Deck 15: Implementing and Integrating Decision Support Systems

Question 1

Implementation is probably the most important and critical step in the entire DSS design process because without a successful implementation, the greatest DSS ever created will go unused or even unnoticed.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Implementation is a static process, occurring at the end of DSS development.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

The Lewin-Schein theory of change is structured and rigid.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

The essence of the Kolb-Frohman model is the assumption that the probability of successful implementation will result from a specific pattern of actions by the users and managers.

Question 5

Alter suggested that the initial impetus behind the development of a DSS can be categorized via: (1) user stimulus, (2) managerial stimulus and (3) environmental stimulus.

Question 6

The Service with a Smile implementation pattern is the most common approach for a DSS.

Question 7

The logic behind user satisfaction as a measure of success is that the users will view a DSS as favorable if it is perceived to be effective in supporting the decision-making process. The more effective the system appears to be, the more satisfied the users will be with the system.

Question 8

The number of times a DSS was accessed is the most effective metric of its success.

Question 9

Davis developed a method of measuring user satisfaction of information systems based upon perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use.

Question 10

Perceived usefulness focuses on the attitudes of the user with regard to the degree to which the system is perceived to bring utility or value to the activity within which it is used.

Question 11

Perceived ease-of-use focuses on the degree to which the users of the system perceive the task to be easy to do.

Question 12

One method of assessing the success of a DSS is to focus on the technical functionality of the system.

Question 13

Utilizing the ratio of direct cost to direct benefit is an example of using organizational success measures to assess a DSS.

Question 14

Integrating the DSS into the organization simply means that the new application is merged into the existing computing infrastructure such that the appearance of a seamless architecture appears to the user.

Question 15

In functional integration, the various decision support functions with the DSS are integrated and linked to those of the existing infrastructure. This linking includes providing common menu access, inter- and intra-application transfer of data and tools, and a common application interface at the same desktop client or workstation.

Question 16

Physical integration involves the architectural bundling of the hardware, software, and data communication characteristics associated with the new DSS into the existing set of physical systems.

Question 17

Physical integration can begin before a DSS is designed.

Question 18

One of the least common problems faced during the implementation and integration of virtually any computer-based information system, including DSS, is the resistance by certain individuals or groups to the changes associated with the new system.

Question 19

Resistance to change can result from a number of different factors, including fear of the unknown.

Question 20

Managers represent the single resistance group to the implementation of a DSS, because they fear a loss of importance.

Question 21

_________________ is probably the most important and critical step in the entire DSS design process because without its success, the greatest DSS ever created will go unused or even unnoticed.

A) Design
B) Implementation
C) Requirements Analysis
D) Physical Design

Question 22

According to this theory, the process of change occurs in three basic steps: unfreezing, moving, and refreezing.

A) Kolb-Frohman
B) Structuration
C) Contingency
D) Lewin-Schein

Question 23

Which of the following is not a step in the Kolb-Frohman theory of change?

A) Scouting
B) Entry
C) Diagnosis
D) Refreezing

Question 24

According to Alter, which of the following is not a DSS development category impetus?

A) Entrepreneurial stimulus
B) User stimulus
C) Managerial stimulus
D) Environmental stimulus

Question 25

One common measure of success suggests that users will view a DSS as favorable if it is seen as effective in supporting the decision-making process. This measure is known as:

A) perceived usefulness.
B) perceived ease of use.
C) user satisfaction.
D) system use.

Question 26

The ________________ construct focuses on the attitudes of the user with regard to the degree to which the system is perceived to bring utility or value to the activity within which it is used.

A) perceived usefulness
B) perceived ease-of-use
C) user satisfaction
D) system use

Question 27

The ________________ construct focuses on the degree to which the users of the system perceive the tool to be easy to use.

A) perceived usefulness
B) perceived ease-of-use
C) user satisfaction
D) system use

Question 28

Which DSS implementation pattern is associated with high levels of user involvement and initiation?

A) Join hands and circle around
B) Service with a smile
C) R&D
D) Used car salesperson

Question 29

Which DSS implementation pattern is characterized by a consultant attempting to sell the need for a DSS to the user?

A) Join hands and circle around
B) Service with a smile
C) R&D
D) Used car salesperson

Question 30

Which DSS implementation pattern is associated with users who are looking to buy a product?

A) Join hands and circle around
B) Service with a smile
C) R&D
D) Used car salesperson

Question 31

Which of the following is not a criterion for DSS success?

A) Fits well with the organization's planning methods.
B) Fits well with the political approach to decision making within the organization.
C) Is considered both cost effective and valuable relative to its development costs.
D) All of the above are DSS success criteria.

Question 32

In this system measurement category, the quality of the computer system becomes the focus. Issues such as response time, system availability, usage time, reliability, and quality of system support, among others are identified and measured. Measures in this category can be obtained using a variety of methods including direct observation, event logging, and attitude or perceptual construct surveys.

A) System performance
B) Task performance
C) Business opportunities
D) Evolutionary aspects

Question 33

This category of assessment takes a micro focus on performance and addresses issues related to the functionality of the DSS within the specific problem context for which it was developed. Decision quality can be assessed in terms of time spent in the decision process, number of alternatives evaluated, and span of information searched. Additionally, qualitative measures dealing with trust or confidence, satisfaction, and understanding, can also be included in this measure.

A) System performance
B) Task performance
C) Business opportunities
D) Evolutionary aspects

Question 34

This category measures the factors that contribute to the organizational aspects of the DSS. This category is primarily quantitative in nature and includes measures focusing on increases in revenue, cost reductions, increases in training effectiveness, increases in competitive advantages, and changes in productivity, among many others.

A) System performance
B) Task performance
C) Business opportunities
D) Evolutionary aspects

Question 35

The degree to which the DSS adapts to changes within the problem context and environment is the focus of this category of performance measurement. Inherent in providing support to ill-structured decisions and problem-solving tasks are the changes that can occur in the users' decision-making behavior, problem characteristics, and circumstances. The ability of a DSS to adapt to these dynamics is often a function of the original development tool selected and the ability of the user to make necessary changes to data or models.

A) System performance
B) Task performance
C) Business opportunities
D) Evolutionary aspects

Question 36

Which of the following takes a process-centric perspective with regard to the design of an information system and its associated applications?

A) DSS management
B) Issue-based management
C) Process based management
D) None of the above.

Question 37

The process by which the new DSS application is merged into the existing computing infrastructure such that the appearance of a seamless architecture appears to the user is called:

A) design.
B) maintenance.
C) implementation.
D) integration.

Question 38

In __________ integration, the various decision support functions with the DSS are integrated and linked to those of the existing infrastructure. This linking includes providing common menu access, inter- and intra-application transfer of data and tools, and a common application interface at the same desktop client or workstation.

A) physical
B) functional
C) technical
D) None of the above.

Question 39

_________________ integration involves the architectural bundling of the hardware, software, and data communication characteristics associated with the new DSS into the existing set of physical systems.

A) Physical
B) Functional
C) Technical
D) None of the above.

Question 40

Which of the following is a factor that can lead to resistance to change within an organization?

A) Fear of the unknown
B) Differing perceptions
C) Conservationism
D) All of the above.

Question 41

List seven characteristics of overall software quality.