A Simulation Study of Managed Qualitative Thinking Support Systems (MQTSS)

摘要

The continued growth in the volume of available domain and technical data has been facilitated by a corresponding advancement in information and communication technology. This “information overload” can result in inefficient use of time and resources as well as the creation of recommended courses of action that are overruled by the decision makers’ judgment and experience. In order to address these problems, multiple knowledge sources and an inference process capable of mirroring the human thought processes (especially judgment and experience) must be available at the right time to the persons or groups needing the knowledge for decision making. Such a concept can be referred to as MANAGED QUALITATIVE THINKING SUPPORT SYSTEMS (MQTSS). Traditional decision support systems (DSS) rely upon decision maker or staff expertise to render knowledge in support of decision making. If the decision maker or staff has insufficient domain or technical expertise to utilize the DSS’s embedded models, interpret results, or implement the recommendations, knowledge delivery may be compromised or rendered ineffective. MQTSS can alleviate these support problems and improve knowledge delivery for decision making by reducing knowledge search times, streamlining decision-making tasks, reducing decision time, and promoting appropriate qualitative thinking,. The MQTSS approach theoretically can enhance the decision making process and decision outcomes. This paper attempts to replicate an earlier study by this author to test the theory. First, the MQTSS approach is presented. Next, an information system is created to deliver the technology to management. Finally, a simulation experiment is reported that compares the effectiveness of support rendered by a traditional decision support system and the created MQTSS information system. The paper closes with conclusions and implications for information systems research.