Question 1

_________________ 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

Accepted Answer

The answer of _________________ is probably the most important and...

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The theory that describes change as occurring in three basic steps: unfreezing, moving, and refreezing, is attributed to Kurt Lewin. This model is often referred to in discussions about organizational or personal change management.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a step in the Kolb-Frohman theory of change?
A) Scouting
B) Entry
C) Diagnosis
D) Refreezing

Accepted Answer

The Kolb-Frohman theory of change includes steps such as Scouting, Entry, and Diagnosis, but does not include Refreezing. Refreezing is a step in Lewin's change model, not in the Kolb-Frohman theory.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Alter identifies several categories of impetus for DSS development, including entrepreneurial stimulus, user stimulus, and managerial stimulus, but does not list environmental stimulus as a category.

Question 5

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One common measure of success suggests that...

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Perceived usefulness is the construct that focuses on the user's attitudes regarding the extent to which a system is believed to enhance job performance or bring value to an activity.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The "perceived ease-of-use" construct specifically addresses how easy and user-friendly a system is perceived to be by its users, directly relating to the question's focus.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

The "Join hands and circle around" pattern involves high levels of user involvement and initiation, as it emphasizes collaboration and active participation from users in the decision support system process.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

The "Used car salesperson" pattern is characterized by a consultant attempting to sell the need for a Decision Support System (DSS) to the user, often emphasizing the benefits and downplaying any limitations or challenges.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

"Service with a smile" is the correct choice because it refers to a customer service-oriented approach, which is relevant for users looking to buy a product. This pattern emphasizes the importance of providing helpful and friendly service to assist customers in making purchasing decisions.

Question 11

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.

Accepted Answer

All the options listed (A, B, and C) are indeed criteria for the success of a Decision Support System (DSS). They emphasize the importance of alignment with organizational processes, political climate, and cost-effectiveness.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

This category is referred to as "System performance" because it focuses on the operational aspects and efficiency of the computer system, including its response time, availability, and reliability, which are all direct measures of the system's performance.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Task performance assessment focuses on the specific functionalities and effectiveness of the Decision Support System (DSS) within the context it was designed for, including both quantitative measures like time, alternatives evaluated, and information span, as well as qualitative measures such as trust, satisfaction, and understanding.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The category described focuses on organizational aspects such as revenue, cost, training, competitive advantage, and productivity, which align with business opportunities.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is D) Evolutionary aspects. This category of performance measurement focuses on the degree to which the Decision Support System (DSS) can adapt to changes in the problem context and environment. It emphasizes the system's ability to evolve and accommodate changes in decision-making behavior, problem characteristics, and circumstances, which is crucial for supporting ill-structured decisions and problem-solving tasks.

Question 16

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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following takes a process-centric...

Question 17

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.

Accepted Answer

Integration is the process where a new Decision Support System (DSS) application is combined with the existing computing infrastructure in a way that it appears as a seamless architecture to the user. This ensures that the new system works well with the existing systems and processes, providing a unified user experience.

Question 18

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.

Accepted Answer

Functional integration involves integrating decision support functions with the existing infrastructure, including common menu access, data and tool transfer, and a common application interface, which matches the description given.

Question 19

_________________ 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.

Accepted Answer

Physical integration involves the combination of hardware, software, and data communication features of a new Decision Support System (DSS) with the existing physical systems, ensuring compatibility and efficient operation within the current infrastructure.

Question 20

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.

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed - fear of the unknown, differing perceptions, and conservationism - are factors that can lead to resistance to change within an organization. Fear of the unknown involves anxiety about changes whose outcomes are uncertain; differing perceptions can cause disagreements on the need for change or its potential benefits; and conservationism, or a preference for traditional methods and resistance to new ideas, can hinder adaptation to change.

Quiz 15: Implementing and Integrating Decision Support Systems

_________________ 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.

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

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

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

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:

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

_________________ 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.

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