Spreadsheet-Based Decision Support Systems

Chapter 1: Introduction

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 Overview
 1.1 Introduction to DSS
 1.2 Defining DSS
 1.3 DSS Applications
 1.4 Textbook Overview
 1.5 Summary

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 Introduction to DSS
 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.

 For example:
– 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.

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 Defining a DSS
 A decision support system (DSS) is a model-based or knowledge-based
system intended to support managerial decision making in semi-
structured or unstructured situations (Turban and Aronson, 2001).

 A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her

decision making capabilities.

 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

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

Database

Model Base Knowledge Base

GUI

User

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 Components of a DSS

Data
Information Decision
System Graphical Modeling Support System
User and
Interface Optimization

Presentation Simulation
of Results

Data
Analysis

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 DSS Applications
 Car production

 Railroad Car Management

 Portfolio Management and Optimization

 Facility Layout

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 Textbook Overview
 Overview of Excel

 Overview of VBA for Excel

 Overview of Case Studies

 Overview of Appendices

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 Overview of Excel
 Excel Basic Functionality
– 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

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 Overview of VBA for Excel
 Introduction to VBA
– Chapter 11: Visual Basic Environment
– Chapter 12: Recording Macros

 Coding in VBA
– 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

 Re-visiting Excel Extended Functionality Using VBA

– Chapter 19: Solver
– Chapter 20: Simulation
– Chapter 21: Working with Large Data

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 Overview of Case Studies
 Chapter 22: The DSS Development Process
 Chapter 23: GUI Design
 Chapter 24: Programming Principles

 Case Studies in IE/OR and Business

– 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.dynamic-ideas.com.

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 Overview of Appendices
 Appendix A: Excel Add-Ins
– Data Analysis Toolpack
– The Solver and Premium Solver
– @RISK
– Crystal Ball
– StatTools

 Appendix B: Debugging and Error Checking

– 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

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 Summary
 Decision support systems are model-based or knowledge-based
systems which support managerial decision making.

 A DSS is not meant to replace a decision maker, but to extend his/her

decision making capabilities.

 There are five components to a DSS: database, model base, knowledge

base, GUI, and user.

 Spreadsheet-Based DSS applications combine Excel and VBA features

to create a complete DSS which integrates data, models, methodologies,
and user interfaces.

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 Additional Links

 (place links here)

– Example DSS applications

– Course website and/or syllabus

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