Skip to main content
Log in

Multiple-criteria decision support systems: The powerful tool for attacking complex, unstructured decisions

  • Papers
  • Published:
Systems practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to introduce the basic concept of multiple-criteria decision support systems (MCDSS) and to provide a general framework for building an effective MCDSS, a powerful tool for managing complex, unstructured decisions. Although various techniques for multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) have been developed, this paper investigates the functions and properties of goal programming model-based MCDSS, the role of decision makers and MCDM models in the decision-making process, and the dynamic interaction between the model and the decision maker. The potential benefits of the MCDSS are also explained.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alter, S. L. (1980).Decision Support Systems: Current Practice and Continuing Challenges, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennett, J. L. (1983).Building Decision Support Systems, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonczek, R. H., Holsapple, C. W., and Whinston, A. B. (1979). Computer-based support for organizational decision making.Decision Sci. 10, 268–291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonczek, R. H., Holsapple, C. W., and Whinston, A. B. (1980). Future directions for developing decision support systems.Decision Sci. 11, 616–631.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonczek, R. H., Holsapple, C. W., and Whinston, A. B. (1981).Foundations of Decision Support Systems, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bui, X. T. (1984). Building effective multiple criteria decision support models: A decision support system approach.Syst. Object. Solut. 4(1), 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eom, H. B. and Lee, S. M. (1987). A large-scale goal programming model-based decision support for formulating global financing strategy.Inform. Manage. 12, 33–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eom, H. B., Lee, S. M., Snyder, C. A., and Ford, F. N. (1987–1988). A multiple criteria decision support system for global financial planning.J. Manage. Inform. Syst. 4(3), 94–113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flood, R. L. (1987). Complexity: A definition by construction of a conceptual framework.Syst. Res. 4(3), 177–185.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flood, R. L. and Carson, E. R. (1988).Dealing with Complexity: An Introduction to the Theory and Application of Systems Science, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Franz, L. S., Lee, S. M., and Van Horn, J. C. (1981). An adaptive decision support system for academic resource planning.Decision Sci. 12(2), 276–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, J. C. and Schilling, D. A. (1985). Design and implementation of decision support systems in the public sector.MIS Q. 9(2), 157–293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holloway, C. A. (1979).Decision Making Under Uncertainty: Models and Choices, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, C. L. and Masud, A. S. (1979).Multiple Objective Decision Making-Methods and Applications: A State-of-the-Art Survey, Springer-Verlag, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, M. C. and Keys, P. (1984). Towards a system of systems methodologies.J. Oper. Res. Soc. 35(6), 473–486.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jelassi, M. T., Jarke, M., and Stohr, E. A. (1985). Designing a generalized multiple criteria decision support system.J. Manage. Infor. Syst. 1(4), 24–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keen, P. G. W. and Scott-Morton, M. S. (1978).Decision Support Systems: An Organizational Perspective, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kersten, G. E. (1985). NEGO-Group decision support system.Inform. Manage. 8, 237–246.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S. M. (1972).Goal Programming for Decision Analysis, Auerbach, Philadelphia, Pa.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, S. M. (1983).Introduction to Management Science, Dryden Press, Chicago.

    Google Scholar 

  • MacCrimmon, K. R. (1973). An overview of multiple objective decision making. In Cochrane, J. L., and Zeleny, M. (eds.),Multiple Criteria Decision Making, University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, pp. 18–44.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minch, R. P., and Sanders, G. L. (1986). Computerized information systems supporting multicriteria decision making.Decision Sci. 17(3), 395–413.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, H. A. (1960).The New Science of Management Decision, Harper & Row, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprague, R. H., Jr. (1980). A framework for the development of decision support systems.MIS Q. 4, 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprague, R. H., Jr. and Carlson, E. D. (1982).Building Effective Decision Support Systems, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stabell, C. B. (1979).Decision Research: A Description and Diagnosis of Decision Making in Organizations, Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, Working Paper A79.006, Bergen, Norway.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thierauf, R. J. (1982).Decision Support Systems for Effective Planning and Control: A Case Study Approach, Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogel, E. F. (1979).Japan as No. 1: Lessons for America, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Mass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zeleny, M. (1982).Multiple Criteria Decision Making, McGraw-Hill, New York.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lee, S.M., Eom, H.B. Multiple-criteria decision support systems: The powerful tool for attacking complex, unstructured decisions. Systems Practice 3, 51–65 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01062821

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01062821

Key words

Navigation