Question 1

The component of a decision support system (DSS) that manages and coordinates the other major components is the _____.

Accepted Answer

The DSS engine is responsible for managing and coordinating the other major components of a DSS, such as the database, model base, and user interface. It processes user requests, accesses the appropriate data and models, and provides the user with results and recommendations based on the analysis of these inputs. Therefore, B is the best choice.

Question 2

During the__________of the decision-making process, the best and most effective course of action is selected.

Accepted Answer

During the choice phase, all the alternatives identified and evaluated during the intelligence and design phases are considered and the best one is selected for implementation. This is the final step in the decision-making process where a course of action is chosen based on the available information and analysis.

Question 3

_____ enable decision makers in different locations to participate in a group decision-making process.

Accepted Answer

Electronic meeting systems (EMS) enable decision makers in different locations to participate in a group decision-making process. EMS provides a shared electronic workspace for geographically-distributed decision makers to exchange ideas, make decisions and collaborate in real time. Enterprise management systems and database management systems are not specific to group decision-making processes. Geographic information systems are designed to manage geographical data, not facilitate group decision-making processes.

Question 4

Which of the following is true of semistructured decisions?

Accepted Answer

Semistructured decisions involve multiple criteria, but they do not necessarily rely excessively on information technologies, require automation, or involve programmable tasks.

Question 5

In the context of organizational decisions at the tactical management level, _____ are often used in resolving conflicts between two divisions.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of organizational decisions at...

Question 6

__________is software that helps a team of decision makers work with the same application, regardless of their locations.

Accepted Answer

Groupware is software designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between members of a team who may be working in different locations. Examples of groupware include email systems, video conferencing, shared calendars, and project management tools.

Question 7

Identify a characteristic of electronic meeting systems.

Accepted Answer

Desktop conferencing allows participants to have multiple video windows open at one time, which enables them to view and collaborate on multiple documents or presentations simultaneously. Real-time computer conferencing (option A) may have video capability, but it is not specific to electronic meeting systems. Video teleconferencing (option B) may be easy to use, but it does not necessarily enable participants to share text and graphics.

Question 8

For a(n) _____ to be useful, it should collect data related to an organization's critical success factors-issues that make or break a business.

Accepted Answer

An executive information system (EIS) is designed to provide critical information in support of decision-making at the executive level. It focuses on providing information related to an organization's critical success factors, which are the issues that make or break a business. Therefore, an EIS is the best choice for the given statement. The other options, such as decision support system, group support system, and geographic information system, may collect data related to specific aspects of the organization's operations, but they may not necessarily focus on the critical success factors of the business.

Question 9

Which of the following geographic objects of a geographic information system (GIS) is most likely used to show the location of an airport?

Accepted Answer

Points are the most appropriate geographic object in a GIS to show the location of an airport as they represent specific points in space.

Question 10

_____ ensures that key decision makers are involved in designing a management support system (MSS).

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ ensures that key decision makers are...

Question 11

The _____ module of an executive information system (EIS) is responsible for using the system.

Accepted Answer

The runtime module of an EIS is responsible for using the system, as it is the module that allows users to interact with the system and access the information they need. Administrative, builder, and tracking modules are all important components of an EIS, but they are not directly responsible for using the system.

Question 12

__________use computer and communication technologies to formulate, process, and implement a decision-making task and can be considered a kind of intervention technology that helps overcome the limitations of team interactions.

Accepted Answer

Group support systems are specifically designed to aid decision-making tasks by utilizing computer and communication technologies. They provide a platform for teams or individuals to collaborate, share ideas and knowledge, analyze alternatives and come up with the best decision. Group support systems overcome some of the limitations of team interactions, such as groupthink, lack of participation from quieter members, and difficulty in documenting the decision-making process.

Question 13

Groupware is intended mainly for _____.

Accepted Answer

Groupware is designed to support and enhance teamwork by enabling collaboration, communication, and coordination among group members. While it may aid in decision-making processes and committee sessions, promoting is not the primary purpose of groupware.

Question 14

The _____ aspect of a group support system (GSS) reduces communication barriers and introduces order and efficiency into situations that are inherently unsystematic and inefficient.

Accepted Answer

The intervention aspect of a group support system (GSS) refers to the ability of the system to reduce communication barriers and introduce order and efficiency into situations that are inherently unsystematic and inefficient. This is done through the use of various tools and techniques that are built into the GSS, such as decision-making software, collaboration platforms, and real-time feedback mechanisms. The decentralization aspect refers to the distribution of power and decision-making authority within the group, while the evaluation and extension aspects refer to the process of assessing the effectiveness of the GSS and expanding its reach, respectively.

Question 15

Identify a true statement about group support systems (GSSs).

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that increasing collaboration among decision makers through the use of GSSs improves the effectiveness of decision making. Option B is false because verbal communication is generally faster than textual communication. Option C may be difficult due to scheduling and coordination issues, but cost efficiency is not a major concern with GSSs. Option D is partially true as data transmission within GSSs is usually conducted through a secure network to maintain confidentiality.

Question 16

A geographic information system (GIS) with analytical capabilities evaluates the impact of decisions by interpreting _____.

Accepted Answer

GIS primarily utilizes spatial data to perform analysis and make informed decisions. Nonspatial data may be included, but the focus is on the spatial aspects of the data. Preexisting data or assumed data may also be incorporated, but spatial data is the key component.

Question 17

A(n)__________is a system that performs tasks similar to a database management system (DBMS).

Accepted Answer

A Model Base Management System (MBMS) performs tasks similar to a DBMS, but is specifically designed to manage and manipulate models rather than traditional data. MBMSs are commonly used in fields such as engineering, manufacturing, and logistics to simulate and optimize complex processes.

Question 18

In the context of the roles in the decision support system (DSS) environment, which of the following questions does a managerial designer address?

Accepted Answer

A managerial designer is responsible for determining the overall objectives of the DSS and designing the system to meet those objectives. This includes deciding on the balance between aggregated and disaggregated data, as well as other high-level design decisions. B, C, and D are more technical questions that would be addressed by other roles within the DSS environment, such as a model builder or a systems analyst.

Question 19

The__________feature of a decision support system (DSS) pinpoints the region that generated the highest total sales.

Accepted Answer

Exception reporting analysis is used to identify areas in a system that require attention or further investigation. In this case, the DSS is designed to pinpoint the region that generated the highest sales, which is an example of exception reporting analysis.

Question 20

In the context of the features of a decision support system (DSS), _____ enables you to apply different variables in decision making.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the context of the features of...

Quiz 12: Management Support Systems