A group decision support system (GDSS) is a computer-based system that supports the decision-making process of groups. GDSSs provide groups with information and analytical tools to help them make better decisions. GDSSs are used in a variety of organizations, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations.
Components of a GDSS
The basic components of a GDSS are:
- Hardware: The hardware components of a GDSS include computers, projectors, and other electronic devices.
- Software: The software components of a GDSS include the operating system, GDSS software, and application software.
- Data: The data components of a GDSS include all of the data that is used by the system, such as internal data from the organization and external data from sources such as industry reports and government databases.
- People: The people components of a GDSS include the group members and the facilitator.
Types of GDSSs
There are many different types of GDSSs, but some common examples include:
- Electronic meeting systems: These GDSSs provide groups with the ability to hold electronic meetings. Electronic meeting systems typically include features such as video conferencing, electronic whiteboards, and polling.
- Collaborative modeling systems: These GDSSs provide groups with the ability to develop and analyze mathematical models. Collaborative modeling systems are often used to support tasks such as forecasting and budgeting.
- Group communication systems: These GDSSs provide groups with the ability to communicate with each other both synchronously (in real time) and asynchronously (not in real time). Group communication systems are often used to support tasks such as brainstorming and decision voting.
Benefits of GDSSs
GDSSs can provide a number of benefits to groups, including:
- Improved decision making: GDSSs can help groups make better decisions by providing them with access to information and analytical tools, and by facilitating communication and collaboration.
- Increased efficiency and productivity: GDSSs can help groups to make decisions more quickly and efficiently.
- Reduced costs: GDSSs can help organizations to reduce costs by helping groups to make better decisions and to avoid mistakes.
- Improved customer service: GDSSs can help organizations to improve their customer service by helping groups to make better decisions about product development, marketing, and sales.
MCQs and Answers
Q1. Which of the following is NOT a component of a GDSS?
(A) Hardware (B) Software (C) Data (D) Operating system
Answer: (D)
Q2. Which type of GDSS provides groups with the ability to hold electronic meetings?
(A) Electronic meeting systems (B) Collaborative modeling systems (C) Group communication systems (D) None of the above
Answer: (A)
Q3. Which type of GDSS provides groups with the ability to develop and analyze mathematical models?
(A) Electronic meeting systems (B) Collaborative modeling systems (C) Group communication systems (D) None of the above
Answer: (B)
Q4. Which type of GDSS provides groups with the ability to communicate with each other both synchronously and asynchronously?
(A) Electronic meeting systems (B) Collaborative modeling systems (C) Group communication systems (D) None of the above
Answer: (C)
Q5. Which of the following is a benefit of GDSSs?
(A) Improved decision making (B) Increased efficiency and productivity (C) Reduced costs (D) All of the above
Answer: (D)