Difference between DSS and MIS - Coursework Example

DSS may include an expert system (or artificial intelligence). It has the functionality to represent data graphically.
Difference between DSS and MIS
The main difference between both the systems is that Management information systems (MIS) are the name of the process that manages the employees and roles that are linked with the information system on the other hand Decision Support System (DSS) is used for establishing the correct decision established on activities, planning, forecast, management, and operations. (Kersten, Mikolajuk, & Yeh, 2000, p. 41-42)

Components Decision Support System:
1. DSS Database:
The database of the Decision Support System contains information from a variety of resources including information that was generated from various applications, data generated internally, and data extracted from external sources like the Internet, etc. The size of the DSS database can vary from a small standalone system to very large data centers managing the data requirements needs of an organization. Decision Support System’s database normally holds a backup of the production database to avoid any kind of obstruction with the normal operational systems.

2. DSS Software System:
DSS software contains several different analytical and mathematical models. These models are used for analyzing complex data, in that way developing the needed information. An analytical and mathematical model forecasts the outcome based on various inputs or varying situations or determines the outcome by combining both. A DSS may include different models while each performing some particular function. Some of them are: (Laudon & Laudon, 2004, p. 274-275)
• Forecasting Modeling

• Statistical Modeling
• Sensitivity Analysis Modeling
• Backward Analysis Sensitivity Modeling
• Optimization Analysis Modeling
3. User interface Components:
The decision Support System has an interactive graphical user interface. This interface makes an easier interaction between the user and the DSS. The result of the analyzed data is displayed in several different forms, like tables, graphs (in the form of charts), and text. Interface users and select the suitable option to view the result as per the requirements.
3. Knowledge Management Component:

This component works the same as it does in an expert system. It presents information regarding connections between data that is excessively difficult for a database to represent. It includes the rules to facilitate possible resolution as well as other methods and solutions for assessing them.

Example of the scenario where DSS may be helpful:
Let us assume that the manager of a business organization deals in products or services. Also, assume that the market is filled with some heavy competitors along with some small ones. He may some of the questions like the following;

1. How will you draw consumers’ attention toward your products or services?
2. Will contenders decrease their prices?
3. If the contender offers a new service what should be your response?

Manger now has made some accurate decisions to cope with these problems quickly. He may also need to analyze the internal and external data to help in making those decisions. In this situation, Decision Support Systems (DSS) can help quickly and effectively.
This is how it would work, pricing for every consumer can be developed and statistical tools can be used to examine the data of shopping collected every day. It will now help the organization to know, for instance, which consumer or group of consumers meet the criteria for availing a certain level of discount. Read More