Decision Support Systems (DSS) development using a model of user inquiry types: Methodological proposals and a case study

A study of the DSS implementation area reveals an increased emphasis on methodologies for DSS development. As the DSS field matures, a larger number of methodological options are becoming available to the DSS developer. Existing methodologies have adopted various methods for performing the important task of DSS requirements analysis and specification. In envisaging a hierarchy of requirements analysis methods, a method for improved requirements analysis is proposed to remedy observed deficiencies within it. This method is based on a view of generic types of inquiries or solicitations made by the DSS user during decision-making. This formalism constitutes the basis of a proposed DSS development methodology that offers several benefits to DSS development. The intended benefits include a sharper and more focused requirements analysis to improve the DSS development process. This paper describes the model and methodology, alongside details of a real-world example of their use in developing a Marketing Decision Support System (MKDSS) for the support of marketing decision-making.     

Archaeology of (systems) inquiry

In this paper six scenarios for the future of systems problem solving are investigated in order to ascertain whether an approach can be identified (a) that offers prospects for the long-term survival and success of systems problem solving in practice and (b) that does this without incorporating theoretical contradictions. The six approaches come under the four class headings pragmatism, isolationism, imperialism, and pluralism. The theoretical foundations of each approach are explored in a discursive fashion. This makes explicit to systems practitioners the underlying principles on which their activities are overlaid and puts such approaches into the theoretical context of the six approaches identified herein.     

云南甘蔗栽培技术专家查询系统研究

根据云南蔗区的自然生产条件,以甘蔗科学栽培为基础知识,采用DET1.1农业专家系统开发工具,将各县基本情况、甘蔗品种、繁殖方法、甘蔗栽培技术、合理施肥、甘蔗轮间套作等内容为主要模块,以文字为主,配套图片,影像等多媒体形式与用户交互,研制成云南甘蔗栽培技术专家查询系统。     

Human inquiry: Steps towards emancipatory practice

In this paper we explore the contribution of work in Human Inquiry to the debate about what might constitute authentic emancipatory practice and about how such an ideal might be approached. We beghin by considering some key values, issues, and commitments which characterise this work and distinguish it from other established research traditions. A number of distinct approaches to the practice of human inquiry have been articulated. These are referred to but it is not our purpose to review particular approaches in detail here. Rather our aim is to move from this overview of human inquiry to consider some important implications for practice. In particular, we look at Bateson's theory of levels of learning and explore ways in which both the intellectual and the more personal frameworks of participants can contribute to, and at times impede, the kinds of mutual learning with which human inquiries are concerned. We illustrate this discussion by drawing on examples from our own work in human inquiry. Here we aim to highlight particular implications and issues that might arise within human inquiries. One source of illustrations is Peter's work with general and complementary practitioners in a primary health care centre, the other is Anne's work with UWE student groups acting as consultants for local community organisations. In each case we consider some origins, forms, and expressions of power differences and show how empowerment can occur as participants learn within and across Bateson's levels as inquiries progress. We conclude by summarising the evidence of and opportunities for empowerment in each case and by showing how a deeper appreciation of Bateson's levels of learning can further understanding of the nature of emancipatory practice. Finally, we make more general suggestions about the role of approaches to Human Inquiry in future emancipatory practice.     

Systems Engineering in China

A short history of Systems Engineering(SE) is described. The reasons why research work moves from Operations Research (OR), Management Science (MS) and Cybernetices to SE in China are given. This paper indicates some facets of the development of SE in China with emphasis on applications of SE.     

Systems practice in consulting

The paper covers the area of systems thinking and practice in management consultancy primarily in Tata Consultancy Service in India. As the largest consultancy organization in the country, it has the need and opportunity to deal with very large societal systems which are by nature complex. It needs to develop new holistic approaches to execute the assignments. The Systems Engineering and Cybernetic Centre (SECC) was started in 1982 to meet this requirement. The paper described the genesis and the arena of activity of SECC over the years, highlighting the formulation of an interactive consulting paradigm and a multimodeling approach to complex problem solving. The philosophical bases of these are discussed along with systems practice in some typical complex assignments.     

Soft Systems Methodology and Systems Maintenance

Business systems maintenance represents a large proportion of the work of IT staff in most organizations. Many methodologies relevant to IT concentrate on systems development and give little attention to systems maintenance. In this paper we discuss the relevance and benefits of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to systems maintenance. Payroll administration is then used to provide an outline illustration of the use of SSM for systems maintenance projects. Aspects of the use of SSM for systems maintenance projects are also discussed.     

系统隐喻、系统方法论的系统体系及全面系统干预

本文分析了系统概念和系统工程方法论,并对系统概念及系统方法论的新进展系统隐喻、系统方法论的系统体系及全面系统干预方法论作了评介.     

Systems Thinking and Systems Practice: Working in the Fifth Dimension

This paper describes how a messy organizational problem was tackled using a systems approach which led to a resolution of the problem and to an improvement in the working relationships of the people involved. The example also shows how people who are not familiar with systems thinking, as such, can quickly be helped to develop a shared systemic view of a complex situation using activity modeling. At a deeper level, the paper also shows how the underlying dynamics of the problem situation was altered as a result of using a cooperative, dialogical working method, leading to an improvement in the quality of service provided by that part of the organization. The paper uses Peter Senge's five disciplines of a learning organization, together with various systems concepts, as a framework for describing how the process of change was brought about through the simultaneous management of task and social processes, leading to both individual and organizational learning.     

系统、仿真系统及其理论

主要从基本理论、基本概念、基本方法、演变规律的角度,回顾、分析论述了系统、系统理论、原始系统、仿真系统、相似理论与系统仿真组合理论的基本内容、相互关联和发展概况,从而引出相应结论.     

人—机系统的技术进展

本文从人—机协作的观点探讨进入９０年代以来智能技术在远距操作器、远控机器人、远距呈现、虚拟现实等方面的研究与应用进展。