architecture and design

What is special about DSS architectures?
DSS consist of two major sub-systems – human decision makers and computer systems. The human decision maker not only provides data input to build a database, but is expected to exercise judgment or intuition throughout the entire decision making process. The basic components of DSS like DBMS, Model-base and Methods-base management (MBMS) and DSS generator have been described originally by Sprague (1980) and others frameworks have taken that into account (Densham 1993, Malczewski 2006). From a user's viewpoint, the DSS generator is the only component which they have to deal with via the Graphical User Interface (GUI). An effective user interface must therefore take several important issues into consideration, including choice of input and output devices, screen design, use of colours, data and information presentation format, and use of different interface styles. Through the conceptual and technical achievements, decision makers have been enabled to combine models and methods in a specific manner through the use of the DSS generator. The flexibility to define the operational use of DSS according to a specific decision problem was increased dramatically, by raising the complexity of the software environment as well and supporting interoperability between different tools (e.g. Common Object Request Brokerage Architecture-CORBA, Blackboard Architecture). Today's DSS generators provide the user with a wide variety of interface modes: menu based interaction mode, command language style, questions and answers, form interaction, natural language processing based dialogue, or graphical user interfaces (GUI).

Workplan for the group DSS architecture and design

Members of the ForestDSS Working Committee are leading this working group through discussions and special project activities. The group takes on leadership role in guiding the community activities and works out the work plans.

Based on the interests of the ForestDSS members a workplan has been formulated to continue with the activities. The details can be found here.

Currently the following members are part of the DSS architecture and design Working group:
Christian Rosset, Alexandra Marques, Jussi Rassinmäki, Graham West;

In case that you have interest to join the activities of the group, please contact Christian Rosset.