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Decision Support Systems(Bbit 421 / Cisy 427) Question Paper

Decision Support Systems(Bbit 421 / Cisy 427) 

Course:Computer Information Systems And Business Information Technology

Institution: Kenya Methodist University question papers

Exam Year:2011



TIME : 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS Answer Question ONE and any Other TWO Questions

Question 1
a) Define the following terms in relation to decision-making process:
i) Cognitive psychology
ii) Decision theory
iii) Utility function (6 marks)
b) Using illustrative examples differentiate between the following decision-making concepts:
i) Brainstorming vs. Standard agenda decision-making models.
ii) Quantitative vs. Decision-centred decision making approaches. (8 marks)
c) Give at least four examples of Decision-support systems (DSS) that help managers in various functions of the business to meet their business objectives. (8 marks)
d) Discuss the following statement: “The specification for a Decision-support system during its development is never frozen, and in a sense the building of the system is never really finished.” (8 marks)

Question 2
a) What is a Decision-support system? (2 marks)
b) Mention the three basic components of a DSS. Briefly (using illustrative diagram) describe each. (6 marks)
c) Briefly discuss how a DSS differ from an MIS in terms of technology used, type of information and level of management served. (12 marks)

Question 3
a) State the reasons why businesses and their managements are interested in artificial intelligence (AI). (8 marks)
b) Discuss how the management and the organization as a whole may benefits from using AI technology (e.g. expert systems, case-based reasoning, fuzzy logic, robotics, intelligent agents, etc) for management decision-making support. (12 marks)

Question 4
a) What is a Group Decision-support system (GDSS)? How does it differ from a DSS? (5 marks)
b) Briefly describe the three elements of a GDSS. (3 marks)
c) Name at least five GDSS software tools. (5 marks)
d) Briefly discuss how GDSS can help people working in groups make decisions more efficiently. (7 marks)

Question 5
a) Briefly discuss the difference between a Data-Driven DSS (DD-DSS) and a Model- Driven DSS (MD-DSS). Give examples. (10 marks)
b) Briefly discuss how DSS can support unstructured or semi-structured decision- making; help individual managers make better decisions when the problems are non- routine and constantly changing. (10 marks)






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