Computer-aided Modelling of Decision-support Systems

Information systems have become increasingly complex over recent years, underscoring the challenge of designing systems which will provide the different functions in an organization with the information necessary for effective decision-making. With rapidly developing computer technology, it is natural that information systems evolve in a manner which is greatly dependent on computing hardware and software. Yet, there has been little development in the techniques of systems analysis and design to handle new and less well-understood functions which are of increasing interest.This paper demonstrates an application of structural modelling concepts to decision-support system synthesis. With the aid of the computer, structural modelling serves as an effective tool for: (1) partitioning a system into a set of subsystems; (2) specifying subsystems sufficiently to permit separate testing before total system tests; (3) eliminating redundant control information flow; and (4) facilitating decision-maker and system-analyst coordination and participation in the design process.