations on time without stress.

Humanbeings today can't do without the computer and the computer can't exist without the Computer file system in it.

Reference;

https://www.computerchum.com/what-are-computer-file-systems/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_system

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/file-system%3famp=1

https://dutable.com/2018/10/12/disadvantages-or-limitations-of/

https://peda.net/kenya/css/subjects/computer-studies/form-three/driac2/data-processing/computer-files